Montego Bay Does It Again

Congratulations to Sarah Martin for exhibiting the Champion Maine in both Ring A and B and 5th Overall Steer, along with exhibiting the Champion Brangus Steer in both rings at the 2015 Riley Roundup for MS.  Both steers were sired by Montego Bay, and raised Ruddick Show Cattle of Decatur, TX.

WCYF Montego Bay Heifer Judge's Comments

Nothing feels better than to hear a judge compliment a calf like the judge at the 2014 Wise County Youth Fair judge complimenting this Montego Bay x Double Bred EXT heifer as she wins her class.  Congratulations to Wesley Ruddick and Donna Martin for raising this heifer and your confidence in the ZNT program.

"Wins this class by a good stretch.  I think this is a good kind of cattle right there -  in the way that she's made: fault-free, she's sound, she's practical, she's deep-bodied, she's muscular, she's stylish."

Fresh Weaned Montego Bay Steers

Just clipped out just a couple of fall prospect calves that Wesley Ruddick had born this year out of Montego Bay.  Calves have been weaned right at two weeks, and are coming on like crazy. So happy to see on of our partners having such great success with their ZNT genetics.

As quoted by one of the breeders using Montego Bay for natural service, "No matter what type or quality of cow you breed Montego Bay to, the calf will be better than the dam".

Semen available on Montego Bay from SEK Genetics, Cattle Visions, Bull Barn Genetics, or directly from ZNT Cattle Co. and its Montego Bay shareholders.

Sept Montego Bay Steer
Out of a Bojo first calf heifer

Oct Montego Bay Steer
Out of a commercial Black Brockle Face cow

Reserve Mainetainer at Texas Maine/Chi Preview Show

ZNT American Honey 002Y was named Reserve Champion Mainetainer at the Texas Maine/Chi Preview Show this weekend. Great job to Natalie Mai for showing this September born GVC Fortune & Glory x CTR Sweet Success 2 heifer. We are very excited about the new home this heifer will be going to.

Ft Worth Maine Anjou Shows and Events

I know everyone can look up these dates, but I thought I would put together a quick summary for any of those out there wanting to check out one of the many events involving the Maine Anjou cattle at the Ft Worth Stock Show.

Saturday, January 22nd:

9:00 am Texas Jr. Maine Anjou Association Meeting

9:00 am Silent Auction begins for the Texas Maine Anjou Association

Sunday, January 23rd:

8:00 am Junior Maine Anjou Show

Wednesday, January 26th:

Maine Anjou open show cattle begin moving in

Saturday, January 29th:

10:00 am Texas Maine Anjou Association Board Meeting - French Room

4:00 pm Maine Anjou Social Gathering

Sunday, January, 30th:

9:00 am Maine Anjou Open Show (Mainetainers, High Percentage, then Fullbloods)

12:00 pm Bidding Closes on TMAA Silent Auction

3:00 pm Maine Anjou open show cattle released

Stock Show Time

Not only is January the start of a new calendar year, but it is also the kick off to another exciting year in the cattle industry. What better way to start off the year than the National Western Stock Show. Denver becomes the Mecca of the cattle industry for the first 3 weeks of the new year. What happens at Denver sets the pace for the entire rest of the year. New sires are introduced, upcoming bull sales are promoted, and every livestock manufacturer and advertising group is throwing their hat in the ring to get a piece of the pie. Growing up just 4 hrs from Denver, made the NWSS the highlight of every winter for me, and I do miss going, but it is no longer practical for me to make it every year now that I live in Texas.

BUT! Now that I am in Texas, I get to attend and participate in the Ft.Worth Stock Show every year starting the 3rd week of January, and lasting 3 weeks. It may not be Denver, but it sets the pace for the subsequent majors throughout the spring here in Texas. It is truly a sight to see. For those that don’t buy the whole “Everything is Bigger in Texas” have to attend just one Jr. Heifer Show or Steer Show to see that some things just are BIGGER here! Ft. Worth is somewhat the Showcase of the South, bringing together many of the top breeders in the South, and throughout the country for that matter.

