February 2026 ACJ WEB by American Chianina Journal

February 2026

Proven Genetics. P Championship Results.

Want to be part of the program? Mark your calendars for our 2026 Harvest of Excellence Sale — November 7 in Lima, Ohio.

Editor Heather Counts 517.214.0927 • heather@chicattle.org

GENERAL INFORMATION:

ACJ (ISSN 1068-8021) is published quarterly at 1708 N. Prairie View Rd., PO Box 890, Platte City, MO 64079. Subscription price is $25 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Platte City, MO and additional mailing offices. Production by American Chianina Journal | Heather Counts, Editor Subscription Rate: $25/year (U.S. funds only). Postmaster: Send address changes to: ACJ, PO Box 890, Platte City, MO 64079

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING POLICY:

The ACJ reserves the right to refuse any advertising copy at its sole discretion. The ACJ assumes no responsibilities for the accuracy of the advertising content as submitted. Advertisers assume all responsibility for the accuracy and truthfulness of submitted advertising containing pedigrees or statements regarding performance. Advertisers shall indemnify and hold harmless the ACJ for any claims concerning advertising content as submitted.

MEMBER OF:

Winegardner/Klingaman Show Cattle – Proven Genetics. Championship Results. Cover ad purchased in the AJCA Online Auction. Thank you to the W/K crew for their continued support of the junior association.

Nominations & Entries Requested by May 20, 2026

The heifer portion of the Chiangus Classic will be held in conjunction with the Chiangus Female show at the 2026 Junior National. Animals must be nominated and entered in order to qualify for the Chiangus Classic payouts.

Entry & Nomination forms will be available online at www.chicattle.org. For more information, contact Heather Counts: heather@chicattle.org | 517-214-0927 in conjunction with the Chiangus Heifer Show at the Junior Nationals • Grand Island, NE

CHIANINA CONNECTION

by Dustin Hurlbut, CEO, American Chianina Association

Reflecting on a Remarkable Year…Celebrating Achievements and Embracing the Future

As we enter a new year, it is the perfect moment to reflect on the Association’s accomplishments, the challenges we overcame, and the members who continues to drive our mission forward. The past year was filled with milestones that remind us of our collective resilience, passion, and commitment to excellence in cattle breeding.

We have witnessed significant growth in our membership, a testament to the enduring appeal and remarkable qualities of the Chianina breed. Our educational initiatives, youth programs and industry outreach have expanded, empowering both new and seasoned breeders to achieve more. The success of our annual events, from cattle shows to member outreach, has further strengthened the bonds within our membership and showcased the best of what the Chianina breed has to offer.

None of our achievements would be possible without the unwavering dedication of our members and supporters. Your enthusiasm and hard work are the foundation of our success and together we have promoted the Chianina breed, supported youth involvement and fostered innovation in breeding practices. The

friendships and collaboration flourished during the past year and we look forward to that continuing into this new year.

As we look toward the future of the American Chianina Association, we are excited to build on the momentum of the past year. We are committed to enhancing member services, expanding our educational offerings and increasing our presence in the cattle industry. Innovations in genetics, technology and sustainable practices will be at the forefront of the beef industry and we will work to ensure the Chianina breed continues to thrive for generations to come.

We invite all members, longtime supporters and newcomers alike, to join us in shaping the next chapter of our association. Your ideas, participation and passion are vital as we set goals for the coming year.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making 2025 so memorable. The American Chianina Association’s strength lies in its members, and we are grateful for your commitment and enthusiasm. Here’s to an even brighter and more successful year ahead!

