The American Breeds Coalition, in an aggressive move to promote the utilization of its member breeds, hosted two seminars on May 29 at the Heritage Place in Oklahoma City, Ok and Fayetteville, AR. at the Pauline Whitaker Animal Science Center on the grounds of the University of Arkansas on May 31. Those member breeds are American Red Brangus, Brahman, Beefmaster, Braford, Simbrah, and Santa Gertrudis.

 The program featured nationally known speakers such as Dr. Gary Smith, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Co.; Dr. Bob Kropp, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK. and Dr. Tom Troxel of the University of Arkansas, Little Rock, AR. Animal Science Department leaders, Dr. Keith Lusby, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR. and Dr. Ron Kensinger, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK. moderated the two seminars.

In addition, well known cattlemen and industry leaders like Dr. Charles Graham, Graham Land & Cattle, Gonzales, TX.; Jackie Moore, Joplin Regional Livestock Auction, Joplin, MO.;  Dick Davis, Oklahoma Dept. of Corrections, Oklahoma City, OK.; Dr. Kent Barnes, Area Beef Specialist, Oklahoma State University; Charlie Bradbury, Nolan Ryan’s Guaranteed  Tender Meats, Huntsville, TX.; Scott Dewald, Executive Vice-President of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association and Charles Rodgers, Jr., President of the Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association participated in the program.

Attendees represented both purebred and commercial cattlemen and state extension personnel. They were treated to an outstanding program aimed at the utilization of Bos indicus influenced bulls and females in beef cattle breeding programs.  Discussion centered on the advantages that these cattle possess when it comes to cow longevity, strong maternal influence, foraging ability and the generation of hybrid vigor when crossed with English and European breeds.  The data that was presented indicated that there was a definite role for these breeds in this area of the country.  Also of importance was how well these animals did on endophyte-infected fescue grass compared to other breeds and crosses. Data was presented showing the acceptability of these breeds and their crosses in the feeding and packing industries. 

Dr. Charles Graham, Graham Land & Cattle, Gonzales, TX, sponsored and cooked steaks from the Nolan Ryan branded beef program for the crowd at the Heritage Place in Oklahoma City where the program was held. Dr. Graham is currently the President of the American Breeds Coalition.

The American Breeds Coalition was assisted in the planning and promotion of the program by Drs. Bob Kropp, Keith Lusby and Tom Troxel along with Tubby Smith, Executive Vice President, Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association, A.J. Smith, Oklahoma Cowman and E.C. Larkin, GULF COAST CATTLEMAN, San Antonio, TX.

Breed Officials representing the member breeds of the American Breeds Coalition are (left to right) Rodney Roberson, United Braford Breeders, Ervin Kaatz, Santa Gertrudis Breeders International, Chris Shivers, American Brahman Breeders Association, Jim Monaghan, American Red Brangus Breeders Association and Wendell Schronk, Beefmaster Breeders United. The Simbrah breed was involved in the program but their representative was not available for photo

Dr. Tom Troxel, associate head of the University of Arkansas Animal Science Department, Little Rock, AR. spoke at the seminar held on May 31.

Shown left to right at the seminar in Oklahoma City are A.J. Smith, Editor, OKLAHOMA COWMAN AND DR. GARY SMITH, ANIMAL SCIENCE DEPT., Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO.

Some of the speakers at American Breeds Coalition program held on May 31 at the Pauline Whitaker Animal Science Center on the grounds of the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, AR. are (left to right) Dr. Charles Graham, President of the American Breeds Coalition, Jackie Moore, Joplin Regional Livestock Auction, Joplin, MO. and Dr. Bob Kropp, Animal Science Department, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK.  Kropp spoke at both seminars.