Prime_Time_winter_2019

Carrales Joins American Akaushi Association

T he American Akaushi Association recently announced Kaci Carrales as the organization’s new execu- tive director. Carrales brings a wealth of knowledge about the Akaushi breed and almost a decade of experience working at HeartBrand ® Beef, where she oversaw the company's fullblood herd. “Kaci is well versed in the merit of the breed, as well as the cattle industry and the details that are important to the main- tenance and promotion of a breed associa- tion,” says Jordan Beeman, HeartBrand president. “Being involved with HeartBrand, she grew many relationships with American Akaushi Association members and was the obvious candidate for this position.” “I am so excited for this opportunity,” Carrales says. “The association has a duty to provide great service and leadership to its members. We strive to expand our mar-

ket by providing consistency, and the best tasting, most healthful beef in the world." "Publicizing Akaushi's advantage through facts and research will broaden our genetic influence around the world. Breeders that participate in Akaushi pro- grams receive the highest market premi- ums in the industry," she adds. Originally from Tilden, Texas, Car- rales did not grow up in agriculture. She helped her family run a successful hunting business. Her grandparents had a small herd of cattle, and that’s where Carrales’ passion for cattle started. She showed cattle and hogs as a youth. Carrales attended Blinn College, where she was a member of the livestock judging team. She then pursued a bachelor’s de- gree from Texas A&M University and was a member of the undefeated 2006 National Champion Livestock Judging team. Car- rales graduated in 2007 with an animal science degree. She is married to JoJo Carrales, Heart- Brand Beef vice president of cattle. They have two children: Adalyn, 6, and Joseph, 3. PT "Kaci is well versed in the merit of the breed, as well as the cattle industry and the details that are important to the maintenance and promotion of a breed association." -Jordan Beeman

Representing the breed at in- dustry events is something Car- rales (far right) looks forward to. In January, she attended the National Western Stock Show. Pictured here in the AAA booth, left to right, are: Kristy Wilson, Chicka- dee Cattle Co., Joe Beltz, Broken Winds Cattle Co., and

Bubba and Janie Bain.

Akaushi Prime Time • Winter 2019

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