An Update From the Field

by IBBA Field Service Representative Taylor Shackelford

I want to take a brief moment to introduce myself; my name is Taylor Shackelford. I joined the Brangus team to serve the members as the field services representative. I grew up on a predominantly Hereford and commercial cattle operation north of Dallas, Texas. I studied agricultural communications at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. I was a member of two national champion collegiate judging teams, completed a congressional internship in Washington, D.C., worked for university executive offices, and recruited full time for administration, athletics and admissions as a campus tour guide.

I am grateful to have the opportunity to work for the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA), and I am ecstatic to hit the road running. Literally, my job is to meet you wherever you are. The purpose of ranch visits is to share in your joys and successes of producing Brangus and to hear your frustrations enabling us to work together toward a solution. I am responsible, in tandem with Tommy Perkins, PhD., PAS, IBBA executive vice president, for IBBA’s presence at production sales, trade shows, and everywhere in between. I would like to thank those breeders, whom I have met, for welcoming me with the utmost cordiality and support.

I won’t impose my cattle market philosophies on you; my intentions for our visits is to encourage progressive conversations. Obviously, we started 2016 with more favorable beef prices than today’s, and the experts and economists predict a two-year depression in the cattle market. Our friends in the corn and swine industries are experiencing similar woes. If we are likeminded, you understand this is the age for cohesion in agriculture. We need to build together, build with Brangus, to strengthen the nation’s cowherd again.

Be proud of your products, because you created a standard all your own. Your successes did not appear overnight, and I want to hear your story. Tell me what makes your cattle grow, maintain energy, breed back efficiently, and ultimately hang on the rail with the highest quality. Brangus offer allure in the show ring, but maintain the predetermination of a weather-tolerant, disease-resistant, high-performing beef breed. I aspire to see us uphold that tradition by pushing our best to better together.

Observe the benefits of working in unity through participation in IBBA’s carcass merit program. It is crucial for us to develop predictable carcass standards in the Brangus breed. If you, or a cattleman or cattlewoman you know, might be who we are looking for, send a request for more information to [email protected]. In this uncertain cattle market, now is the time to hang on to your investment. Retain ownership of your steers and feeder heifers through slaughter, and help us to build our database toward the guaranteed premium your cattle deserve.

Look for me at the next sale you attend; I can’t wait to meet you. I hope you’ll join us Feb. 10-11 in San Antonio, Texas for the 2017 Annual Meeting and Convention. The IBBA team can’t wait to show off our new headquarters. We are working diligently to develop a worthy, dynamic curriculum. We secured a venue that provides a vacation-like destination for the whole family. If you would like to schedule a ranch visit or contact me with any other questions, please email me.