January 30, 2008

 

For more information contact:

Kelli Armbruster, 816-383-5175 or karmbruster@angusfoundation.org

 

 

M J B Ranch Purchases the 2008 Angus Foundation Heifer Package

 

            Mike R. Bowlin, owner of M J B Ranch, Weatherford, Texas, bid $60,000 on Jan. 17 to purchase the 2008 Angus Foundation Heifer Package, donated by Jud and Jeff Baldridge, owners of Baldridge Bros. in North Platte, Neb.  More than $1.2 million has been raised from this Angus Foundation fundraising activity since its inception in 1980.

            “We just felt that this was a good cause.  This heifer fit into our breeding and donor program and we felt that she would make an excellent addition to our herd,” said Bowlin.  “I know that I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to attend college without help from organizations like the Angus Foundation. So this was our opportunity to give back.”

            The heifer package was auctioned during the National Western Stock Show’s Angus Bull Sale in Denver, Colo., with all proceeds benefiting the Angus Foundation, the not-for-profit affiliate of the American Angus Association® that funds and supports programs involving education, youth and research in the Angus breed and agricultural industry.  David McMahon of Belle Point Ranch, Fort Smith, Ark., was the contending bidder.

            Baldridge Blackcap S813, an August 2006 daughter of Rito 1I2 of 2536 Rito 6I6, headlined the 2008 package.  Her dam is VT 1407 New Design Z38 selected by Murcielago LLC in Virginia as the $210,000 top-selling female of the Baldridge Bros. 2006 record-setting sale.

      In addition to the heifer, MJB Ranch will receive 30 days of free insurance from American Live Stock Insurance Co., Geneva, Ill.; free transportation to the buyer’s ranch provided by Lathrop Livestock Transportation, Dundee, Ill.; and an Advanced Reproductive Technology Package from Trans Ova Genetics, Sioux Center, Iowa.

      “We are honored by the generosity shown by both Baldridge Bros. and M J B Ranch in the donation and purchase of this outstanding female,” said Milford Jenkins, Angus Foundation president.  “Their charitable and unselfish endorsement of the importance of raising funds for education, youth and research for the benefit of the Angus breed will be an inspiration for many years to come.”

      “I’d also like to extend a special thank you to American Live Stock Insurance, Lathrop Livestock Transportation and Trans Ova Genetics for the generous contributions they made to the successful sale of this year’s heifer package.”

      Funds generated by the sale of the heifer package will support the Angus Foundation’s first capital campaign, Vision of Value: Campaign for Angus, which aims to raise $11 million by Dec. 31, 2011, to further support the Foundation’s education, youth and research efforts.  To date, more than $4.3 million has been committed to the campaign through out-right cash gifts, pledges and planned giving commitments.

      For more information about the Angus Foundation, the sale of the heifer package or the campaign, contact Jenkins at 816-383-5100 or mjenkins@angusfoundation.org.

 

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