Brangus Officers to Paraguay

San Antonio, TX, October 25, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Where’s the beef and who needs more of it? That was a question on the minds of three officers of the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) and others who traveled to Paraguay for the 5th World Brangus Congress. Making the trip was: Dale Kirkham, President from Eureka, KS, Don Cox, First Vice-President from Katy, TX and Marcos Borges, Chairman of the International Committee from Wharton, TX. Other attendees from the US were Buck Thomason of Cranfills Gap, TX, Matt Reznicek of Aliceville, AL, Allan Goode of Dallas, TX, Brad Wright and Rick Warneke, both of Franklin, TX.

Activities held from October 12 to 18 in Asuncion, the capital of Paraguay, brought Brangus enthusiasts from eight countries. These included technical presentations on world beef markets, improving pastures and grazing management, shows and sales of haltered and unhaltered cattle, field trips to ranches and several social events along with numerous informal meetings among representatives from the different countries. The final event, an awards banquet and sale of winners in the haltered show, was attended by about 600 people.

The main objective of the trip was promotion of Brangus genetics from the US, especially semen and embryos, for use in other countries around the world. Establishing personal contacts, assessing market potential and exchange of ideas and information regarding the breeding and marketing of Brangus cattle were other highlights. IBBA representative also participated in the planning of the next World Brangus Congress scheduled for May 2012 in Australia.

“Participation in an event of this nature will broaden the perspective of all cattle producers”, stated Kirkham. “We found the breeders in South America to be very enthusiastic about future growth of Brangus in the world market and actively seeking genetic materials from the United States. They recognize that Brangus cattle are well adapted to tropical and subtropical conditions found in countries that have much of the growing world population.”

Buck Thomason, a Brangus breeder from central Texas, has made previous trips to South America and built a demand for his cattle. He added the “the enthusiasm for the breed in South America creates a great opportunity for me to market genetics beyond my local area. Building long-term personal relationships is very important in the Latin culture and a necessary step in international marketing of livestock. I was able to renew many friendships as well as create numerous new relationships.”

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