Friedt makes move to mountain region

A familiar face, Aaron Friedt, Mott, N.D., was recently named the AHA’s mountain region field representative. His new territory covers Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming, along with central and western Canada. Friedt previously served the north central region — the states of Minnesota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas — for more than two years.

“A familiar face indeed, Aaron will be an invaluable asset as he transitions to the mountain region,” says Kane Aegerter, AHA director of seedstock marketing. “His dedication to the breed and strong work ethic have been tremendous in the north central region, and we are confident he will continue to build on that success in the mountain region”

Friedt graduated from the Western College of Auctioneering in 2016 and has deep roots in the Hereford breed. He will continue to represent Association members in his region and assist with AHA activities and services, serving as a resource for Hereford breeders and commercial users of Hereford genetics while building industry-wide relationships.

“I am excited to continue my journey with the Hereford breed,” Friedt says. “There is no doubt I will miss a lot of the friends I have made in Kansas, Nebraska and Minnesota, but I’m still a phone call away and glad to help answer any questions about the herds in my new territory. I look forward to working with the breeders in the mountain region.”

Friedt officially begins his duties in his new region Sept. 15. He can be contacted at 701-590-9567 or at afriedt@hereford.org.

Brandt tapped for central region

Iowa native Austin Brandt started with the AHA as central region field representative Sept. 9. His territory includes Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri and Nebraska.

Brandt will represent AHA members in the region, attending Hereford sales and events and working to broaden relationships across the industry. He will also help Hereford breeders and commercial users of Hereford genetics utilize AHA promotional and marketing programs.

In addition to part of the north central region — Kansas, Minnesota and Nebraska — Brandt takes over Iowa and Missouri for Joe Rickabaugh, who retired in January of this year.

“We are thrilled to welcome Austin to the AHA,” Aegerter says. “His background and expertise in the livestock marketing industry will ensure a smooth transition into this role. We are confident he will serve the central region with the highest level of dedication and professionalism.”

Brandt grew up showing cattle across the country and served on the National Junior Angus Association board. He’s been involved in livestock marketing for almost 15 years, working for Livestock Plus for nearly a decade before taking over Lee AgriMedia/Midwest Marketer. Brandt contributes much of his knowledge to invaluable mentors and connections. He was born and raised in Corning, Iowa, and currently resides there with his family.

“I am very excited to be joining the staff at AHA and to continue the long-standing tradition of top-quality service to its members and customers. The entire AHA membership has dedicated themselves to delivering the best possible product they can for their customers, and I intend to do the same for them,” Brandt says. “I know I have some big shoes to fill in Iowa and Missouri, taking over for Joe, but I am ready to get after it.”

Brandt can be contacted at 712-621-1829 or at abrandt@hereford.org.

Pruett selected to serve eastern region

Peyton Pruett, Bradford, Tenn., joins the AHA as eastern region field representative. He began his post Sept. 9.

In his role with the AHA, Pruett will help breeders with marketing and genetic selection, along with attending Hereford sales and events. Additionally, he will help Hereford breeders and commercial producers effectively utilize AHA programs and other beef industry opportunities.

Pruett takes the place of Tommy Coley, who is retiring Sept. 25. 

“We are pleased to welcome Peyton to our team,” Aegerter says. “His extensive knowledge and experience in the cattle industry will be an advantage as he assumes this role, and we are confident he will contribute greatly to the continued growth and success of the eastern region.”

Pruett is a third-generation rancher from West Tennessee. He’s been immersed in the livestock industry from a young age, learning the values of responsibility and work ethic early. He’s served as the BoPat Farms herdsman for more than 10 years, overseeing the day-to-day operations of its 300-head registered beef herd.

“I am honored to represent one of the most prestigious breeds in the industry. I’m thrilled to join the rich legacy of the AHA,” Pruett says. “The dedication of the ranchers and breeders over the years has been second to none, and I’m looking forward to interacting with all the breeders in my territory and across the nation.”

Pruett represents Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. He can be reached at 731-988-8470 or at ppruett@hereford.org.

Gumenberg joins as receptionist

The AHA welcomed Kim Gumenberg to Team Hereford Aug. 20. As receptionist, Gumenberg will serve as the liaison between AHA members and customer service representatives.

A native of Burlington, Colo., Gumenberg’s family raised Herefords. She has her accounting certification, an associate’s degree in healthcare administration and a wealth of customer service experience. She looks forward to learning more about the Hereford breed in her role.

“We are really excited to have Kim join our team. She brings a high level of organization that will undoubtedly contribute to the customer service team’s success,” says Shane Bedwell, AHA COO and director of breed improvement. “We can’t wait for her to get to know Hereford breeders while assisting them with their various AHA needs.”

Gumenberg can be reached at kgumenberg@hereford.org.