March Madness Takes over Beefmaster

By Matt Woolfolk

As I sit down to write, two of the sure signs of March is here: The Beefmaster Cowman A.I. edition and the NCAA Basketball Tournament on television.  If you haven’t studied your Cowman yet, I encourage you to go through and read the articles.  There’s lot of useful info on artificial insemination, as well as new and proven bulls with semen available.  Find the bull that can improve your next calf crop and incorporate him into your herd.

March Madness is one of my favorite times of the year.  The three weeks of college basketball overload produces thrilling finishes, great individual performances, and the unpredictability of the potential upset.  Simply put, you never know what might happen once the game starts.  A small school with little fanfare can outplay a powerhouse for 40 minutes and come out victorious, much to the surprise of the experts on television (and the disappointment of those of you, like me, who always try but never win a bracket pool).  I’ll never forget the trip I made in high school to watch the NCAA Tournament in person.  I got to see my beloved Mississippi State play my other favorite team, the Duke Blue Devils.  As many times as I watch this event on television, none of the games will ever compare to being a part of the action.

March has been a time of “madness” for the Beefmaster breed as well, and it’s just as exciting as its college basketball counterpart.  Starting in Houston, breeders from all over the world made their way to the busiest weekend on the Beefmaster calendar.  International guests from Nicaragua took advantage of their time and toured several operations before the festivities kicked off.  I believe our friends had a good time, but the weather was a surprise for folks who are not used to windy and 40 degrees!

The Beefmaster sales market was strong throughout the Houston weekend.  The Houston Magic XV Sale, South Texas BBA Houston Futurity Sale and the Beefmaster Promotion Group International Gala Sale all saw outstanding crowds and buyers willing to pay premium prices for high-quality breeding stock.  Other breeders were able to sell cattle private treaty throughout the event, which is a true testament to the stability of the Beefmaster market.

After everyone cleared out of Houston, some of us made a return trip the following weekend for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) Junior Heifer show.  Once again, the Beefmaster show was recognized as the largest breed at HLSR.  Approximately 230 heifers were shown and the kids exhibiting these animals did an outstanding job.  Judge Brant Poe was very complimentary of our cattle and the Junior Beefmaster Breeders Association members.

The madness does not end in Houston.  Sales and events all over the nation highlight the rest of March on the Beefmaster calendar.  Take the time to come be a part of the madness!  No matter where you are there’s a sale, field day, junior show or meeting just a short drive away from you.  The excitement of the spring doesn’t stop when we roll into April.  In fact, it’s just as strong through April and May.  So take the time to get out and see for yourself; you won’t be disappointed!