Kelsey Evans – President

At Large Director • Kentucky 859.553.3059 • kelseyculpevans@gmail.com

Segayle Foster – Vice President

Southwest Region Director • Texas 806.445-2496 • segaylef@yahoo.com

Barb Garrett – Secretary/Treasurer

Northeast Region Director • Indiana 765.969.0921 • barb@barbgarrett.com

Jessica Cheesman

Northeast Region Director • Indiana 765.468.7405 • jessicalcheesman@gmail.com

Marna Higgins

Southeast Region Director • Tennessee 615.273.2656 • higgmarna@aol.com

Amelia Weaver

Southeast Region Director • Tennessee 615.636.3942 • ahiggins0807@gmail.com

Shawnda Foster

Southwest Region Director • Texas 806.652.2383 • shawndafoster@att.net

Bridget Schaefer

Northwest Region Director • North Dakota 701.725.4902

Kaylee Tracy

Northwest Region Director • Nebraska 308.660.7069 • kaylee@tracycattle.com

Becky Sheets

At Large Director • Indiana 765.714.1200 • rsheets462@aol.com

Sue Comer • Scholarship Chair Indiana • 765.969.8259

Royalty Coordinator

Kelsey Evans • 859.553.3059

LADIES AUXILIARY

Oh The Places You'll Go!

by Kathryn Naber, 2025-2026 National Queen

This past year, I have been serving as the 20252026 National American Chianina Queen. My journey was unexpected, but it all began when I attended my first Chianina & Maine-Anjou Junior National in Springfield, Missouri. This was my first time attending a junior national, and I had no idea what to expect. It's safe to say I ended up falling in love with the association, environment and the show cattle industry even more. Once the location for the 2025 Junior Nationals was released, I begged my dad to take us Nebraska kids to Louisville, Kentucky. With a lot of convincing, my dad caved, and the Nabers were heading to Kentucky. I had already decided I was running for Chianina Queen, and that was one of my selling points. I ran for queen because I wanted to get involved and learn more about the association. My family attended Junior Nationals, and I campaigned for queen through flyers and handing out treats. It was an absolute blast connecting and meeting new people of all ages. It was during the awards ceremony that I was announced as the 2025-2026 National American Chianina Queen this past summer.

Now, here I am more than halfway through my reign as your Queen and so blessed with the experience, friends and teammates I have met along the way. As Queen, I get to travel to many different places. My first stop was the American Royal, in Kansas City, Missouri. Then, I traveled to the NAILE in Louisville, Kentucky, and got to walk on the green shaving. After that I traveled to the Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. My last show will be in Grand Island, Nebraska, where I get to wear the crown and sash in the show ring for the final time in my home state.

This experience has not just been about the crown but also about meeting new people and experiencing new things. Throughout my duties, I have gotten the chance to connect with numerous people and got my foot in the door of the cattle industry, especially as someone whose family raised cattle for generations, but didn’t grow up exhibiting cattle. This has been an incredible experience getting to be a part of the Chianina Association. This has truly opened doors for me to continue my passion in the show cattle industry. I encourage every young lady thinking about applying to take the chance, be confident, get involved, and enjoy the journey. Take the family road trip to all these amazing places and take advantage of the opportunity. I will be ending my journey as Queen in my home state, Nebraska, but know this is only the beginning of my involvement with the Chianina breed. This has truly been a rewarding experience and has taken me places I didn't think I would ever go. I hope to see you in Grand Island, Nebraska, this summer.

Sincerely,

Your National American Chianina Queen

-Kathryn Naber

ASSOCIATION INFORMATION

AMERICAN CHIANINA ASSOCIATION STAFF

WWW.CHICATTLE.ORG PO BOX 890 PLATTE CITY, MO 64079 816.431.2808 816.431.5381 - FAX

Dustin Hurlbut Chief Executive Officer dustin@chicattle.org (605) 380-8052 - direct

Jennifer Roach Executive Director jennifer@chicattle.org

Stephanie Snook Registrar/Membership Coordinator stephanie@chicattle.org

Heather Counts Director of Shows & Activities ACJ Editor heather@chicattle.org (517) 214-0927 - direct

