AGA Board Highlights
January 2009
August 2008
April 2008
January 2008
April 2007
August 2006
April 2006
August 2005
April 2005
AGA 24 Month Plan

Latest Action Points

January 9-11, 2009

1. Approved minutes of August 15, 2008 meeting with one name correction.

2. Approved the re-allocation of fund in the Five-Year Plan budget of $20,000 from Member Services to Promotion to help fund the three Regional Area Coordinators.

3. Sent a recommendation to the Rules & Bylaws Committee to consider a rule on AI Sires and Donor Dams be tested for Arthrogryposis Multiplex (AM – Curley Calf). All positive results reported to the AGA would result in offspring being tested negative before registration.

4. Moved to notify all AGA owners of potential AM (Curley Calf) carriers.

5. Elected officers Vaughn Thorstenson, President, Al Knapp, Vie-President, Randy Gallaway, Secretary and Jim Beastrom, Treasurer.

6. Approved AGA National Show Committee list of judges to be sent to National Western Stock Show for the 2010 show.

7. Approved implementation of the Gelbvieh Performance Advantage Recognition Program. (See Gelbvieh World April Issue 09 pg 38 for complete details.)

8. Approved the pursuit of a Heat Tolerant Registry using the guidelines from the Heat Tolerant Committee.

9. Approved that several actions be taken relative to a policy dealing with Arthrogryposis Multiplex (AM). Subsequent to the January 9-11, 2009, meeting a comprehensive AM policy was developed with complete Board of Directors input and approved via a conference call on February 2, 2009. Please refer to the AGA website for a complete copy of the policy and updates.

10. Approved action taken to develop a policy to address percentage issues in GV Herdbook to facilitate preliminary programming effort with the computer conversion and address the concern over the delusion of GV blood.

11. Approved next Board meeting to be April 23-25 at the AGA Headquarter.

12. Approved the renewal of E. Edd Pritchett contract for 2009.

13. Direct staff to set a proposed fee structure schedule on services performed between breeder and Regional Area Coordinator and state associations and to allow a percent of fees to be returned to the AGA.
     

August 15, 2008

1. Moved to correct and amend the minutes of the April 25,2008 meeting to reflect that the $7500 budgeted for AGA Foundation Fund Raising be changed to National Sale Promotion and be funded by the Five-Year Plan.
    
2. Moved to accept the minutes of the April 25, 2008 meeting as amended.
    
3. The due date of herd assessments was changed to April 15^th instead of March 15^th.  A sliding late fee was added to assessments received after April 15^th to let the breeder take off animals and select which payment method they would like to participate in.  Penalties will be 5% up to 30 days, 10% up to 60 days late and 15% for 60 days or more late.  The late fees will be applied to the 2009 herd assessments.
    
4. Staff recommendations were approved for changes in fees for cow re-activation to $50 and AI Permits to $50 effective next fiscal year.
    
5. The National Sale Rules were amended under Performance to allow females without yearling weights to be included in the sale.
    
6. Moved to form a committee to make suggestions and changes if possible for National Western Stock Show and the Convention schedule.  The committee will include:  Mark Goes, Nancy Wilkinson, Jim Beastrom, Ed Kalianoff and Dianne Coffman.
    
7. Dam of Merit or Dam of Distinction will be awarded to any female that qualifies that carries an AMGV registration number.
    
8. The Five-Year Plan reserve funds are to be used to retain ownership of the Maxwell calves to facilitate integrity with the data.
    
9. Rule II.D.8 was adopted as proposed by staff for offensive animal names.
    
10. Staff was directed to present the Heat Tolerant Report at the Convention to the AGA membership.
     
11. Three Regional Field positions are to be created under AGA responsibility as assigned to sell national advertising as well other responsibilities at the state or regional level.  Funds from the Five-Year Plan   reserves to be used for the three field staff.  Ringman Service reimbursement will be discontinued effective October 1, 2008.
     
12. Lori Maude was recognized and congratulated for receiving the “Distinguished Service Award” from the Livestock Publication Council.
     
13. Moved to refer Five-Year Plan allocation to committee.
     
14. Removed action points from the April 25^, 2008 meeting with the exception of 11,12 and 15.

April 24-45, 2008

1. Approved minutes from January 11, 2008.
   Set forth $7500 in funds for the National Sale in the 2009 Five—Year Plan.
    

2. Selected Purple Haven Enterprises as the 2009 National Sale Manager.
    

3. Moved that tickets for the 2009 Haglund Heifer would be sold at the 2009 Breeder’s Choice Bull Futurity event and buyers of $100 and greater will be recognized at the National Sale. Tickets can be purchased from a Junior at the sale but none will be sold from the block. The winning ticket will be drawn at the close of the National Sale.
    

