I am sorry to see Nick go as well, as I felt he brought a different opinion to the table. Nick and Ron stopped in here a few years ago while they were on a whirlwind tour of Western Canada ( why they did this, I was never real sure).Nick is supposed to judge the Shorts at Canadian Western Agribition in November ( Canada's biggest show). But let's remember, that no one is ever irreplacible, and life will continue. In some ways, I think it is easy to rely on breed association employees to develop markets. If anything they are no more than resource people for breeders. If you feel that you want to develop more commercial acceptance for your breed, you really have to do 90% of the work yourself. It is not an easy road and it doesn't happen over night. You start by trying to breed cattle that might interest commercial people in your area. You try to breed cattle that are as good and hopefully better than some other breeds near you that are popular. If you don't have a product, why would any commercial breeder ever consider your cattle or your breed. Nick or Ron, or no one else can do this from their desk in Omaha. It is up to you.
It doesn't help sometimes to just complain about the way things are run, as you get labeled as an unreasonable person. Yes, you make it plain what your opinions are but don't dwell on it forever. Actions speak better than words, so if you are convinced you are right, breed some cattle that will prove you right.