Rilee Wood Communications/Social Media Director rileehall@chicattle.org

2025 AMERICAN CHIANINA ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Neal Branscum – President

At Large • Kentucky Term expires 2027 606.872.5395 nealbrascum@hotmail.com

Jill Boddicker – Vice President Southeast Region • Georgia Term expires 2026 770.654.1510 jbcattleranch@gmail.com

Nate Tice – Secretary

At Large • Iowa Term expires 2027 717.926.0874 tice152@gmail.com

Colton Prescott – Treasurer Northeast Region • Indiana Term expires 2027 260.729.2713 crprescott92@yahoo.com

Donna Hildreth

At Large • Montana Term expires 2026 406.681.3111 grt3111@montana.com

Kurtis Klingaman At Large • Ohio Term expires 2028 269-366-6195 kkling10@gmail.com

Garrett Parsons At Large • Kansas Term expires 2028 832-651-3634 glparsons9@hotmail.com

Brandon Rock At Large • South Dakota Term expires 2028 605-685-8480 bjrock01@icloud.com

Jane Satree Southwest Region • Texas Term expires 2028 940-366-6050 satreeranch@yahoo.com

MaLaine Strope Northwest Region • Nebraska Term expires 2026 402.340.5241 stropehome@msn.com

Justin Tracy At Large • Nebraska Term expires 2026 308.962.4255 justin@tracycattle.com

Lucas Wisnefski At Large • Illinois Term expires 2027 309.883.3971 lwisnefski97@gmail.com

A WORD FROM THE BOARD

Bovine Pulmonary Hypertension Right-Heart Failure In Cattle: What we Know Now

by Donna Hildreth, At Large Director

Editor’s Note: This is a multi-part series written by ACA Board Member Donna Hildreth, based on her experiences and research on Bovine Pulmonary Hypertension. Bovine Pulmonary Hypertension is a genetic condition that affects cattle at high altitudes. While most beef producers do not operate in high-altitude regions, this is an important topic for the entire beef industry, as cattle are often moved to feedlots or other operations across the country where elevation can become a factor.

You may not experience this problem at home in your operation, but the truth is, most of your cattle will not stay home forever. As feedlots quantify right-heart failure (RHF) and bovine congestive heart failure (BCHF) more consistently, demand will grow for documented hearthealth in the genetics they buy. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is the pressure pathway that can drive this kind of failure. What has changed is not that PH exists, it is the fact that RHF and BCHF are now showing up in production settings at a scale that warrants attention.

Here are four numbers that deserve attention:

• on cattle across 15 feedlots, RHF incidence was reported to double from 2000 to 2008; and in 2012, 15 out of every 10,000 cattle entering U.S. feedlots were reported to die of RHF.

• Cattle treated for pneumonia were reported to have 2–3 times greater risk of developing RHF than cattle not treated.

• In severely affected pens, BCHF mortality has been described as reaching 7%, with annual losses described as exceeding $250,000 for a single operation.

• A University of Wyoming team reports a computer-vision heart-scoring model trained on nearly 7,000 images that scored 92% correctly on new images (Holt 1–5 heart score system).

The takeaway is straightforward: PH-driven failure is now a measurable risk in mainstream commercial production.

How PH progresses: rising resistance increases pulmonary pressure and strains the right heart

PH can be described as a mechanical sequence:

• Something reduces oxygen delivery and/or injures pulmonary circulation (hypoxia, respiratory disease, toxins, cold load, finishing-phase physiology, genetics).

• Pulmonary vessels constrict and/or remodel — resistance rises.

• Higher resistance drives higher pressure — pulmonary arterial pressure rises.

• Over time the right ventricle remodels and fails = RHF.

One reason this endpoint gets missed in the field is that RHF can look respiratory early. Classic descriptions note signs that mimic chronic pneumonia (labored breathing, reluctance to move), while more specific CHF clues include brisket/ventral swelling and jugular distension/pulsation later in the course.

