Ward is in
- Thread starter JHH
- Start date
I like the hire, Jack will do a great job. I know there are some folks that don't like it because of his Angus background but he's been working for AHA since 2003 so I don't know how you can question his loyalty to the breed when he's been working for the Herefords for that long. Heck the Angus CEO has a Hereford background, it's just the nature of the business that most of these breed execs don't always grow up raising the breeds they are overseeing. The guy Jack replaces in Craig Huffhines took the American Quarter Horse Association head job and I'm pretty sure that Craig's family hasn't been raising quarter horses.
SPH said:
SPH, I agree that Jack has been loyal to the Hereford breed during his many years of employment. If a breed association attempted to only hire someone with a background in their breed, they would significantly decrease the number of capable, quality applicants; and may not find anyone good to hire.
Working for a breed association takes someone that is proficient in many areas, has strong communication skills, can answer to a number of bosses (board of directors), and has a strong background in the beef industry. There isn't a very deep well of potential talent to fill these positions.
Good assessment right there UG. Unfortunately some of our fellow Hereford breeders don't see it that way though and think that in order to hold a position like that you have to have in a sense I guess "paid your dues" by being brought up with a Hereford background. It's more of an administrative position than anything IMO. Yes he will be looked upon to have a vision for the breed and provide leadership but I think anyone that has ever met and spoke with Jack knows that he is passionate and knowledgeable about Hereford cattle. I've read some comments that I couldn't believe some could be so narrow minded like now that Jack is the EVP his wife needs to cut her ties with the Angus as well as they disperse their Angus cattle. I can understand why some think that way with the later to some extent but to say his wife is not allowed to have other interests is just too far out there IMO.
Bottom line is no matter who the head of your breed association is they aren't going to make your cattle better and personally market your program for you. That is on you to use the resources you have available to make smart decisions that is best for your operation. A new EVP is not going to tell you what you can and can't do, they aren't making your breeding choices or changing how you manage your operation you still have full control over that and at the end of the day if you aren't breeding cattle that others find desirable to buy that is on you and not any person at the association.
Bottom line is no matter who the head of your breed association is they aren't going to make your cattle better and personally market your program for you. That is on you to use the resources you have available to make smart decisions that is best for your operation. A new EVP is not going to tell you what you can and can't do, they aren't making your breeding choices or changing how you manage your operation you still have full control over that and at the end of the day if you aren't breeding cattle that others find desirable to buy that is on you and not any person at the association.
