Tena Martin, American Hereford Association (AHA) records supervisor, joined the records department team in 2008. She presides over the eight women responsible for customer service at the AHA office in Kansas City, Mo. The records department team provides producers with assistance in navigating the MyHerd.org online system and they answer questions regarding the Whole Herd TPR® system on a daily basis. Martin is the reason the records department is ran smoothly and efficiently.

When did you first start at the AHA?

I came to the American Hereford Association in April of 2008.

DID YOU GROW UP IN THE AGricultural INDUSTRY?

I did not grow up in the agricultural industry, but I have worked in the industry for close to 20 years and couldn’t imagine working in any other industry.  Since coming to the AHA I have learned so much about the Hereford breed and the breeders themselves. I have enjoyed getting to know everyone in this segment of the beef cattle industry.

What is a normal day in the office like?

A typical day starts with the quick hello amongst the ladies and preparing for the day ahead of us. The records department as a whole is made up of great group of girls who are committed to the association, and I am honored to be working with them.  They all know what to expect and are prepared for any situation.

We enjoy talking to the members and helping them work through their problems or questions. It’s great because we get to know them, we feel connected to them and their operations.  This makes for a good, working relationship that we all appreciate.

What do you enjoy most about working at the aha?

You don’t get lost in the shuffle here at the AHA. It’s down to earth, family oriented and a very personal association. We build relationships with the producers as well as our coworkers. Working here has been a great experience because we have a great records team as well as a knowledgeable staff and leadership. Everyone here is energetic about promoting and advancing Hereford cattle, which makes for a great work atmosphere.

Do you have a favorite memory from your time at the AHA?

It’s been really fun working here the last nine years, but it has definitely changed in those nine years. It’s been a great experience to watch the growth of breed and the technology is always evolving. Learning about new technologies and practices over the years and helping introduce them to the women in the department has been very exciting and rewarding.