Jan. 21, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information contact:

Kelli Armbruster, 816-383-5175 or karmbruster@angusfoundation.org

Kiamichi Link Ranch Purchases 2010 Angus Foundation Heifer Package

L. Tucker and Vickie Link, owners of Kiamichi Link Ranch of Antlers, Okla., bid $75,000 on Jan. 14 to purchase the 2010 Angus Foundation Heifer Package, donated by Jeff Ward and Duncan Smith owners of Sinclair Cattle Co., Warfordsburg, Pa. More than $1.4 million has been raised from this Angus Foundation fundraising activity since its inception in 1980.

The heifer package was auctioned during the National Western Stock Show (NWSS) in Denver, Colo., with all proceeds benefiting the Angus Foundation, the not-for-profit affiliate of the American Angus Association^® that funds and supports programs involving education, youth and research in the Angus breed and agricultural industry. David and Mary Ann McMahon of Belle Point Ranch, Fort Smith, Ark., were the contending bidders.

Sinclair K Bty 8R102 E118 was chosen to represent the Sinclair program and is a daughter of the famed RR Rito 707. Added to this year’s package was the pick of the 2010 Sinclair Cattle Co. natural born heifer crop.

In addition to the heifer package, Kiamichi Link Ranch will receive 30 days of free insurance from American Live Stock Insurance Co., Geneva, Ill.; free transportation to the buyer’s ranch provided by Lathrop Livestock Transportation, Dundee, Ill.; and an Advanced Reproductive Technology Package from Trans Ova Genetics, Sioux Center, Iowa.

“We are honored by the generosity shown by both Sinclair Cattle Company and Kiamichi Link Ranch in the donation and purchase of this outstanding female package,” said Milford Jenkins, Angus Foundation president. “We are humbled by their charitable and unselfish endorsement of the importance of raising funds for education, youth and research for the benefit of the Angus breed. One can only be inspired by the generosity of these Angus breeders.”

“I’d also like to extend a special thank you to American Live Stock Insurance, Lathrop Livestock Transportation and Trans Ova Genetics for the generous contributions they made to the successful sale of this year’s heifer package.”

Funds generated by the sale of the heifer package will help advance the Angus Foundation’s first capital campaign, Vision of Value: Campaign for Angus, which aims to raise $11 million by Dec. 31, 2011, to further support the Foundation’s education, youth and research efforts. To date, more than $6 million has been committed to the campaign through outright cash gifts, pledges and planned giving commitments.

 For more information about the Angus Foundation, the sale of the heifer package or the campaign, contact Jenkins at (816) 383-5100 or mjenkins@angusfoundation.org.

###