4. Moved to authorize the AGA National Sale Committee to select an auctioneer for the 2009 National Sale.
    

5. Moved to accept AGA staff proposal procedure for a state association to add a second sanctioned Ring of Gold point show. See AGA website (www.gelbvieh.org). Click on Seedstock Marketing and then Ring of Gold for all the details.
    

6. Moved to authorize premium pay out for the 2009 National Junior Show at National Western Stock Show to be the same for the Gelbvieh and Balancer divisions.
    

7. Moved to change Rule II,G,3 and Rule II G 2 b as proposed. Please see page 70 of the July 2008 issue of Gelbvieh World for details.
    

8. Moved to direct AGA staff to establish a rule for offensive registration names for animals.
    

9. Moved to combine the Balancer Reference Edition and the Gelbvieh World into one issue for February 2009.
    

10. Moved to continue testing the top 20 AI sires with Bovigen and Igenity DNA diagnostic profiles.
     

11. Established a Percentage Rules Committee to clarify rules and compliance of Gelbvieh breed percentages.Members of the committee are Jim Beastrom, Dick Helms, E. Edd Pritchett and Susan Willmon.
     

12. Established a Heat Tolerant Hybrid Committee to explore the possibility of initiating a heat tolerant hybrid registry. Members of the committee are Bob Prosser, Ray Rodriquez, John Huston and Sam Castleberry.
     

13. Established an Association Representative to the Judge for the National Gelbvieh and Balancer Show starting in 2009. Stuart Jarvis will be asked.
     

14. Moved staff to begin negotiating with Angus Genetics Inc for Multi-Breed Genetic Evaluation starting with the 2009 summer run.
     

15. Moved to remove completed action points.
     

16. Set the next Board meeting for August 15-16 at the AGA office.
     

January 11-13, 2008

1. Moved to approve 2007 AGA Audit as presented by Robert Loewen, CPA, AGA Board of Directors August 23, 2007, minutes, December 2007 Activity Report, and November 2007 Financial Statement.
    

2. Moved to ratify the re-allocation of funds for the 5- year plan as directed by the 5-Year Plan Re-allocation Committee.

3. Moved to approve the Building Committee recommendation to maintain ownership of the AGA Building.
    

4. Unanimous ballots were cast for Vaughn Thorstenson, President; Al Knapp, Vice-President; Sam Castleberry, Secretary; and Skyler Martin, Treasurer.
    

5. Moved to set the next Board meeting at the AGA Headquarters April 24-26, 2008.
    

6. Moved to approve the National Show Committee recommendation of new rules for the Ring of Gold as presented in their committee meeting. 
    

7. Moved to approve a Ring of Gold for all Balancer Shows that met the AGA classification of a Balancer with the same rules as the Gelbvieh Ring of Gold.
    

8. Moved to petition National Western Stock Show for a Junior Balancer show that would run either before or after the current Junior Gelbvieh Show.
    

9. Moved to request from National Western Stock Show a release time beginning at 6:00pm the day of the open show and out of the barns by 10:00am the following day.
    

10. Moved to establish an assistant Judge for the 2009 National Gelbvieh and Balancer Show and would be a Gelbvieh breeder to be determined by the AGA Board.  AGA would bear the cost of hiring the judge.  AGA would contact National Western Stock Show for other support such as parking and gate pass for the assistant Judge.
     

11. Moved to approve the AGA National Show Committee list of 2009 judges to be submitted to National Western Stock Show with the switch of Doug Hixon and Jim Williams.

12. Moved to direct staff to explore the possibility of  organizing a central ultrasound scan session for females in Spring 2008.
     

13. Moved to extend E. Edd Pritchett’s contract for an additional year.
     

14. Moved to direct staff to print the Genetic Trend Leaders in the 2009 March issue of the Gelbvieh World.

AGA Board Highlights - August 24, 2007
 

1. Undesignated funds from the 5-year plan budget be held for re-assignment except for the extra $15,000 to be used for insertion cost of The Profit Picture in 2006-07 fiscal year.  Appointment of Nancy Wilkinson, Dick Helms, David Judd and Skyler Martin to the 5-Year Budget Plan Committee for the purpose of re-evaluating 2007-2008 allocation of funds.
    

