July 10, 2013

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

For more information contact:

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

Milford Jenkins, Angus Foundation president, at 816-383-5100 or mjenkins@angusfoundation.org

 

Dedicated to Youth, Tom and Lois Ames

Tom and Lois Ames, Spruce Mountain Ranch, recognized as 2013 Honorary Angus Foundation inductees.

 

Tom and Lois Ames of Spruce Mountain Ranch Larkspur, Colo., have made it their mission to support Angus youth and future agricultural leaders. Whether it’s by supporting their local 4-H organization or hosting the annual Leading Engaged in Angus Development (LEAD) conference, the Ames family believes that investing time in the next generation should be a number one priority.

  Because of the support they have graciously shown for Angus youth and the Angus Foundation, the National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) chose to induct Tom and Lois Ames into the Honorary Angus Foundation during the 2013 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) in Kansas City, Mo.

 “Tom and Lois are very deserving of the prestigious Honorary Angus Foundation recognition for all they’ve done for the Angus Foundation and NJAA in recent years,” says Milford Jenkins, Angus Foundation president. “Benefactors like the Ames, have encouraged and inspired other Angus breeders to join them in supporting the Angus Foundation’s efforts to advance education, youth and research.”

The Ames family has shown much hospitality to the American Angus Association® in hosting the 2012 LEAD participants for dinner, as well as hosting the Angus Foundation’s Angus Night on the Mountain fundraising events the past two years during the National Western Stock Show in Denver. In addition, the Ames family has also purchased live auction items with proceeds supporting the Angus Foundation and donated gifts for other fundraising events, such as the 2010 “BLACKONTRACK” event at Churchill Downs.

Tom and Lois Ames both got their start in the cattle industry while growing up on dairy farms. They also shared an interest in raising beef cattle, so in 1999, they jumped at the opportunity to purchase Spruce Mountain Ranch. With the help of their general manager, Mitch Rohr, they decided that Angus cattle would be the best fit for their ranch. Their ultimate goals are to sustain a purebred Angus seed stock operation, as well as create a distinct landscape and resort-like atmosphere for family, guests and potential customers to enjoy.

Rohr says since he has known the Ames, they have always enjoyed giving back to youth and helping them get involved in the agricultural industry:  “They are always supporting local youth programs and continued their support into the Angus Foundation due to the opportunities that are given to the youth. This award means a lot to them because they’re always trying to make a difference in the next generation.”

In 1985, the NJAA Board of Directors established the Honorary Angus Foundation to recognize and thank those who have shown incredible support of Angus youth. Seven Angus breeders were honored as the first inductees, and each year the NJAA honors a maximum of three individuals. Any member of the American Angus Association is eligible to nominate individuals or organizations for the Honorary Angus Foundation. A complete list of members can be found online.

For more news and information from the 2013 NJAS, visit www.ANGUS.org to find contest results, awards, scholarships and show photos. Backdrop and candid photos are available for purchase online. Coverage is available on the NJAA Facebook page, as well.

            Also, plan to tune in to a special NJAS episode of The Angus Report at 7:30 a.m. (central) Monday, July 22 on RFD-TV.

 

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, visitwww.ANGUS.org.

 

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