SG_USA_October_2020

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

O ne thing I enjoy about being a time when most large events have been closed down or delayed until next year, we still have a network of people you can call and visit with. I certainly look forward to conventions and beef cattle business getting back to normal, but the network that has already been established keeps us connected even when social distancing is the new norm. In today’s industry, information is key, so make sure you use all available tools as they might bring a hefty premium in the long run. Recently, I was able to visit with an old friend who also works in the association business, bouncing ideas around about potential areas of growth, and new ideas and technologies that move breeds forward. He was able to share a story that was both amusing and intriguing. A producer within his breed decided to cull his herd. As it often does, this past summer got dry and they no longer had the resources to support the herd that was already running at an excess. This producer decided to sell some older spring pairs that looked the part and would provide some relief along with cash flow. He has always paid attention to quality, both on hoof and paper, but just made a gate cut based on readiness to market and sold the pairs at a reasonable price to a long-time customer. A few months later the breeder called his customer to check on the cattle and ensure the buyer was still happy with his purchase. Nothing but good news was shared. The cattle still looked in good shape, bred back and the calves had all been weaned. The customer was happy with the entire purchase but mentioned that, when he received the genomic information, it showed one of involved in the beef cattle industry is the large network we all share from across the country. During

JESSICA SANCHEZ InMemoriam Jessica Sanchez , MD, 44, entered into eternal rest to be with our Lord Jesus Christ on Sept. 5, 2020. She was the eldest daughter of Dr. Roland and Elia Sanchez, Red Doc Farm, Bosque, N.M. Jessica was known and respected by those who knew her to be a truly giving, caring, loving and uplifting indi- vidual who lived to serve others in the most unselfish way. She will be greatly missed by many. Upon completing medical school, Jes- sica chose to be a non-practicing physi- cian and was not involved in patient care. Jessica was the granddaughter of Adolph and Nancy Sanchez and the granddaughter of Florian and Elsie Padilla, all who proceeded her in death. Jessica is survived by her younger sister Alicia Sanchez, and four younger brothers and their spouses, who are all current residents of the Belen, N.M. the bull calves was a genetic outlier. With DNA added to his genetic evalu- ation, this young calf did just about everything right. Calving ease went up while the calf shot into the top 1 percent for his growth traits. Beyond that, his carcass figures increased in an impressive fashion, while both maternal and fertility expected progeny differ- ences pushed into the upper end for the breed. Through DNA testing, a genetic gem was discovered.

The genetic database quickly revealed that no other young animal put as many traits in the top end of the breed than this young calf that sold at his mother’s side to clear some pasture space. The calf’s seller remained in touch with his customer throughout the

CONTINUED ON PAGE 52 

area: Dr. Adolfo (Christina) Sanchez, Dr. Roland Jr. (Valerie) Sanchez; Dr. Florian (Stephanie) Sanchez; and Emilio (Ronda) Sanchez. In addition, Jessica especially treasured being “tia” to her nine beautiful nieces and neph- ews. She also had 21 first cousins who she adored.

KAY GRIFFIN KIKER

Kay Kiker , 86, wife of John W. Kiker, passed away peace- fully Sept. 9, 2020, sur- rounded by her family. She was a loving wife, friend and mother.

Kay loved her husband and daughters, Maggie, Leigh Anne and Susie, fiercely, and made sure they knew it. She and John started their married life together in Kingsville, Texas, in 1963. They were married for 57 years. She was a city girl who ended up with a cowboy and never understood why it fit so well. When she wasn’t teaching school, Kay traveled with John through most of the United States and several foreign coun- tries, including Mexico, Brazil, Canada and Australia. John has been associated with Santa Gertrudis Breeders Interna- tional for more than 60 years, so they enjoyed lots of travel time together. Kay taught school for 37 years; she was strict but loved her students. Kay will be missed by many.

6

SANTA GERTRUDIS USA