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June 26, 2009 For More Information Contact: Anne Trenholm at 816-383-5191 or atrenholm@angus.org Angus Female Donation Connects Beef Industry, The generosity of Michigan State University (MSU) beef program supporters and Angus enthusiasts Jim and Melissa Reichenbach of Sterling-Hunter Farms, Bath, Mich., raised $8,210 to support the Michigan State University Beef Education Endowment Fund and its beef education programs. SH Ever Intense 8141 was auctioned during the 2009 Michigan Beef Expo, April 3-5 at the MSU Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education. A syndicate of beef breeders and MSU beef program supporters from across the country purchased the February 2008 daughter of Rito 1I2 of 2536 Rito 6I6. Jim Reichenbach credits MSU graduate Troy Wilson for his work to encourage the Reichenbach’s donation. “Our herdsman, [Troy Wilson] graduated from the MSU program and worked at the purebred beef farm as a student. He encouraged us to consider supporting the endowment,” Reichenbach says. “Having strong educational programs such as the one at MSU benefits the entire industry; it only makes sense for the industry to invest in young people and their education to help build a strong future.” The heifer was delivered to the MSU Purebred Beef Cow-Calf Center several weeks before the sale, where the center’s manager, Cody Sankey, and student employees cared for the heifer and prepared her for the sale. In addition to contributing their time and teamwork, the students were part of a unique fundraising contribution: 11 student employees pooled their money to become an official syndicate member so they could give back to their university. Jason Scramlin, who graduated this spring with a degree in animal science, spearheaded the student effort. “Working at the MSU beef farm is like being part of a family; we all work hard toward achieving a common goal. Cody is an excellent farm manager, and we wanted to give back to the program in appreciation for all that he does for us students,” Scramlin notes. “We really wanted to show Cody how much we appreciate his leadership and his looking out for us,” Scramlin says. “I wanted our involvement in the syndicate to be a surprise to Cody, so I went around behind his back to invite the others to be a part of it, and all the students were instantly on board. Our only regret was that we didn’t have more money to contribute because we know this endowment helps out a lot of people and does a lot of good.” The
syndicate’s collaboration and contributions are far from finished. The group donated the heifer back to
the The Michigan Cattlemen’s Association established the MSU Beef Education Endowment Fund in 2006 by to support MSU beef cattle educational programming, and beef research and teaching facilities, including the Purebred Beef Cow-Calf Teaching and Research Center and the Beef Cattle Teaching and Research Center. Investment income generated through the fund is applied toward sustaining these programs and facilities. —Adapted from an MSU press release. ### MSU Purebred Beef
Cattle Center student employees: Matt Asmus, animal science, Charlie Cramer, crop and soil science, Scott Hartsell, agribusiness management, Jed Kruger, animal science, Justin Mezo, animal science, Galesburg, Mich. Michelle Roth, animal science, Grand Ledge, Mich. Lance Schoenbine, animal science, Jason Scramlin, animal science, Lynnae Slavik, animal science, Ashley, Mich. Nicole Starr, animal science, Manawa, Wis. Julie Thelen, agribusiness management, enrolled in the teacher certification program; Saline, Mich. Members of the MSU
Beef Education Endowment Fund syndicate: Bill Angell Bridgette Grobbel Charles & Andrew McPeake Dave Broer Gary & Roberta Minish Justin Ransom Steve & Sandy Spivey Dee Woody Jeremy Baldwin Eastview Angus Farms LLC Dwayne Faidley Ron & Lynn Hinrichsen Sankey’s 6N Ranch Jason & Cara Rowntree Bordner Angus Farm W.L. Bryson George Buckham Family Gary Campbell Family Chapman Livestock & Horse Mark & Deb Chapman Cotton and Associates John Culp Fitzner Farms Gale Acres Show Cattle Pat & Dena Goheen Brandon Hill Luke Jarouche Lakeside Shorthorns Ron & Jill MacNaughton Doug Moyer David Parks Chuck Preston Dan & Robin Riker Schoenbine Craig Schrader Family Duane Schroeder Ian & Lorin Stewart Doug Stork Family Tim & Nicole Trattles Dan & Sharon Vaassen Lorren Van Order Family Tom Burke Glen & Linda Klippenstein Neil Orth Aaron & Sara Moyer Snider Geof Bednar The Herman Family Mark & Gerry McCully Terry Muir Katie Cook Rains Angus Farm Kelly Bruns Brett Barber Joel Cowley Virginia Dan Eversole Joe & Amy Starr Aaron Grant ****** Steve Fitzner, Citizens Feed, |