Feedlot RHF is measurable and relevant on a commercial scale. The feedlot scale data matters because it is large enough to represent a real management category, not an anomaly: Again, in approximately 1.6 million cattle across 15 feedlots, RHF incidence was reported to double from 2000 to 2008, and 15 per 10,000 incoming feedlot cattle were reported to die of RHF in 2012.

This pattern is an actionable signal for management: cattle treated for pneumonia were reported to have 2–3 times

greater risk of developing RHF. This pattern supports a practical conclusion – respiratory prevention and early control are also RHF risk reducers. If respiratory history tracks with later RHF, then respiratory prevention and early control are also heartfailure prevention.

BCHF: late-cycle failure with major economic impact

Bovine Congestive Heart Failure (BCHF) has become a major focus because it often manifests late — when cattle are heavy, valuable and close to harvest. That timing changes the economics: late failure is not just death loss; it is sunk cost.

Industry-facing material describes that in severely affected pens, BCHF mortality can surge up to 7%, with annual losses described as exceeding $250,000 for a single operation. Regardless of whether a given yard sees that scale, the point stands: BCHF is now treated as a mainstream risk.

For seedstock and cow-calf producers, the most useful framing is not “which breed gets it,” but that susceptibility and resilience exist within every breed — meaning selection can move the needle if heart health is made visible.

“When we start to think about BCHF resilience and future breeding strategies as seedstock or cow-calf producers, it is important to highlight that BCHF appears in all breeds. And there’s variation of heart-healthy cattle across breeds. This means that there are cattle in every breed that are more heart healthy compared to the others. Producers can actively seek out and select those animals that are more resilient to BCHF to propagate herds,” said Kelsey Luebbe, PhD, Technical Services Genomics Livestock at Neogen.

A practical detail that matters here is phenotype definition. BCHF materials commonly reference a post-harvest heart score (Holt 1–5), with “Normal” often treated as HS 1–2 and “Case” as HS 3–5. That matters because it turns “heart failure” from an inconsistently recorded event into a phenotype that can be counted, compared and traced back.

The

clean biological bridge: what pressure does to the right

ventricle

A detailed review of every pathway is not required to understand why PH and BCHF belong in the same conversation. Pressure overload reshapes the right ventricle. A University of Wyoming release summarizes it plainly – as right-ventricular pressure increases, the heart becomes thick and misshapen, which increases PH severity and CHF risk.

That bridge is useful because it provides a shared readout across multiple causes of PH. The initiating stressors can differ between animals; once the right ventricle remodels, the risk of failure is elevated.

AI heart scoring: a new way to measure BCHF risk at scale

This is the newest development with real leverage: a University of Wyoming team has built a computer-vision model that assigns Tim Holt’s 1–5 heart score from a simple heart image. Developed by UW Ph.D. student Chase Markel, the model was trained on nearly 7,000 hand-scored processing-plant images collected in Nebraska and Colorado and scored 92% correctly on previously unseen images. A provisional patent was filed through the University of Wyoming in 2025, with intent to pursue full protection in 2026. The significance is speed and scale – heart scores can move from “noticed at harvest” to a standardized, countable outcome that can be tied back to genetics and management.

In practical terms, this moves heart scoring from a limited, manual process to something that can be standardized across large numbers of cattle.

Key takeaway points

This article provides a measurement and classification reset grounded in three evidence-backed realities:

• RHF is documented at scale in feedlots

• Pneumonia treatment history is associated with increased RHF risk.

• Outcome phenotyping is moving toward tools that can scale (AI heart scoring).

Getting ahead of BCHF requires industry alignment across seedstock, commercial cow-calf, feed yards and processors because prevention depends on consistent information flow across the chain. One practical note for ACA members: the American Chianina Association (ACA) offers the BCHF test to its members, supporting identification and selection of more heart-healthy cattle before losses occur.