I hope everyone involved in the cattle industry gets a chance to attend one of these great events, if not this year, at least once in their life. We will be at Ft. Worth, so feel free to stop by and say “hello.” We will be posting on our website and Facebook where we are stalled.

Happy Stock Showing!

2012 Ft Worth Stock Show

You can find us, and 4J Family Cattle in Barn 3 at the Ft. Worth Stock Show.  We are located right beside Sullivan Supply Co.

Two Weeks 'Til Ft. Worth

In two weeks we will be set up at the Ft. Worth Stock Show with 4J Family Cattle for the National Maine Anjou Show.  Make sure to stop by our stall to say hello, and check out this great set of High Percentage, Fullblood, Mainetainer, and even a Chimaine that we will have on display.

We will be updating on Facebook and Twitter where you can find us in the barns.

See you in Cowtown!

Maine Education Thank You

I want to give a huge thanks to all the people that attended Maine Education on Saturday. Your participation made the event a big success. Thank you to all the sponsors and donors who were able to raise a significant amount of money for the TMAA and their contributions to youth activities.

I also want to thank all those that took advantage of our Montego Bay semen special we offered at Maine Education.

Maine Education

As many of you know, I was elected to as the Vice President of the Texas Maine Anjou Association earlier this year, but you may not know that I was also made head of the Education Committee for the Association. As a result, MAINE EDUCATION was created.

Maine Education was inspired by my good friend, Chad Hull of Hull Show Cattle, and was created for 3 reasons. First of all, it was designed to provide an educational experience not only to the junior exhibitors of Maine Anjou cattle here in Texas, but for all cattle exhibitors both young and old of all breeds. Second, it serves as a forum to bring together the junior exhibitors and the breeders of Maine Anjou cattle in the State of Texas in one location. Lastly, it proves an event with a large gathering to raise money for the TMAA to fulfill their obligation to support the National Jr. Maine Anjou Show and provide scholarships to the youth.

MAINE EDUCATION OVERVIEW

What:   The event will include:

• Grooming/Fitting demo provided by Sullivan Supply's “Stock Show U”
• Showmanship demo by the Allgood family
• Speakers from the National Maine Anjou Office
• Free t-shirts 
• Free BBQ dinner provided by Martindale Feed Mill
• Great prizes to be raffled off, INCLUDING a heifer that is donated by Jerry Gibson of 4J Family Partnership
• Several booths will be set up by our sponsors, and cattle will be on display from several of our members of the TMAA.

When: September 24th, 2011. Registration will take place from noon to 1pm, with clinics to follow. Dinner around 5-6pm, along with social and a live fundraiser auction afterward, with proceeds going toward the National Jr. Maine Anjou Show and scholarships provided by the TMAA.

Where: Salt Creek Arena in Boyd, TX. Arena is located just South of the intersection of HWY 114 and FM 51 approximately 10 miles South of Decatur, TX, 25 miles North of Weatherford, TX, and 25 miles Northwest of Ft. Worth. Plenty of affordable lodging is available in Decatur, Rhome, and Weatherford.

Cost: FREE, and all youth that attend will receive a raffle ticket for great prizes and the possibility of winning a heifer. Must be present to win! Additional raffle tickets can be purchased by youth, adults, or clubs.

Who: Open to all youth and adults involved in the cattle industry. FFA chapters and 4-H clubs encouraged to attend.

For the latest updates, check out the Maine Education Website or follow Maine Education on Facebook.

Make sure you mark you calendars for September 24th! I really look forward to seeing y’all there.

With any questions, feel free to reach me on my cell 817-233-9357 or by email: zntcattle@gmail.com

The Future Starts Here

The future of the cattle industry begins with the experiences we give our children NOW.  I knew I was going to write this blog even before we attended the Hull Show Cattle/Eastern Oklahoma State College Cattle Clinic and Judging Contest.  The premise behind the event, and the huge support that has been generated from all its sponsors speaks for itself.

