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else who had a hand in pulling off this event, especially in today’s world where most gatherings have been cancelled. It was also exciting to be able to get up in front of our membership and report on this previous year’s success and the positive breed growth and trends we are seeing. Most exciting to me, we are seeing these cattle stay on a positive trend for added growth and pounds at weaning. It is so important that we continue to add weight and value to the cow-calf sector to continue to be a viable option in the commer- cial industry. At the same time, for the first year in many, we saw a slight down trend in yearling weights on our cattle. While yearling growth is certainly important to have size and weight as it relates to value added on the rail, I think this is a positive sign in down- grading mature size and increasing the growth curve of these genetics. Across the cowherds that I have seen, we certainly have a reasonably sized cow, but we must keep pressure on mature size, efficiency and reproductive ability. Coupling that with a more aggressive growth curve where these cattle come light, grow fast and get to an ideal mature size quickly and mature out,

Trail Talk EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT By Webb D. Fields (361) 592-9357 | wfields@santagertrudis.com

O n Oct. 1, we were able to finally host our annual membership meet- ing for FY 2019. After a post- ponement, venue change, many questions and concerns, along with some last-minute prep work, the meet- ing was nicely attended and seemingly well received. We certainly appreciate everyone who was able to attend and participate in both the meeting and the President’s Dinner. It was fun and refresh- ing to see so many Santa Gertrudis breeders gather for a full night of recog- nizing winners and contributors over the past year, as well as to honor the Hall of Fame inductees who have influenced this breed for many, many years. As my first Santa Gertrudis Breed- ers International Annual Meeting, I was hopeful that it would all go smooth and tried to be as prepared as possible.

Wanting to live up to expectations and not leave anything out was certainly on my mind, so throw the pandemic and health concerns on top of it and at times I was sweating bullets. Even though I had my concerns, like always, our breeders made it easy once we got underway; you could feel the fun and fellowship inside the room. I appreciate not only the attendees, but the board members, coordinators and everyone moderate framed, fertile and efficient while adding growth and carcass ability. These cattle will grade, and they are also an incredible maternal option that is

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2021 NATIONAL SANTA GERTRUDIS SHOW P to be held in conjunction with the p Dixie National Livestock Show | Jackson, Miss. SATURDAY, FEB. 13, 8:00 A.M.

TENTATIVE/PARTIAL SG SCHEDULE DIXIE NATIONAL LIVESTOCK SHOW Feb. 11 Cattle arrive Feb. 12 – 6 p.m. Banners & Buckles Sale (Contact Darren Richmond to consign.) Feb. 13 – 8 a.m. National Santa Gertrudis Show Donations are always welcome and are needed to put on a great show like this. We appreciate donations of any amount. You can also sponsor specific awards or events as follows: BUCKLE SPONSORS (30): $150 each DIVISION AWARD SPONSORS (12): $250 each GRAND CHAMPION AWARD SPONSORS ( 6): $350 each If you have any questions about the National Santa Gertrudis Show or to donate, contact show committee members Darren Richmond at (423) 363- 9281 or djrichmd@gmail.com , or Trai Stegall at (662) 296-5120 or trais3@hotmail.com.

For entries, check www.dixienational.org Entries available Jan. 1, 2021

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SANTA GERTRUDIS USA