Kirk Ramsey, DVM, MS, Professional Services Veterinarian at Neogen adds, “It is key that, as an industry, we work together to take proactive steps to mitigate and correct the risk of BCHF. Taking advantage of the genetic testing opportunities currently available will help get us one step closer to success.”

Part 2 preview – Part 2: High Altitude Pulmonary Hypertension (HAPH) and pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) testing.

AJCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2025-2026 AJCA Board of Directors

#prestigiousinpurple

Charlie Hazelrigg, President

At Large • Missouri • Term expires 2026 573.355.6686 • cjhazelrigg@gmail.com

Ellie Hert, Vice President

At Large • Texas • Term expires 2026 512.948.9122 • elliemaeh62@gmail.com

Mikayla McDonald, Secretary/Treasurer

Southeast Region • Georgia • Term expires 2026 478.235.7734 • mikaylamcdonald33@gmail.com

Remi Earnhart, Public Relations

At Large (NW) • Indiana • Term expires 2027 260.633.5188 • remijo08@gmail.com

Breck Boyce

Southwest Region • Texas • Term expires 2027 817.894.0608 • boycebroscattleco@icloud.com

Barrett Evans

At Large • Ohio • Term expires 2028 330.462.8282 • bearwevans@gmail.com

Peyton Heard

At Large • Georgia • Term expires 2028 478.997.1881 • pheard4807@gmail.com

Kaylee Jennings

Northeast Region • Ohio • Term expires 2028 513.203.9311 • kayleejennings531@gmail.com

McKenzie Klemkosky

At Large • Florida • Term expires 2027 813.598.9462 • mckenzie020905@gmail.com

Mika Malone

At Large • Kentucky • Term expires 2028 859.954.1968 • maloneshowstock@gmail.com

Casha Ray

At Large • Texas • Term expires 2027 254.459.8623 • damwray@yahoo.com

Quinn Whaley

At Large • Iowa • Term expires 2026 515.851.5985 • quinnwhaley24@gmail.com

You’ve seen the #prestigiouspurple blazers, but have you ever thought about wearing one? The 2026 AJCA Board of Directors applications are OPEN NOW. If serving on the junior board has ever crossed your mind, now’s the time to apply!

Positions open for election are the Southeast Region (MO, AR, LA, KY, TN, MS, FL, GA, AL, NC, SC, VA, WV) and 3 At-Large.

If you have any questions about serving on the board, reach out to any of the board members listed to the left. They would love to talk to you about their time on the board.

Sponsorship Guide

SPONSORSHIP LEVELS

DIAMOND —

$7,500+

· Premier recognition in the showring and in the official show program.

· Dedicated social media shout-outs (before and during show).

· Logo on AJMAA/AJCA Junior National web pages.

· Walton Webcasting ad featured all 3 show days. (Video option available)

· 3 full-page ads in both Maine-Anjou Voice & Chi Journal.

· E-mail blast campaign to exhibitors & memberships.

· 1-year digital banner ad package on Maine-Anjou & Chianina websites.

· VIP Parking Passes (2).

· Vendor space (10’x20’).

PLATINUM —

$5,000+

· Premier recognition in the showring and in the official show program.

· Dedicated social media shout-outs (before and during show).

· Logo on AJMAA/AJCA Junior National web pages.

· Walton Webcasting ad featured all 3 show days.

· 2 full-page ads in both Maine-Anjou Voice & Chi Journal.

· 1-year digital banner ad package on Maine-Anjou & Chianina websites.

· Vendor space (10’x10’).

GOLD —

$2,500+

· Recognition in show ring and in show program.

· Social media recognition (pre-show).

· Logo on AJMAA/AJCA Junior National web pages.

· Walton Webcasting ad featured all 3 show days.

· 1 full-page ad in both Maine-Anjou Voice & Chi Journal.

· Vendor space (10’x10’).

SPONSORSHIP LEVELS

SILVER —

$1,500+

· Logo on Friends of the Show banner.

