08/21/2026
A few people have asked about my position on certain ABHA issues. This is some of what I sent to Ernie to be posted.
A. Improving the Breed – I was instrumental in establishing the current online database system, and actually brought Digital Beef to the ABHA Board. I also set the rules for the current genetic testing. This has saved the ABHA from genetic defect issues and also allowed us to overcome breed purity problems. Without the testing implemented years ago, the latest issues would have severely crippled the breed. The only problem was that the tests were not implemented earlier to catch some of the problem sires, but luckily, we implemented the testing when we did. The Certified Herd Sire Test will continue to protect members from both genetic defects and parentage issues, and that was proposed and written by me.
B. Strong Supporter of “Black Herefords” – The rules were established earlier on to provide the breed up process from an F1 female to an 87.5% purebred. These rules have been challenged many times over the years, and I worked diligently to protect the ABHA standards and not just turn the ABHA into the “Baldie Association.” I was one of the ones that helped install these definitions in the Bylaws so that it would be more difficult to change. I have been a strong proponent of our breed up system, and this includes the use of F1 females and the eventual creation of high percentage Black Herefords. Those who say I do not support F1 females do not understand the history. I do believe that “purebred” animals should receive support from the ABHA in all aspects including at the show level.
C. Supporter of all Members – While the ABHA is growing, it is still in its infancy stage, and subject to swings in opinion. However, if the ABHA holds the course, it will eventually be one of the premier breeds in North America. We need to follow our standards and get back to marketing the advantages of heterosis. One of the biggest challenges to the ABHA is the competing voices. Almost ½ of the membership does not register any animals. This would make a One Farm/One Vote system difficult. Almost 200 members registered less than 10 calves last year, and only 18 members registered over 30 calves. This makes the Boards current Bylaw amendment unwise. The stated purpose in the meeting when it was passed was to take away votes from the 200 small breeders and the 18 large breeders and consolidate the power in the breeders in the middle (approximately 60 members). I do not support a tiered system that stated purpose is to take votes from the small and large breeders. The 200 small breeders should unite against this action that limits them to 1 vote, while giving a person with 11 registrations 6 votes. The membership should question those that proposed this tiered system.
D. Member Authority – I have been a large supporter of Membership Authority. I helped to draft the rules to allow the Board vote to be online and absentee to allow all members to vote, not just those at the annual meeting. I also drafted the provision that allowed for changes by the Board to the Bylaws to be “repealed” by the membership by a “simple majority”. This provision was meant to keep power in the hands of the membership. I do not support the Board’s latest decision that the membership has to vote by the Board imposed tiered system to overturn the Board’s action. I think it goes against the plain reading of the Bylaws and the “simple majority” requirement and is meant to limit the power of the members.
E. Proponent of Black Herefords - I am one of the strongest proponents of Black Hereford cattle. I believe in the breed and the great genetic and business potential. I appreciate the friends that I have in the ABHA, and I am excited for the potential to expand the breed.
