South Carolina Juniors Show in June

In June the Angus will be busting out all over the Cattle Barn Complex at the T. Ed Garrison Arena. The South Carolina Juniors will be beginning their first show for the season on Saturday, June 2nd.

The first show always begins with a bang because the Angus have not been worked with very long and are feeling their oats. Ted Bourne has arranged for the complex to be open on Friday, June 1st for the early arrivals. The show will begin on Saturday at 9:00 with showmanship classes first. The classes will follow in this order: cow/calf, bred and owned bulls, heifers, bred and owned heifers. Food will be available at the concession stand. The junior advisors are Lydia Yon, Jesse Adkins, and Ted Bourne. Contact them for further information.

March came busting in with the March 3rd SC Cattlemen’s Annual meeting and then the Angus Outreach Seminar on Friday, March 16th. The American Angus Association sent Mr. Jim Shirley from St. Joseph, Mo. and David Gazda, the regional representative of AAA. They used a Power Point presentation to inform the group of Angus breeders about the advances in the Angus industry. Discussion and questions followed.

SCAA Officers Announced

Then the Angus group rushed to the 36th Carolina Angus Futurity meeting and banquet at the Ramada Inn.The new SCAA officers were announced and introduced: president, Steve McPhail; vice-president, Lewis Smith; secretary, Windy Bartee; treasurer, Mike Johnson. The newly elected directors are Neil McPhail and Frankie Mullikin.

The annual meeting and banquet on Friday night provided the setting to honor many prominent members of the SC Angus Association from both the past and the present.

36th Carolina Angus Futurity Dedicated to Dan Warner

The big blast was the 36th Carolina Angus Futurity on March 16-17th. Friday night before the sale the South Carolina Angus Association held their annual meeting and banquet. The event was dedicated in honor of Dan Warner. Daniel K. Warner of Greenwood, SC has been involved in the cattle business all his life. He has been an important and faithful member of the SC Angus Association. The Warner cattle operation focuses on selling for consumption and raising bulls and heifers for herd replacement. Dan fed out steers for processing to private individuals for 25 years.

Kindness and willingness to help the area youth has been acknowledged as part of Dan’s character by many. He is always willing to sell a very competitive show heifer and will allow the youth to select the “best” of his herd. He has very accurate records and will give you his advice about the heifer selection. Needless to say, he usually selects a winner.

The South Carolina Angus Association is proud to have dedicated the Carolina Angus Futurity to Dan Warner for his leadership and support of the Angus industry as well as many other areas of the agricultural community.

SC Angus Hall of Fame Launched with Four Founders

The charter members of the SC Angus Hall of Fame were announced at the SCAA annual meeting. These are the pioneers for the Angus Association and the Junior Angus Associations in South Carolina. Many of the family members of those named were present as SCAA President Walter Shealy reviewed their contributions and presented the families a plaque. A permanent plaque will reside at the Angus Hall of Fame in Smithville, Missouri. In the future, others names will be added. A short biographical description of each charter member follows.

W.H. McPhail, Angus Pioneer in SC

A quote from a document that qualified the McPhail Angus Farm as a historic farm reports concerning W. H. McPhail:

He began experimenting with winter pasture in 1939, just three years after establishing the first registered Angus herd in South Carolina. He not only believed in the quality of Angus cattle but he believed that fescue “would bring about great changes in our agricultural economy” and ultimately used fescue seed as a cash crop on his own farm, growing and harvesting the seed to maintain his own pastures and to sell to other farmers in the area as well as to established seed companies such as Pennington Seed of Madison, GA (est. 1945) and Sawan Seed of Pelham, GA. (sold out in the late 1980’s). The March 6, 1967 issue of The Anderson Independent included an article about WH McPhail that states that he has the oldest herd of Aberdeen Angus in the state, that he helped write the by-laws for the South Carolina Angus Association and that he held office in the organization since it was begun. The WH McPhail family won numerous awards in the early 50’s for their success in farming and four McPhail children received at least part, and in some cases all, of their college education funding from the sale of Angus cattle.”

United States Department of the Interior National Park Service, NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES CONTINUATION SHEET, Section 8, p.15.

W. H. McPhail has left a great legacy for SC with his Angus herd’s beginnings. Tokeena Angus was named to the National Register of Historic Places in March 2007. The American Angus Association named the Tokeena herd as an historic Angus herd last year. The Neil McPhail Family continues to operate Tokeena Angus. Steve McPhail, Steve McPhail II, and Mike and Kelly Ryan along with their familes operate Stillwater Angus in Seneca, SC. Steve McPhail is the new president of the SC Angus Association. Neil McPhail is a newly elected director of the SCAA. The Angus tradition continues in the McPhail family.

Ernie Craig Led in Founding SC Junior Angus and Carolina Futurity

Ernie Craig was born in Oklahoma. He moved to Landrum, SC, in the late 1950’s to take over the management of Caroland Angus Farm. He built Caroland into a top breeding program. Under Ernie’s management Caroland consistently had one of the top show strings in the East. His showmanship skills and marketing prowess became legendary in this part of the country, as did his efforts to help young and new breeders.