· Logo on Walton Webcasting Friends of the Show ad.

· Social media recognition.

· Name listed in show program.

BRONZE —

$500+

· Name on Friends of the Show banner.

· Name listed in show program.

FRIEND OF THE SHOW — $499 & BELOW

· Name listed in show program.

INDIVIDUAL CONTEST SPONSORSHIPS

($500 EACH, 4 AGE DIVISIONS PER CONTEST)

· Public Speaking

· Salesmanship

· Photography

· Quiz Bowl

· Livestock Judging

· Videography

· Individual Sweepstakes FOR SPONSORSHIP INQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT AMERICAN JUNIOR MAINE-ANJOU & CHIANINA ASSOCIATIONS

Lindsey Broek, lindsey@amaapc.com or 605-351-6669 | Rylee Matheny, rylee@amaapc.com or 806-676-0098 Heather Counts, heather@chicattle.org or 517-214-0927 | Rilee Wood, rileehall@chicattle.org

Bulletin

2025-2026 All-American Shows Announced

The shows listed below have been designated as All-American Point Shows for the 2025-2026 show season. Points will be tallied from junior and open shows if applicable.

• National Junior Heifer Show

• Eastern Regional Junior Show

• Western Regional Junior Show

• State Fair shows open to all exhibitors

• World Beef Expo

• American Royal

• North American International Livestock Exposition

• Cattlemen’s Congress

• National Western Stock Show

• Ft. Worth Stock Show

• Tulsa State Fair

Proposed Bylaw Change

At the November 2025 meeting, the ACA Board of Directors began the process to amend the bylaws to allow for electronic voting for board member elections. Per ACA bylaws, all proposed changes must be printed in the ACJ for the membership to read before the second reading takes place.

Parsons moved and Prescott seconded to amend the bylaws as follows:

Rewording Section 4. Election of Directors

Strike existing language: An official ballot containing the names of candidates shall be mailed to each Regular member in good standing not less than thirty (30) days prior to the annual meeting. Each Regular member in good standing shall be entitled to vote for one Regional Director in the region in which the member resides and for all of the At large Directors. In order to be counted, a ballot must be actually received by the Association at the address designated on the ballot no later than the date stated on the ballot.

And replaced with new language:

An official ballot containing the names of candidates shall be made available to each regular member in good standing in such a manner as determined by the Board of Directors not less than thirty (30) days prior to the annual meeting. Each Regular member in good standing shall be entitled to vote for one Regional Director in the region in which the member resides and for all of the At large Directors. In order to be counted, a ballot/

vote must be actually received by the Association no later than the date stated on the ballot.

Add Section 4a:

In the event of a tie in any race, a re-vote will be conducted in a manner approved by the Board of Directors and acceptable to the candidates.

Motion passed. This serves as the first reading of the proposed bylaw change.

NEW – Open Chi-Composite Female Shows Added to National Shows

The Board of Directors voted at their April meeting to add an open Chi-Composite Female show to all national shows, starting with the 2025-2026 show season. The following shows will hold an open Chi-Composite Female show effective immediately.

• American Royal

• Cattlemen’s Congress

• National Western Stock Show (females will show with Chianina females - identical to junior show)

* Note: There will NOT be an open Chi-Composite show in Louisville at the North American this year, as the advisory board will discuss this at their 2026 meeting. We anticipate the addition of this show in 2026.

New Members Elected to ACA Board of Directors

Four new board members were elected to 3 year terms on the Board of Directors in October. Kurtis Klingaman, Garrett Parsons and Brandon Rock were elected as At-Large Directors. Jane Satree was elected to represent the Southwest Region. The four directors started their terms after the Annual Meeting in Louisville in November.

National Show Membership Requirements

All exhibitors at a junior or open national level show must be an active member of the ACA or AJCA in order to exhibit. Junior members exhibiting at any national shows must be the sole owner of the animal unless the animal is owned in a sibling membership account.

