Celebrating National Beef Month: Meet Andy Anderson

By Jenny Hanson, CRI

Beef cattle production is a strong part of the agricultural industry within the U.S. and throughout the world. From farmers and ranchers to processors, thousands of people play an integral role in the journey of beef from field to market. Also among those thousands of people are your Genex beef representatives. As we celebrate National Beef Month here on our blog as well as on Facebook and Twitter, I’d like to introduce you to several of our beef staff members. Today, let’s meet Andy Anderson of Emmett, Idaho.

Andy, what’s your background in the beef industry? I’ve been breeding cows for about 35 years. I got involved with the beef program at another A.I. stud in 1999 and came to Genex with the acquisition of that program in 2003. I worked as a Genex area beef representative (now called independent contractor) until 2006 and then came on board full time as a beef team leader. Today, I work with Genex independent contractors throughout Idaho, Utah and Nevada, supporting them as they serve Genex members and customers. I also organize teams for large breeding projects.

What would you tell someone considering Genex genetics and chute-side service? I feel we have the best beef lineup of the A.I. studs. We also have some of the best beef teams in the industry. We have people that know cattle both from the science sense and the cow sense. We have a variety of bulls with good, balanced numbers. Even more, our team members not only sell semen but can go in and breed cows. We provide chute-side service not only in small herds but also in large ones, breeding anywhere from 300 to 1,000 head or more. We also have the logistics – breeding barns and such – to get those breeding projects done efficiently.

Who’s your favorite Genex sire and why? Personally, my favorite bull would be 1AN01117 Connealy THUNDER, though with slow production he isn’t as readily available this year. I like Thunder because he works in so many different types of environments and in so many different herds. He sires cattle that are easy fleshing with great udders, good disposition and adequate growth. Mainly, he produces functional cattle.

Why are you ag proud? I am ag proud because I love working with cows and with other people who love their cows. Beef producers really care about the welfare of their cattle, and they always strive to improve their herd through each generation. Also, they always strive to best serve the end user, the consumer. The beef industry is a good industry to be involved in - with some of the best people in the world!

Thanks for joining Genex in celebrating National Beef Month. Watch for more beef facts, contests and features on our social media channels throughout the month!