After Caroland was sold to White Hall in Virginia in 1966, Ernie, his wife and four children moved to Newberry, SC to manage Kenwood. In the summer of 1968 Kenwood hosted the South Carolina Field Day. It was at this event that Ernie helped lead the efforts to start the SC Junior Angus Association. His work with the juniors and support for their shows was a lifelong trademark. Kenwood was subsequently dispersed in 1969.

Ernie then began a new chapter in his career as a sales manager. His big friendly smile and laughter were tailor-made for this transition. Over the next decade he managed many sales, including those at CM Angus and the South Carolina Futurity, until his retirement to Georgia.

Affectionately known as the big redhead, Ernie Craig left an indelible imprint for over three decades on the South Carolina Angus industry.

Evelyn Edmunds Influences the SC Angus Youth and the SCAA

Evelyn Edmunds, owner of Circle E Farm in Clover, SC, became an Angus breeder in 1968 when 15 head of Angus were purchased as a follow-up to the children's earlier showing of steers. Evelyn joined the SC Angus Association and became a very active member, serving as Director, Secretary and Voting Delegate to the North American Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Kentucky for many years. As a SC Angus Association member, Evelyn helped plan meetings, Field Days, and Futurities, increase membership, and promote Angus cattle and beef throughout the Southeast.

Evelyn helped in the formation of the SC Jr. Angus Assoc. in 1968 and was one of theJunior Advisors for many years. Her three oldest children were charter members of the SCJAA. Evelyn accompanied the Juniors on many trips to Regional and National shows and helped present SC cattle and youth at their best. All six of the Edmunds children showed Circle E Farm Angus cattle in the 70's and 80's throughout the United States as members of the SC Junior Angus Association. Two of Evelyn's grandchildren, John Wesley and Elizabeth Edmunds, continue showing today. Her oldest granddaughter, Wesley Campbell, is a freshman Veterinary Science student at the University of Georgia and credits Evelyn's influence on her decision.Evelyn has always been willing to share her knowledge of cattle and farming, especially with youth. In 1984, she was honored as the National Junior Angus Association Junior Advisor of the Year.

Evelyn joined the American Angus Auxiliary in 1980 and served on the Scholarship Committee and as Membership Chairman. Several SC Juniors have been Auxiliary Scholarship winners and credit Evelyn for helping them achieve that honor.Evelyn continues to participate in Auxiliary activities.

In 1986, Evelyn Edmunds was honored by the SC Angus Association as the first recipient of the dedication of the Carolina Angus Futurity. This was to be given to one who had contributed to the success of the organization and the Angus breed.At this point, Evelyn had served the SCAA 17 years as its Secretary. She was presented a specially designed Gist belt buckle as the honoree at the Futurity banquet.

Pedigrees and production/performance recordshave always beenan important part of the Circle E Farm breeding program. In the early 80's, artificial insemination became a significant element of the program with Evelyn doing the breeding herself. Evelyn is very knowledgeable of bloodlines andrequires her cattle to meetstrict criteria. Young bulls have been tested in the SC Edisto Bull Test Station. Cattle have been consigned to sales in SC, NC, and GA. Customers also purchase cattle directly off the farm. Evelyn can ride through her pastures and tell you the background on every cow andcalf she owns. She can advise farmers and producers as to what will best fit their program and stays in touch with most buyers.

Evelyn was a York County 4-H Leader while her children were active in 4-H. She is a member of both the York Co. andthe SC Cattlemen's Associations and was Treasurer and the first woman Director of the latter. She was chosen as an Honorary Member of the Clemson University Block and Bridle Club in 1981. Evelynserveson both the York County and the SC Farm Bureaus and is a member of the State Board of Directors.She is a member of both the York County and the SC Soil and Water Commission and isa District Conservation Commissioner. Evelynalsoserves on the Clover Medical Commission andis an activemember of Clover Presbyterian Church. In honor of Evelyn's birthdayNovember 13, 1998 was declared “EVELYN EDMUNDS' DAY” by State Representative HerbKirsh.

In addition to the Angus cattle, Circle E Farm also produces 500,000 turkeys annually. This combination works well together because the turkey litter supplies the fertilizer for the pastures.

Because of Evelyn's work ethic, determination, and strength of character, she has made Circle E Farmproductive and successful. She put six children through college, influenced numerous SC youth, and bred and raised superior Angus cattle for purebred and commercial farms throughout the Southeast.

Evelyn, your children and grandchildren send their love, best wishes and congratulations to a very special and deserving mother and "Andmama."

Dell Owens Sponsored the SC Junior Angus Association

“He never met a stranger”. These words have often been used to describe Dell Owens. His outgoing, charismatic personality made him someone that others were drawn to and wanted to be around. Dell’s love of life was very evident to those around him, and his robust laugh could always make others smile. In 1966, Dell and his family bought a farm in Gray Court, S.C. Bunnydale Angus Farm was born, and the herd had now grown to approximately 50 Angus cows. Dell resigned from Hunt Foods and decided that raising Black Angus Cattle would be his permanent, full-time job.

