We’re continuing our guest blogger series with Cliff Copeland, the current president of the American Hereford Association. Copeland has served the association for the past year, and will retire on Saturday, Nov. 2 at the American Hereford Association Annual Meeting in Kansas City.
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| The 2013 AHA Board of Directors. Copeland is seated at the far left. What a handsome group of gentlemen! |
Prior to being named president, Cliff previously served as the AHA vice president as well as chairman of the show and sale committee and was a member of the executive, breed improvement and member service committees. During his youth, Cliff was also president of the American Junior Hereford Association.
Cliff lives in Nara Visa, N.M. where he and his family run Copeland & Sons Herefords LLC, one of our FMG customers.
Please join us in congratulating the humble Cliff on an outstanding year as the AHA president and thank him for answering our questions!
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| Kyla, Matt, Cliff & Pat Copeland at the 2011 NWSS |
1. Tell me a little bit about your ranch in New Mexico.
We have a combination registered/commercial cow calf program consisting of about 500 cows. It is multigenerational and has been in business since 1943. We sell bulls, replacement females both registered and commercial and have a club calf division as well.
2. Why did you want to serve as the president of the American Hereford Association?
Actually I did not seek this position. I told my fellow board members if they thought I would do a good job they could elect me to that position. I did not set being president as a personal goal.
3. What were your major responsibilities in this role?
We have a very qualified board and staff and so basically my duties were to conduct our business meetings and help coordinate tasks with committee chairmen and the staff. Also I spent a considerable amount of time visiting with members about ideas and concerns they have for our association.
4. What was your favorite part of the past year?
There was no favorite part. It has all been a tremendous experience!
5. Every position has its’ challenges. What were some of the more trying parts of this job?
As I mentioned, I am fortunate to have such a talented board of directors to work with and with staff support too, my job has been one that has run very smooth.
6. Will you continue to serve the Hereford breed?
I will always serve the Hereford breed in any way I can.
7. Herefords are really gaining popularity in the US. What can breeders do to advance the breed even more?
Advertise and advocate Herefords all they can. Keep raising the right kind and the customers will keep coming.
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| Copelands recently held their annual production sale, The EVENT with Langford Herefords in Okmulgee, Okla. on October 20, 2013. |
8. What advice do you have for junior exhibitors?
Participate in every activity you can. The National Junior organization has many programs that are very worth while that go way beyond just showing. Consider running for the national junior board if you are inclined that way. The rewards and opportunities are many. The Hereford family is like no other. They are always willing to give advice and guidance to any of its junior Hereford members.
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Thanks again to Cliff, and FMG fans – be looking forward to another guest blog in November!