Asheville perfect setting for N.C. field day
Our crew gets to go to some pretty cool places, see lots of high-quality cattle and meet some great people. Even so, Mark felt like he hit the jackpot with his weekend trip to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C., for the 2012 North Carolina Angus Association Field Day.
“In my opinion,” Mark says, “Asheville is one of the prettiest spots on the planet! For anyone who has never visited, you need to go.”
(Make a note to yourself: Add Asheville, N.C., to must-see list. Mark says.)
But back to the event.
Ted Katsigianis, vice president of agricultural and environmental sciences for the Biltmore Estate, organized the affair, which brought together more than 125 Angus enthusiasts from the Southeast, a roster of speakers — including Mark — to cover current industry topics and great cattle from the Biltmore program.
The herd, which consists of several hundred registered Angus cattle bred to thrive in their environment and on a Southeast forage base, is quality- and efficiency-driven.
“Interestingly, Ted has recently used the GeneMax™ test on his steer calves to determine those with the highest marbling and gain potential,” Mark says.
The Biltmore farm finishes out those highest potential steers at their feedlot and that meat will be used by the foodservice team of the Biltmore properties.
The program kicked off with a joint presentation by Mark and Tonya Amen of Angus Genetics Inc. The duo gave an overview on the use of genomics and then introduced GeneMax™.
American Angus Association (AAA) Past President Joe Hampton was also on the program, sharing insight from his time on the board. AAA Regional Manager David Gazda provided association updates, too.
“All in all, a great turnout, wonderful hospitality, really good Angus cattle and a very educational field day,” Mark says.
Congratulations to Ted and his crew for pulling together such a successful event!
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