Moving to Clinton, S.C. in 1968, Dell partnered with and managed C/M Angus Farm. Dale built C/M into one of the top herds in South Carolina. He brought the first Erdmann Revolution bloodline from South Dakota into the state. During this time Dell worked with Ernie Craig and Evelyn Edmunds to help establish the SC Junior Angus Association. He and Bunny acted as co-sponsors for the association during its formative years until his untimely death in 1973 at age 39. His wife Bunny, four children, Mike, Beth, Scott, and Brad, and grandchildren Morgan, Mallory, Michael, Amanda, and Austin survive him.

During the Owens family’s years of raising Black Angus, many special friendships and bonds were made. Dell’s passion for and commitment to “raising the bar” for the Angus breed was certainly evidenced by the number of lives that he touched.

Top Index Bulls from the Bull Tests

In addition to these honorees, the owners of the top testing bulls from the South Carolina bull tests were honored. Dr. Larry Olson as director of the bull tests presented each with a plaque.

On October 14, 2006, at the Edisto Bull Test and Sale, Black Crest of Sumter, SC owned by Billy and Lee McLeod had the high index Angus bull. At the Clemson Bull Test and Sale on February 3, 2007 Riverhill Farms owned by Dr. Rodger and Stephanie Clark had the high index senior bull. Chuck Trax of Trax Angus owned the top index junior bull.

36th Carolina Angus Futurity Sale

On Saturday the Carolina Futurity Sale brought the Angus lovers together to buy and sell. Mike Jones was the auctioneer. Jeremy Haag represented the Angus Hall of Fame as the sales manager. Ted Bourne was chairman of the sale. Stephanie Clark chaired the Silent Auction to benefit the SCJAA. This year they earned $3,100.

The official sale results from the www.angus.org web site are as follows:

Top Open Heifer: Lot 1–Double B Lucy, 12-18-06 female by SAV 8180 Traveler 004. From Double B Farms, Bamburg, SC. To Callaway Farms, Rayle, GA, and Coleman Angus, Charlo, MT, for $15,750.

Top Bred Heifer: Lot 29 – Deercreek Tiffany C3, 3-31-05 female by Bon View New Design 208. Bred to GAR Solution. From Deer Creek Angus Farm LLC, Chesnee, SC. To Appalachee Angus, Blairsville, GA, for $4,200.

Lot 23 – Cox's Beverly 154, 9-21-05 female by G A R 65R Authority. Bred to Mytty in Focus. From Cox Angus Farm, Pelzer, SC. To Misty Oaks Angus, Simpsonville, SC, for $3,500.

Lot 24 – Stillwater Miss Rita R14, 9-18-05 female by Boyd New Day 8005. Bred to GAR Retail Product. From Stillwater Cattle Co, Seneca, SC. To Larry Black, Honea Path, SC, for $2,500.

Lot 12 – DB Sitz Alliance 5B84, 11-15-05 female by Sitz Alliance 6595. Bred to Bon View New Design 1407. From Oak Hill Farm, Six Mile, SC. To Appalachee Angus, Blairsville, GA, for $2,200.

Top Fall Pair: Lot 34/34A–Alexis Bess 230, 9-26-03 female by Bon View New Design 1407. Bred to Sitz Alliance 6595. From Alexander Angus Farm, Six Mile, SC. To Appalachee Angus, Blairsville, GA, for $3,100. Has a 9-25-06 heifer calf Alexis Bess 263 by Hyline Right Time 338.

Lot 33/33A – Gillispie 1407 Entense, 10-6-03 female by Bon View New Design 1407. Bred to GAR Predestined. From Gillispie Angus Farm, Dobson, NC. To Wayne Thompson, Woodruff, SC, for $2,850. Has a 10-3-06 heifer calf by SAV 8180 Traveler 004.

Lot 38/38A – YON Burgess M121, 12-5-01 female by B/R New Design 036. Bred to SS Objective T510 0T26. From Yon Family Farm, Ridge Spring, SC. To Woody Moore, Taylors, SC, for $2,800. Has a 10-24-06 heifer calf by Morgans Direction 111.

Top Fall Pair: Lot 37/37A–YON Burgess N26, 9-26-02 female by Bon View New Design 1407. Bred to BC Marathon. From Yon Family Farms, Ridge Spring, SC. To David Black, Honea Path, SC, for $2,800. Has a 11-17-06 heifer calf by Woodhill Foresight.

Lots	Gross	Average
43 Total Registered Live Lots	$97,050.00	$2,257.00
43 Reported Sale Total	$97,050.00	$2,257.00

Thank you to the American Angus Association, Dale Wilson, Gwen McPhail, Walter Shealy, the Dell Owens family, Evelyn Edmunds and the Edmunds family, who have been contributors to this article. If you have news for the SCAA, please send to Windy Bartee.

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