Chad Hull of Hull Show Cattle did a fabulous job of organizing this entirely "free of charge" event thanks to all of their wonderful sponsors (listed at bottom).  A judging contest was held for all ages, along with a judging presentations from Todd Blocker (Judging Coach for Eastern OK State College), a grooming and clipping demonstration from Cody Lott, and a presentation from Jirl Buck (Buck Cattle Co.)  It was so refreshing to see an event totally focused around the youth, and our future in the beef industry.  Kids were given tools that can be used immediately, and inspiration that can be used for a lifetime.  I encourage anyone that can make it to attend next year.  We will definitely try to make it if at all possible.

Chad Hull - Hull Show Cattle

Jirl Buck - Buck Show Cattle

Cody Lott - Lott Show Cattle

Juniors Judging Heifers

Opening Presentation

Sponsors:
Hull Show Cattle
Farm Credit of East Central Oklahoma
Biozyme Vita Ferm
Diamond V
Martindale/MFM Feeds
Belle Point Ranch
Well Completions, Inc.
Nelson Land and Cattle Co.
Showmaster Feeds
OG&E
Farm Cridit of Western Arkansas
Dunn Ford
Buck Cattle Co.
Pfizer
Kerr Center (Poteau)
Mark Allen
Rodney Evans
Farmers Coop
Spiro Graphic
American Farmers and Ranchers Insurance
Coaches Lumber
Kiger Razorback Quick Mart
Allflex Ear Tags
Reproduction Enterprises Inc.
Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association

Stock Show Prep

Things are ramping up at ZNT right now. Not only do we have a wide selection of Maine heifers for sale, but we are beginning preparation for the upcoming stockshow season and fall breeding/flushing season. Here are a couple heifers that we plan on exhibiting this fall and winter. Can't wait to see these girls clipped up! Stop on by and see these girls in person.

ZNT American Hope 903W
Sire: CMAC Hardcore Dam: CTR Success x Traveler 6807

3/4 sib to ZNT Jenna 707T

ZNT Sandy Bay 001X (Pic at 5 months)
Sire: CMAC Tyson Dam: ZNT Jenna 707T
Full sister to ZNT Montego Bay

Continental Divide Vacation

After 11 days, 10 states, 4200 miles, and 8 National Parks/Monuments, all I have to say is AMAZING!  Sorry for the lack of updates on our website, but I got a little preoccupied the the last couple of weeks helping my wife plan, and enjoy the most amazing vacation our family has been on.

Our trip was a combination of seeing parents and grandparents and seeing the marvels of the Western United States.  We started off meeting up with my grandma in Loveland, CO and enjoying the beautiful foothills of the Rocky Mountains.  The we proceeded to the Panhandle of Nebraska to see my grandpa and parents, and also took in a couple of the icons of the Oregon Trail (Scottsbluff National Monument and Chimmey Rock).  Then we blazed off to see some of the picturesque areas areas of the Black Hills (Mount Rushmore and Wind Cave), the Grand Tetons/Jackson Hole, Craters of the Moon in Arco, ID, and the vastness of country in between.  I recommend every stop!

We took a few days in Boise, ID to visit my wife's father and grandmother, while taking in several of the attractions in the Boise area.  What a wonderful area and city!  After our little rest, we headed South to Arches National Park in Moab, UT.  All I can say is it is a MUST SEE!  That same day we took in the Mesa Verde National Park in Cortez, CO.  Also a must see.  Even pictures can't explain the beauty of these places.

Last stop on the trip took us to Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico.  Self proclaimed the 8th Wonder of the World, I have to agree.  Again, pictures can not explain.

I know we passed so many of our friends and fellow cattlemen in our travels, and I truly apologize for not getting a chance to stop and say hi, but we did take in, and appreciated the beauty you live in every day.  I do have to add that on our trip, we saw several projects at several national parks financed by the Economic Recovery Act, and it made me so happy to see these dollars going towards these parks, allowing people world-wide a better chance to enjoy the rare creations God gave to America and the World.

Fort Worth

We are in cattle barn 3 near the wash rack and near the show ring between barns 2 & 3. Stop by and say hi if you are around. We will update after the Maine Anjou show Sunday!!