SG-USA-April2018

SGBI Mid-Coast Affiliate By Traci Eatherton, Freelance Writer

C hartered in 1954 as the Santa built its reputation on strong member- ship and an active junior program. With over 100 active and junior members, the affiliate’s success is due in part because of their ability to retain junior members. Gertrudis Breeders International’s second affiliate, the Mid-Coast Santa Gertrudis Association has

most prestigious sales in the breed,” Townsend says. In 2014, the Mid-Coast Board accept- ed a challenge from Santa Gertrudis Breeders International (SGBI) executive director John Ford to move forward in a new and innovative technique for sell- ing cattle. “The Board determined that it was our responsibility as an association to

all-video sales offered in the Santa Ger- trudis breed, according to Townsend. “Consignments were sought request- ing ’only elite genetics and consistent show ring champions’ with a very strict screening process. Our first sale consisted of 25 lots, and the 2018 sale offered 37 lots,” Townsend says. “Since 2015, we have grossed in excess of $1.3 million.” Townsend has chaired the sale for the past four years, following in the foot- steps of her father, John Carleston, who also served as chairman, along with Norval Sells. “I feel committed and enthusiastic about its success, and it has been my honor to serve as the chairperson of this sale over the past four years,” Townsend says. The International Super Sale is just one piece of the Santa Gertrudis hoof print at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The Aisle Party in the stalls has grown over the years from just using available stall space occupied by the cattle, to filling a 40-foot commer- cial area with Santa Gertrudis breeders and guests just prior to the sale. “Food and drinks are served and allow everyone to catch up with old friends, meet new ones and get a sneak preview of the sale lots,” Townsend says. “We have also added a Power- Point presentation that allows ranches to advertise their cattle during our stay in Houston.”

make every effort to inform the cattle industry that we – Santa Gertrudis breeders – were the only Bos indicus breed to offer a DNA-based expected progeny differ- ences evaluation program at that time,” Townsend says. The location for this chal- lenge was obvious, accord- ing to Townsend. Houston, Texas, was a perfect place to host the historic breed, and the International Super Sale has become a show- case for Santa Gertrudis at the Houston Livestock

Show and Rodeo. The sale is managed by American Marketing Services LLC, and offers a very diverse exposure for the breed. The extensive United States database of breeders is joined by other countries, opening doors for interna- tional sales. While video sales are a common tool in today’s cattle markets, the Interna- tional Super Sale was one of the first

“We have always maintained a strong membership and retained a large number of our junior members as they move up to become active members,” says Debbie Townsend, Santa Gertrudis breeder and Mid-Coast past president and vice president. “Our 2018-19 Board of Directors includes four former junior members. At least 20 of our cur- rent active members are past juniors or have had one or more family members who are past junior members.” The major emphasis of the Mid-Coast affiliate is to promote improved breed- ing, production and the sale of Santa Gertrudis cattle. In addition to sponsor- ing two annual sales – the International Super Sale during the Houston Live- stock Show and Rodeo in the spring and the Cattleman’s Opportunity Sale in late summer/early fall – Mid-Coast annually hosts The Aisle Party prior to the International Super Sale. Striving to stay in the forefront of innovative ideas, Townsend says the two uniquely different sales offer a plat- form to promote breeding and produc- tion of Santa Gertrudis cattle. “We have just recently concluded the 2018 International Super Sale, an event that has become known as one of the

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The 2018 Mid-Coast International Santa Gertrudis Open Show was dedicated to long-time member and supporter Delbert Walker. A silver platter honoring Mr. Walker was presented by Richard Graham Hood (center, silver hat) to the Walker family. Also pictured are Mid-Coast President Allen Grainger (second from right) and SGBI President Jerome Urbanosky (far right).

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SANTA GERTRUDIS USA