Overview of the American Hereford Association

Chuck Zimmerman

Craig HuffhinesThe group attending the American Hereford Association media day has just finished another pleasant eating experience. Getting us started here at City Tavern is Craig Huffhines, EVP of AHA.

I talked to Craig before we ate and he explains the history of the Hereford breed and AHA. He says they’ve got about 40 employees working in 4 major divisions in the organization. I was interested to learn that besides publishing their own breed magazine they publish sales brochures, newsletters for state groups and publications for other organizations. It’s an income generating publishing company in house.

Craig says a lot of people think of Hereford as this “old” breed and think that they don’t have much going on. I guess that’s why they’ve got young guys like him on board to turn that perception around!

Listen to my interview with Craig here: aha-07-huffhines.mp3

Or you can download and listen to the interview here: Listen To MP3Craig Huffhines Interview (4 min MP3)

AHA Media Day Photo Album

Audio

Hereford World Magazine

Chuck Zimmerman

Hereford WorldWe’ve got media representatives visiting the American Hereford Association offices but AHA has its own publication – Hereford World. So attending along with us is Angie Stump Denton, Editor.

Here’s where you can find the latest issue.

Hereford World magazine is published for conscientious Hereford breeders and commercial cattlemen who make their living in the beef industry. Timely articles and editorial columns provide readers with information to help them make sound management and marketing decisions. From basic how-to articles to in-depth reports on cutting-edge technologies, the Hereford World offers its readers a solid package of beef industry information. The Hereford World is the official voice of the American Hereford Association (AHA). The magazine is produced 11 times a year, with seven glossy issues mailing to 5,600 subscribers.

AHA Media Day Photo Album

Publication

Hereford vs. Angus Heterosis Research

Chuck Zimmerman

Jack WardJack Ward is the American Hereford Association COO and Director of breed improvement. He’s just finished giving us an overview of a new Heterosis Research Project they’re conducting.

I’m going to interview him and have him explain this since you may not be familiar with the term. I know I wasn’t. Basically this is an effort to document the value and results of cross-breeding Hereford bulls with Angus-based cows. It’s a 3 year program which has been going on for a year now.

What we’re hearing now is the performance difference between Angus sired vs. Hereford sired cattle. Their first year conclusion is that there’s a $78 advantage to the Hereford sired. This is a real world commercial setting. The study is being conducted in cooperation with California State University, Chico; Lacey Livestock; Harris Feeding Co.; and Harris Ranch Beef Co.

Post Update: Here’s my interview with Jack. He explains heterosis, what the goal of their research is and the first year results.

Listen to my interview with Jack here: aha-07-ward.mp3

Or you can download and listen to the interview here: Listen To MP3Jack Ward Interview (4 min MP3)

AHA Media Day Photo Album

Beef

Welcomed By Craig Huffhines

Chuck Zimmerman

Craig HuffhinesThe Executive Vice President of the American Hereford Association is Craig Huffhines. He welcomed us to the media day event and reviewed our day’s activities.

I’m going to interview Craig on our break to learn more about him and what he’s trying to accomplish in his leadership position with the organization. Craig’s been with AHA since 1992 when he started as director of their feedlot and carcass programs for the Certified Hereford Beef program.

I was surprised to learn how long the breed and the organization has been around. You can read a comprehensive history on their website.

AHA Media Day Photo Album

Uncategorized

Hearing About Herefords

Chuck Zimmerman

American Hereford Association Media DayClass is in session at the American Hereford Association offices for agricultural journalists. I think this is the first time for most of us to actually visit the AHA office.

Our program includes topics like new heterosis research, the resurgence of an industry icon, answering the performance call and creating Hereford demand through consumer satisfaction.

AHA Media Day Photo Album

Uncategorized

American Hereford Association Offices

Chuck Zimmerman

American Hereford AssociationThe American Hereford Association media day is underway here at their offices in downtown Kansas City. It may be raining this morning but no one is complaining. We needed it!

This morning we’re going to have some presentations and time for interviews with several representatives of the AHA as well as producer members. I’ll be posting mine during the day for you. I’ve already visited the “museum” downstairs from our meeting room and pictures are in the photo album.

I heard that we’re going to be going to a local restaurant for lunch and am hoping that will be another hereford meal experience.

AHA Media Day Photo Album

Uncategorized

A Magical Hereford Experience

Chuck Zimmerman

AHA Magic ShowThe American Hereford Association worked a little magic with the media this evening. Actually, Todd Lamanske did the work. Todd is a great comedic magician. I hope I have that right.

I not only enjoyed his show for us here at the Hotel President Hilton but the Certified Hereford steak we ate for supper. It was excellent and I’m sure something that many of the Japanese I met or saw last week would love to have on their table.

You can experience the event for yourself in the AHA Media Day Photo Album.

Beginning early tomorrow we’re going to learn a lot about this breed. I’m not sure how many journalists we have here but some have flown in for the event from different areas of the country. I’m looking forward to learning more about the “The Power of Black Only Better.”

Ag Groups, Beef

First Press Conference with Acting Ag Secretary

Cindy Zimmerman

USDA Chuck ConnerIt didn’t go off quite as planned, but Acting Agriculture Secretary Chuck Conner held his first telephone press conference with the media on Monday afternoon. After a brief opening statement, it was opened to questions, but there weren’t any! Even though there were nearly 100 reporters on the line.

That was because they apparently had some technical difficulties and an hour or so later they got us all back on the line to ask questions.

Nevertheless, the Acting Secretary was acting like a secretary and promised a “seamless transition” from Secretary Johann to Conner’s, at least temporary, leadership. However, the scuttlebutt around DC is that Conner may be the front runner for the nomination, so you might get used to seeing this face for the next 18 months or so.

Listen to Acting Secretary Conner’s press conference opening statement:
chuck-conner.mp3

Audio, USDA

My Second Chance

Harry Siemens

harry-sept-24-07-9-23-2007-1-37-48-am.jpgOn Day Three of my recovery from my quadruple by-pass surgery, my partner in the next bed, who was going home that day, received a visitor who had the same surgery several years back.
He looked at both us, and said, “Guys, listen up! Appreciate the fact you have just received a ‘Second Chance’. Wow what a statement and what a sobering thought. Me, a second chance – One who often took pride in developing chances and taking advantage of them, was now going to get a second chance from the hand the hand of a surgeon’s skill. Read More

International

American Hereford Association Media Day

Chuck Zimmerman

American Hereford AssociationWith a theme of “The Power of Black Only Better” I’ll be attending the first ever American Hereford Association Media Day starting with a get together this evening in Kansas City.

We’ve got a news conference tomorrow morning early and presentations with AHA representatives during the day. I’ll be bringing it all to you as it happens.

Of course we will also be sampling some American Hereford beef. I can’t wait.

Ag Groups, Beef