KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Corbin Cowles, Rockfield, Ky., is the new AHA Upper Midwest region field representative. "Corbin is a talented young man with strong interpersonal skills, seedstock industry knowledge and enthusiasm for the position," says Joe Rickabaugh, AHA director of seedstock marketing. "He will be a solid asset to the upper Midwest region, working with the many high-quality Hereford operations throughout the territory. We look forward to him joining Team Hereford."

Cowles, an Oklahoma State University animal science alumnus, attended graduate school at the University of Kentucky. He has worked for Schrader Real Estate and Auction Co. in Columbia City, Ind., as an auction manager and licensed real estate agent since 2022. Cowles additionally worked for The Stockman magazine, providing ring service and herd consulting. He also assists with his family’s Angus and Simmental seedstock operation, Pleasant Hill Farms. Cowles is involved in his state and county cattlemen’s associations and has a wealth of livestock judging experience.

"I am incredibly honored and excited to represent one of the preeminent breed organizations in the entire beef industry," Cowles says. "With the leadership of this Association combined with the quality of the cattle, the Hereford breed is positioned for continued success into the future. I'm looking forward to building relationships with breeders, helping operations reach their goals via marketing their genetics and being a representative for AHA to the industry at large."

Cowles will act as a liaison for AHA members in his region while supporting Hereford breeders and the Association’s initiatives. He will represent the breed at sales and events and help Hereford breeders utilize AHA promotional and marketing programs, as well as Hereford Publications Inc. advertising and marketing services. Cowles also will continue build the breed’s strong ties to commercial producers. He begins his duties May 1.

Cowles’ territory includes Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Wisconsin. He can be reached at 270-991-2534, or at [email protected].