The International Brangus Breeders Association is pleased to announce that Grant R. Keenen will join the IBBA staff on March 31, 2009 as the new Director of Commercial Marketing Programs.

Grant Keenen is a graduate of the University of Arkansas Agriculture, Food and Life Science program with a major in Agricultural Communications. He started his post-graduate working career at Joplin Regional Stockyards working in public relations and marketing for the various functions associated with their stockyard operation. Approximately a year later, Grant had a unique opportunity to join J. B. Hunt Ranches; Keenen spent four years as J. B. Hunt’s Ranch Manager overseeing all livestock operations as well as overseeing the entire 4,000+ acres of ranch lands owned by Mr. Hunt.

In March, 2008, Grant joined Camp Cooley Ranch in Marketing and Customer Services with responsibilities for development of sales and a marketing plan for Angus, Brangus and Charolais commercial cattle. He was also responsible for developing a feeder cattle program in eastern Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas and Missouri.

Upon joining the IBBA staff, Grant will be responsible for managing all commercial Brangus programs, such as OptimaxX, the USDA age and source approved program and Brangus Gold, the Brangus commercial female program. He will also be responsible for the direction of the IBBA Frontline Beef Producer publication targeting the commercial cattleman. Among his many responsibilities, creating a greater acceptance of our OptimaxX program with feeders and packers will be a high priority. We welcome Grant to the IBBA staff where we are sure that his communication skills will be greatly utilized and appreciated.