2. Accepted Wells Marketing as manager of the 2008 National Gelbvieh Sale at National Western Stock Show.

3. Moved that the American Gelbvieh Association Annual Meeting be held on January 12, 2008 at the Red Lion Hotel in Denver, Colo., at 4:00 p.m. and proper notice be given to the membership.
    

4. Staff directed to explore the comparison of two different options for the calculation of percentages on Balancer papers as presented.
    

5. Committee formed to explore options with regard to the future of the AGA building.  Committee members are Mary Knapp, Grant Thayer, Jim Beastrom, and John Oswald.
    

6. Moves to authorize the Executive Director and the Executive Committee to explore, negotiate, make a decision, and initiate a contract with the software company of choice.
    

7. Moved to accept the 2007-2008 Budget as proposed for the American Gelbvieh Association and Gelbvieh World.
    

8. Authorized the use of reserve funds outside of the approved budget to pay for any up front cost if needed for the new computer system.
    

9. Removed completed action points.  
    

10. Approved the minutes from the August 23, 2007 Executive Committee.

AGA Highlights - April 2007

1. Approved minutes of January 3, 2007, March 2007 financial statement and March 2007 activity report.

2. Approved amendment to 2008 National Sale rules that all lots sold at the 2008 National Sale including any no sale lots, with the only exception being the Futurity Bull must be paid for in full at the end of the sale.

3. Approved AGA Show Committee’s list of names to be added to the recommended Judges List and accepted 2008 NWSS Judges with the a minor change.

4. Set the payment schedule for 2008 NWSS Junior Show Judge.

5. Approved the AGA Rules & By Laws Committee recommendation to modify Rule VIII to allow issuance of AI certificates to breeders of qualified Balancer Bulls at the same cost as Gelbvieh Bulls.

6. Instructed Legal Counsel to re-write rules concerning the use of AGA and SmartCross Logos and new rules for authorizing use of any AGA logos by State and/or Regional Gelbvieh Association

7. Instructed staff to investigate the possibility of producing a Cattle Show segment on RFD-TV.

8. Directed staff to develop parameters to allow proven Balancer animals to have a Calving Ease EPDs.

9. Directed staff to begin negotiations with a PVP provider for use by AGA and Gelbvieh breeders.

10. Directed AGA Sale Committee to continue pursuing a Sale Management Team for the 2008 National Sale.

11. Directed staff to investigate and submit a proposal for changing to the actual percentage on Balancer and Hybrid papers. 

12. Directed staff to include in the 2008 and 2009 Budget a line item for support of regional Balancer shows in the in the amount of $2000.

13. Directed staff to investigate and report on cost and practical use of companies data systems as presented at the April Board meeting.
14. Approved the implementation of combined carcass EPDs and initiate a member educational program on the new EPDs, genetic trends and tools to use both Purebreds and Balancers.

August 18-19, 2006

1. The 2006-2007 Advertising Plan as presented by staff was approved.
2. It was approved by the Board to remove the $300 cap on Web Site Development for Matching Funds Contributions and to handle Web-Site development the same as all other items covered in the Matching Funds Program.
3. It was approved to investigate the option of switching DNA parent verification from Maxxam to Merial.
4. The Board moved to table the discussion on the budget.
5. The Board approved that the staff move forward in working with NALF on breed registry software as well as Multi Breed Evaluation.
6. It was approved that herd assessment fees be increased by $1.50 for both one-rate and traditional plans.
7. Registration fees were also approved to be raised by $1.50 at all levels on the traditional plan.
8. New rates will be in effect by the 2007 herd assessment.
9. Budget was approved with the changes with the fees made.
10. AGA Dues were raised by $15, up to $75.
11. New member fees to be the same as previous member renewal dues.
12. New rates for dues are effective on November 1, 2006.
13. Motion failed to offer to first time AGA convention attendees a waiver of fees for that convention.
14. Staff was instructed to investigate the possibility of selling AGA property to some entity that would then lease back to the AGA.
15. It was approved that we also investigate the future purchase of a smaller amount of property.
16. Minutes of the Executive Committee were accepted.
17. AGA President was authorized to enter into a three-year contract with Executive Director, Wayne Vanderwert.
18. The Five-Year Plan for the Gelbvieh breed will be presented to the membership during the AGA Convention with specific programs funded through a $2.00 check-off per cow assessed.  Progress on the plan and use of these monies will be reported on and evaluated annually at the Convention.
19. The Board approved that the CE EPD on Balancer papers not be reported.
20. It was approved to have a special Board of Directors meeting in Louisville.

