SG-USA-April-2020

Retiring SGBI Executive Director Made His Mark John Ford April 1, 2020, marks the passing of the reins from John Ford to Webb Fields as executive director of Santa Gertrudis Breeders International (SGBI). It’s been a busy 10 years with Ford at the helm and he leaves with great confidence for the future of the Santa Gertrudis breed under the capable leadership of his successor, Webb Fields, and the SGBI Board and members. By Lisa Bard, Editor

F ollowing a 30-year career with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Ford accepted the executive director position with Santa Gertrudis Breed- ers International in the late summer/ early fall of 2010. He holds a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Sul Ross State University and a master’s degree in animal science from Texas A&M Uni- versity-Kingsville. He has held numer- ous leadership positions in the beef industry, but the one he is most proud of is that of SGBI executive director. Under his leadership, SGBI became the first beef breed association to adopt the “single-step” methodology for incorporating DNA into the breed’s genetic evaluation. Santa Gertrudis also became the first Bos indicus -influenced breed to offer genomic-enhanced expected progeny differences (EPDs). The Santa Gertrudis breed witnessed tremendous growth following the adop- tion of this cutting-edge genetic tech- nology. Santa Gertrudis advancements continue to this day with the develop- ment of the American Red program (which he spearheaded), the adoption of Igenity commercial panels, and new EPDs and indexes. He established the Data Driven – Profit Proven tagline that has become the mantra of the Santa Gertrudis breed throughout the world.

During Santa Gertrudis World Congress 2019, John gets up close with cattle on display at Cotton Brand Plantation. Photo courtesy of Wendy Gould, Australia.

technologies that validate profitable performance,” Ford says. “I hope that my involvement has played a small role in Santa Gertrudis becoming the industry’s Data Driven – Profit Proven breed. Thanks for allowing me to be a member of the Gert family.” Ford spent the duration of his time as SGBI executive director champion- ing the breed, working with members to find common ground and common purpose, and developing channeled, focused efforts to grow the breed and position it for success. He leaves SGBI in a very solid position, having grown membership, registrations and STAR 5 recordations; moved the associa- tion from a place of financial stress to financial stability and growth; grown staff and association services; and positioned Santa Gertrudis as a growing, in-demand breed. He also leaves know- ing that the association is in good hands with Webb Fields. From our perspective (all of us at BluePrint Media), rarely have we worked with and for someone so honest, ethical, visionary, knowledgeable, dedicated and capable. It has been an honor to work with John Ford. He has made an indel- ible mark indeed. See more 

He also very successfully oversaw the Santa Gertrudis World Congress 2019 – last held in the United States more than 25 years ago. World Congress brought the Santa Gertrudis breed to a world stage and cemented SGBI as a global leader. Ford also looked for ways to strength- en SGBI and as such, established Small Registry Systems (SRS), a wholly owned subsidiary of SGBI that not only pro- vides services to other small breeds, but has created a profit center for SGBI, allowing additional staff and services to be added over the years. He was instrumental in establishing strategic partnerships with other indus- try organizations that brought additional skills and programs to SGBI, including Ranch Hand Analytics and BluePrint Media. His efforts in establishing Santa Gertrudis research programs at major U.S. land-grant universities, including Utah State University and others, have netted Santa Gertrudis breeders scien- tific data and results to build the Data Driven – Profit Proven platform. “Witnessing a growing industry demand for the Santa Gertrudis genetic package has been exciting and there is no doubt in my mind it is the result of membership adopting the tools and

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SANTA GERTRUDIS USA