How I can Promote the Red Angus Message
By Morgan Cortez
People send and receive messages everyday; text messages, IM messages, e-mails, letters etc.
But there is one message that stands alone, and that is the “Red Angus Message”.
Everyone has their own interpretation of “The Message“, although in a broad view, it’s
fairly similar. My personal interpretation of the Red Angus Message is this; always strive to
improve our Red Angus, our industry, and ourselves. We can accomplish this goal in many
ways, whether on our own personal ranches, or by going global and promoting Red Angus.
The first part of my interpretation states that we need to strive to improve the Red Angus
breed. This means that we need to always be on the lookout for new, innovative breeding that
can enhance the Red Angus breed, and use only top quality genetics in our herds. I also think that
it would be beneficial to make smart choices about the breeding we use, and also how we knit
that breeding into our herds.
I believe a major reason that the Red Angus is a leader in the market is because of our
competitive spirit. In my personal showing experience, I’ve met many people who were willing
and ready to help. They happily shared their expertise with me, even when competing in the
same division. But make no mistake, they still want to win! It’s that kind of integrity that
encourages everyone to do their best. If those within the Red Angus family didn’t have that
competitive spirit, we wouldn’t be where we are now.
Beyond personal herd success, I also think that we need to work together to keep the
entire beef industry alive and prosperous. We can accomplish this goal in more several ways.
First of all, we need to always be advocating and promoting all the benefits of beef cattle. Next,
we have to be well-educated in the cattle industry, specifically on Red Angus, so that we can
educate those who may not know very much about what we do. Finally, we need to encourage
and support those who are interested in becoming a RAAA or JRA member. Unfortunately, if the
beef industry fails, then so will each individual breed. We can’t look at just one part of the
picture; we need to view it as a whole.
I’ve had the privilege of attending the JRA Loaded-4-Leadership conference twice, and
each time Daren Williams has served as an insightful presenter on behalf of the beef industry. He
provided us with very beneficial facts, statistics and interpretations about the beef industry and
how we all tie into society. He also gave many tips on how to improve our operation, and how to
promote what we do and most importantly howwe do it.
The last, but most vital part of my interpretation is the essential desire to improve
ourselves. I believe the best way to do that is to be around people who can help you attain your
goals, and that make you a better person in general. A sure way to enrich ourselves is to try your
hardest to be the best. But at the same time, it’s important to keep in mind that we all have
different ideas of how to improve and prosper. Therefore, we need to be open and willing to new
suggestions that people may contribute. Change is constant, and we need to ensure that we are
continually changing for the better. I think that the Red Angus members have done an amazing
job improving all aspects of our association throughout the years. I feel that if we continue doing
what we have been doing with all of the zeal and dedication that we have in us, that we will
always be a leader in the industry.
RAAA has been around since 1954, and in those 58 years, the Red Angus Association
has provided its customers with quality genetics and top of the line breeding. Our original seven
founders had a vision, and we are following through on that vision, by doing what we do best;
raise quality cattle..
References:
Lakeview Cattle Company (personal interview)
Redangus.org
ARA magazine
Rib Eye Ranch (personal interview)