AGA Highlights
April 6-8, 2006

1. Accepted minutes from the January 6, 2006 meeting.

2. Approved that the AGA Board of Directors recommend to the AGA Foundation Board that the Scholarship Program be increased to include the following:  Two-$1000 Memorial Scholarships, Two-$750 AGJA Scholarships, One-$500 AGJA Scholarship and One-$500 Rea Memorial Scholarship.

3. Board moved to use Research Check Off dollars to fund a Smart Cross Breeding and Carcass Evaluation Project at Maxwell Ranch with assistance of CSU.

4. The Board moved that Gelbvieh World now require a standardized DNA test box with the flexibility to drop the marbling side of the Gene Star box if an animal has not been tested.

5. It was approved that the AGA Executive Committee consider any proposal brought forth regarding 2007 National Balancer Show and to have the authority to grant approval.

6. A motion was made that the AGA request NWSS to allow a Gelbvieh Balancer Show to run concurrently with the Gelbvieh Open Show on the hill.  This request is also to limit to one the number of Balancer Shows at the NWSS.  The motion passed and then was amended by Vaughn Thorstenson to request NWSS that if concurrent show is not approved that the AGA be allowed to have a separate show on Sunday afternoon.

7. It was approved that the AGA request to NWSS the same entry rules and premiums apply for the Balancer Show that now apply for the Open Gelbvieh Show.

8. Board approved that any Balancer Show at NWSS be designated the National Balancer Show and that the entries be eligible for the National Sale.

9. The 2007 National Gelbvieh Sale Rules were approved with the exception of Rule #5 in the Eligibility Section to have the word Purebred removed.

10. Mitchell Management was approved as Sale Manager for the 2007 National Gelbvieh Sale with the restriction that they not manage any other sales within 24 hours of the Gelbvieh Sale and also that they not manage any other female Gelbvieh or Balancer sales within 7 days of the Gelbvieh Sale.

11. The Board accepted the recommend changes from the National Show committee with the exception for the addition to Rule 12.

12. The 2007 recommended judges list for the 2007 National Gelbvieh Open and Pen Show at the NWSS were approved.

13. The Board approved the motion from the Rules & By-Laws Committee that the Executive Director be authorized and encouraged to solicit voluntary contributions to the AGA Foundation and to a Research Fund to be established for the use in funding needed animal research, at such time as the membership dues statements are mailed to the members and a like request be made to lifetime members.

14. Staff was instructed to continue to investigate the potential sale of excess property to neighboring developer but if nothing favorable develops immediately then AGA excepts Option #2 proposal from Rocky Mountain Pavement Maintenance to repair the parking are of the AGA Building and to remove tree roots and install drains.

15. Jim Birdwell will be retained as auctioneer for the 2007 National Gelbvieh Sale at NWSS.

16. The Board approved to change Part A & E of Rule VIII (Voluntary Artificial Insemination Semen Certificate Program) in the AGA Rules to include Balancer in the description of Bulls included and the nonrefundable fees be increased to $10.00

17. The next AGA Board meeting will be August 17-19, 2006.

18. It was approved that Action Points 1-7 from January 2006 and 5 & 7 from August 2005 show as completed.

19. Minutes from the Executive Committee meeting of April 6, 2006 were accepted.

20. It was approved that our Legal Counsel, E. Edd Pritchett review and updated the AGA Employee Manual.

AGA Highlights
August 19&20, 2005

1.  Minutes of the April 8 & 9, 2005 were approved.

2.  Staff to investigate possibility of a Balancer Show at American Royal,
Louisville, Fort Worth, NILE and National Western.

 3.  Negotiate a new contract with the New Zealand Gelbvieh for NCE.

 4.  Accept the 2005-06 Budget as recommended by the AGA Finance Committee.

 5.  Staff to submit an expanded promotion & advertising budget up to
$25,000 contingent upon approval by the Board of Directors.  (Note:  On
the September 20, 2005 Board conference call the proposal was voted down.  The budget stands as presented in August 2005.)

 6.  Staff to investigate the possibility of a hybrid designation for a Gelbvieh hybrid with heat tolerance.

 7.  All animals recorded under the one-rate pay system will automatically be registered starting October 1, 2005.

 8.  Approved the minutes from the Executive Committee meeting which included a salary increase for the Executive Director. 

 Next Board Meeting will be January 6, 2006 during National Western Stock Show.