Bulletin

DNA & Genetic Testing Requirements

All sires intended for use with artificial insemination (A.I.) must be blood typed or DNA tested before semen is distributed.

A. DNA Testing on AI Sires and Donor Females

1. All AI sires and donor dams must be DNA parent verified before calves will be registered.

2. All ACA registered AI sires will be required to be tested for genetic abnormalities recognized as monitor status by the ACA based on breed make up before calves will be registered in herds outside that of the current owner, unless they are Expected Free by Pedigree. If the AI Sire is not a registered ACA sire but is registered with another association, the sire’s status for breed relevant genetic abnormalities must be known per their breed makeup. If AI sire is “commercial”, it must be tested for all genetic abnormalities the ACA monitors.

3. Embryo donor dams currently registered in the ACA herd book will only be required to be tested for genetic abnormalities of which they have been identified as being a suspect. Donor dams registered with another association must meet those association’s requirements. Unregistered (Commercial) donor dams must be tested for all genetic abnormalities regardless of breed makeup.

B. All embryo donor cows must be blood typed or DNA tested.

When parentage is questioned, blood typing or DNA testing will be required and the questioning party shall bear all the cost. For blood typing or DNA testing materials you must contact the ACA office for instructions or referral to a laboratory approved by the ACA.

C. DNA on All Herd Sires

1. ALL AI ACA registered bulls born after January 1, 2017 must be DNA parent verified before their progeny can be registered.

For questions on DNA, please contact the office at 816-431-2808. Jennifer or Stephanie will be happy to assist you.

Pay Balance Due in Timely Manner

Members are reminded to pay balances due prior to logging off of DigitalBeef after processing registrations/transfers or updating memberships. Please note, registration papers will not mail if a balance is due and memberships are set back to inactive status if

balance is not paid before logging out. You may still pay balances by check, but please contact to office to let us know if you will be paying that way.

Reminders of balance due are sent weekly from the DigitalBeef system until the balance is paid.

Keep Contact Info Current to Receive Important ACA Correspondence

The ACA utilizes various ways to contact our members, but your information must be accurate in order to receive the most up to date info. Please confirm your information on your DigitalBeef account periodically. We ask that all members include an email address on your membership as this is one of the best ways for us to disseminate information to our membership quickly.

If you have questions or need assistance in updating your information, please contact the office.

Submit Upcoming Sales & Events

Do you have an upcoming sale or event that needs to be listed on the ACA upcoming events? Send this info to at heather@ chicattle.org and we will add it to our upcoming events listing in the ACJ as well as on the website. This is a free service to our members. Don’t miss out.

Photos Needed for Breed Promotion

The ACA is in need of current photos to use for breed promotion throughout various publications, brochures and other media. While you are out in your pastures, take some photos of your cattle and email to Heather at heather@chicattle.org. We need photos of bulls, females, calves, herds, feedlot photos, kids working with their calves and more. The options are endless. Thanks for your assistance is helping us promote this breed we all love.

Update Membership by April 15 to be Included in Herd Reference Issue Membership Directory

The annual Herd Reference issue of the ACJ contains the annual membership directory. In order for adult members to be included, your membership must be active and current as of April 15, 2026. Please ensure your membership dues are paid and your contact information is up to date.

If you are unsure, please contact the office and they will assist you in ensuring your membership dues are current.

Clarahan Named ICA Producer of the Year

AMES, Iowa – Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA), the leading grassroots organization supporting Iowa’s beef cattle industry, named the 2025 Producer of the Year at their annual convention in mid-December. It is with great pleasure that they announce Dennis Clarahan from Keokuk County as the 2025 Producer of the Year.

Dennis Clarahan is the fifth-generation of Clarahans to raise cattle in Keokuk County. Clarahan Farms is located in Harper, Iowa, and run by Dennis and his wife, Sheryl, along with their two sons, Ryan and Neil. The operation consists of both cattle and crops. Clarahan Farms earned its Century Farm title in 2023.

