June 24, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information contact:

Laurin Spraberry, public relations and communications intern, at 816-383-5100 or printern@angus.org; or

Cortney Hill-Dukehart-Cates, American Angus Auxiliary president, at 410-707-0267 or cortneyhd@gmail.com

American Angus Auxiliary Heifer Purchased for $5,500

Proceeds benefit the Auxiliary’s scholarships and awards endowment.

            Promoting youth and the Angus breed is a main priority for the American Angus Auxiliary. Thanks to Tom McGinnis of Heritage Farm, who purchased the 2013 American Angus Auxiliary Heifer, the tradition continues. The heifer brought $5,500 during the All-American Angus Breeders’ Futurity on June 16 in Louisville, Ky.

            Through her earnings, the elite female EXAR Rita 5681, donated from Express Ranches of Yukon, Okla., will provide for many Angus youth in the continuation of their education. The October 2011 daughter of Connealy Consensus 7229 offers a long line of top-quality genetics including GAR EXT 614, a female whose progeny have broken several individual sale records in the Angus breed history.

“We sincerely thank the donors, Express Ranches, and buyers, Heritage Farm, for helping us in our commitment to the Angus breed and its junior members,” says Cortney Hill-Dukehart-Cates, Auxiliary President. “We’re thrilled about the opportunity that this will bring to others and continuing our mission.”

McGinnis says the heifer comes from some of the best genetics in the business right now, and he’s excited to incorporate her into his herd. 

"Because of their commitment to Angus youth through scholarships and award endowments, I feel fortunate to be able to help the American Angus Auxiliary in its mission," McGinnis says. "Purchasing the Auxiliary heifer is a worthwhile investment, and I am glad to see those dollars being passed on to the next generation of Angus leaders."

            All proceeds from the auction benefit the Auxiliary’s scholarship and awards endowments, which the Angus Foundation maintains. The scholarship and awards endowments benefit 10 Auxiliary scholarships; the Crystal, Grote and Spader Awards; the Silver Pitcher Award; the Miss American Angus contest; the All-American Certified Angus Beef ^® (CAB) Cook-off contest; and the National Showmanship Awards. The awards and scholarships are presented annually during the National Junior Angus Show, which is held this year in Kansas City, Mo., July 5-11.

             For more information about the heifer auction or the American Angus Auxiliary, visit www.angusauxiliary.com. Find out more about the American Angus Auxiliary Scholarship Endowment Fund and other endowments maintained by the Angus Foundation at www.angusfoundation.org.

ANGUS MEANS BUSINESS. The American Angus Association is the nation’s largest beef breed organization, serving more than 25,000 members across the United States, Canada and several other countries. It’s home to an extensive breed registry that grows by nearly 300,000 animals each year. The Association also provides programs and services to farmers, ranchers and others who rely on Angus to produce quality genetics for the beef industry and quality beef for consumers.

For more information about Angus cattle and the American Angus Association, visit www.ANGUS.org.

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