April 2005 Board Highlights
Westminster, Colorado
April 8 & 9, 2005

1.  National Western Stock Show schedule revised to move the
Junior Show, Gelbvieh Bull Futurity and National Sale to Sunday
as requested by the National Show Committee meeting January 2005.
A further change to the schedule moved the National Pen Show to
Sunday morning from Tuesday.

Note:  Since the Board meeting an additional change to the schedule
occurred, the Gelbvieh Bull Futurity moved to Saturday night during the
social at the hotel.

 2.  Contract from Paint Today accepted to paint the top of the AGA
headquarters in the next month.

 3.  Non-Gelbvieh cows will be added into inventory for the purpose of
 assessments, lifetime cow summaries and EPDs.

 4.  Gelbvieh World will no longer offer ring service.  An advertiser will
have the choice of $350 credit on future advertising to be used in 8
months or receive a $300 check for ring service.

 5.  Gelbvieh World magazine will be sent to non-members for 1 year
starting with the 2005 June/July issue if they have purchased and had
transferred to them a minimum of one animal.

 6.  Advertising in the Gelbvieh World be opened to non-specific Gelbvieh
 ads and accepted at the discretion of the Gelbvieh World Editor.

 7. To Genstar DNA test the top 20 most heavily used bull at AGA’s
expense and authorize the Executive Director to publish the results as
allowed by the AGA bylaws.

 8.  Directed staff to submit proposed program to get actual DNA results
 on tenderness with carcass testing.

 9.  Authorize staff to contact breeders and publish tenderness results of
young bulls that have a favorable DNA carcass tenderness result in the
Gelbvieh World free with other bulls after submitting a copy of the result
to the AGA.

10.  Hire Mitchell Management Sales to manage the 2006 National
Gelbvieh Sale.

 11.  Allow the Canadian Gelbvieh Association to use the Balancer name
 as long as the AGA rules for Balancer are followed.

Strategic Actions Necessary to Fulfill AGA’s Vision

Genetic Evaluation and Breed Improvement

1. Encourage Gelbvieh breeders to utilize DNA Testing and Ultrasound Technology.

2. Expand carcass testing and incorporate ultrasound data in the carcass EPDs.

3. Concentrate on improving tenderness.

4. Delineate the correlation between birth weight and yearling weight as breeders select in directions that may be antagonistic.

5. Monitor the Meat Animal Research Center’s research involving Gelbvieh genetics and seek third-party verification of research conducted by the AGA.

Commercial Marketing

1. Improve beef industry perception of Gelbvieh-influenced cattle. “Influence the Influencers.”

2. Position SmartCross® with simplified promotional materials for sale barns and monitor progress of the National ID system to be sure that SmartCross® is in compliance.

3. Don’t lose sight of the big picture, which is the entire beef industry.

4. Promote Gelbvieh and Balancer females as the industry’s top replacement female.

5. Expand Gelbvieh in the south through feeder calf and replacement heifer sales. Develop in-house routines to source Gelbvieh-influenced calves through Commercial Marketing Director.

Marketing, Promotion and Public Relations

1. Concentrate on the promotion of Gelbvieh’s strength in providing maternal heterosis.

2. Revise and develop brochures with targeted message.

3. Aggressively pursue more press releases and commercial producer testimonials for other publications.

4. Position Gelbvieh as performance and maternal.

5. Increase perceived value of registered cattle, both purebred and Balancers.

6. Position Balancers as the industry leader in hybrid seedstock.  Pursue a special brand, freeze or fire, for Balancer cattle.

Membership Services

1. Empower, educate and energize membership by getting information to membership faster and more effectively. 

2. Encourage alliance with Merial for DNA testing at a reduced rate and distribute the results to membership.

3. AGA needs to facilitate collection of ideas from members.

4. Include ultrasound data and ratios on registration certificate and performance records.

5. Update AGA’s look with a new logo and improved photos representing the breed.

6. Develop an incentive program with a membership drive to grow the American Gelbvieh Association.

7. Rotate National Convention to Louisville.

Youth Programs

1. Develop guidelines for an “Adopt a 4-H or FFA Member” program for breeders to provide a positive experience for local youth.

2. Sponsor educational field trips for juniors to raise awareness of industry issues and Gelbvieh junior programs.

Gelbvieh World

1. Publish more educational articles on technology, genetics and management.  Include commercial producer testimonials.  Promote the Gelbvieh Profit Partners LLC venture.

2. Review job descriptions of field staff and employ more contract labor for ring service to allow increased herd visits.

3. Work to change member mentality of buying/selling cheap to buying/selling quality