Dennis’s family shared that he got his start like most rural children, showing cattle in 4-H and FFA. Dennis has fed cattle since he was seven years old, proudly telling anyone who will listen that he has been in the business for over 60 years.

The cattle operation is very focused on carcass quality, as apparent by Dennis’s dedication and participation in the ICA annual Carcass Challenge. Starting with an Angus cow base, they use Chianina genetics on the bull side, which has led to high-yielding, high-quality carcass characteristics.

In the application, his family shared that Dennis’s herd has shown continuous improvement over the last several decades in key performance indicators, thanks to sustained selection pressure, careful management, and data-driven decision-making.

These improvements have contributed directly to an increase in the total pounds of beef produced per acre for the operation. By tracking individual performance, monitoring herd health, and maintaining detailed enterprise records, Clarahan Farms has been able to identify strengths, address weaknesses, and continue building a more productive and efficient cow herd.

Dennis is a leader – not only within the operation, but within the industry and his community. Dennis served two terms as a district director on the ICA board. He also served two terms with the American Chianina Association. He has hosted several tours of the farm as well as freeze branding clinics for local 4-H clubs. Dennis was recognized as the 2024 Commercial Cattlemen of the Year through the American Chianina Association. Last year, he and Sheryl were also recognized for being 40-year members

of that association, too.

The ICA Producer of the Year nomination is meaningful as it must come from another ICA producer member. This year, Bob Noble submitted the nomination and worked with Ryan Clarahan to complete the official nomination form.

Some words shared to describe Dennis are that he is noted for quality bulls and hospitality at his sales. Bob shared that he has quite the operation and welcomes you right in. Other board members recognize him as a friendly face. In the nomination form, his family said that Dennis has instilled a love of cattle in his sons and all seven of his grandchildren.

At the Iowa Cattle Industry Convention in December, his granddaughter Reagan shared a few words and spoke to his dedication to their family farm. Words like consistency, integrity, doing things the right way, and commitment were used.

In Reagan’s words, “Beyond the cattle and the land, my grandpa has also been a teacher and a role model. He has taught our family the value of hard work, perseverance, and how to take pride in what you do. He leads by example, showing us that success isn’t just measured by awards, but by the legacy you leave behind and the people you impact along the way. Grandpa, we are incredibly proud of you. Thank you for everything you’ve taught us, for the lessons you may not even realize you’ve given, and for showing us what it truly means to be a producer.”

2025 Show Results

American Royal

Junior Chianina Females

Grand Champion

Chianina Female

JSUL Who Dat 4148M ET

Sire: Colburn Primo 5153

Dam: SSUL Who Dat Darling

Exhibited by Bret Pembrook, Fairview, OK

Bred by Sara Sullivan, Dunlap, IA

Reserve Champion

Chianina Female

TSSC TLLC Paris Hilton Who ET

Sire: Colburn Primo 5153

Dam: JSUL Who’d Playing 6973D ET

Exhibited by Breckyn Bloomberg, Secor, IL

Bred by Schaeffer Show Cattle, Hagerstown, IN

American Royal Junior Chianina Divisions

No Photo No Photo

Senior Heifer Calf Champion

PCC DKBF Dat Girl 46M ET Exhibited by Cambria Cook, Clovis, CA

Late Spring Yearling Reserve

JSUL Wildcat ET Exhibited by Jemma Dorsey, Moro, IL

Senior Heifer Calf Reserve

TFRK Pistol Annie 405K Exhibited by Kya Rhodes, Ada, OK

Early Spring Yearling Champion

JSUL Who Dat 4148M ET Exhibited by Bret Pembrook, Fairview, OK

Late Spring Yearling Champion

TSSC TLLC Paris Hilton Who ET Exhibited by Breckyn Bloomberg, Secor, IL

American Royal