national junior hereford association newsletter — Fall 2016

always defined by a banner or can be the ring at one time. As I stood in the ring Building won in the showring. It was through the waiting for judges Geoff Andras and Matt activities offered at the JNHE and the Faces Copeland to select a champion group, I of Leadership Conference that my life skills was looking at the cattle, exhibitors and the and leadership attributes were constructed. audience and getting goose bumps. It was the By taking advantage of the contests offered truly a sight that will never be forgotten. at this year’s JNHE, many juniors enhanced There were almost too many cattle to fit their knowledge of public speaking and beef in the ring at one time. Imagine 110 head facts and even got the chance to bring out of red and white cattle standing side by Legacy their inner art skills. side in perfect rows and columns in a large Juniors continued to grow coliseum with the Grammy-themed mural in by Kelsey Stimpson, NJHA chairman and develop at the Faces of the background. Leadership Conference hosted in While Geoff and Matt gave a speech Amarillo, Texas. We toured some of before selecting the group from Oklahoma s summer winds down, state the most influential operations in as the champions, I thought “how blessed I fairs begin and school starts; the Hereford breed such as Barber am to stand in that ring wearing a maroon A it’s a great time to reflect Ranch, Pérez Cattle Co. and jacket and having a part in continuing the on what an amazing summer it Kelsey Copeland & Sons Herefords. legacy of the Hereford breed.” has been. After a record-breaking We also visited West Texas A&M Being involved in the Hereford breed isn’t Junior National Hereford Expo University to see its current research in cloned about how many banners are hung around (JNHE) in Madison, Wis., who couldn’t be beef cattle carcasses and the breeding of a house or who has the highest selling cattle excited about the future of this breed. “A the clones to achieve progeny with Yield that year. Being involved in this industry is Hereford Scene in 2016” was a magnificent Grade 1 carcasses. Not to mention seeing about the experiences that turn into lifelong event that will be hard to top thanks to a piece of history coming to life through the lessons and the friends that turn into family. the host committee, volunteers, American TEXAS outdoor musical at Palo Duro Canyon. The Hereford industry continues to grow Hereford Association staff and generous We are fortunate to be part of an and thrive because of the people involved sponsors who make this event possible association that offers so many opportunities in it who are all working toward continuing each year. to grow as leaders in this industry. Take this legacy. I owe my family a great deal As families gear up for the JNHE, they advantage of every chance you can. of thanks for pushing me to be so highly spend countless hours in the barn working Each year the National Junior Hereford involved in this program. It is an absolute with their animals in hopes of having a Association (NJHA) works on new ideas to honor to be serving as the 2016-17 chairman successful show at the JNHE. As a young make the next JNHE even better than the for an association that has truly built me. girl, I had big dreams of being successful last one. One of the changes made this year No matter where you live, no matter the in both quality of cattle and showmanship was moving the group classes to earlier in the quality or size of your operation, we all have throughout my junior career at such week in hopes of getting more participation. the chance to put our stamp on the Hereford prestigious events such as the JNHE. The state group of five show had a drastic breed and its everlasting legacy. I surely As I’ve grown older, I’ve learned the increase in numbers. There were more than hope you’ll join me in doing so. biggest lessons and achievements aren’t 110 head of cattle representing 22 states in

Communications chair: Directors: Kelsey Repenning, Mitchell, S.D. Mason Blinson, Buies Creek, N.C., Bailey McKay, Marysville, Kan. 605-770-6128, [email protected] 919-422-5098, [email protected] 308-470-1289, [email protected] Leadership chair: Brooke Hiojosa, Carr, Colo. Director of Youth Activities: Brooke Jensen, Courtland, Kan. [email protected] Amy Cowan Board of Directors 785-614-2037, [email protected] Nathan Hopkins, Winchester, Tenn. P.O. Box 014059, Kansas City, MO 64101 Chairman: Fundraising chair: [email protected] 816-842-3757, [email protected] Kelsey Stimpson, Melba, Idaho Steven Green, Mundfordville, Ky. Bailey Jones, Darlington, Wis. Youth Activities Assistant: 208-936-0455, [email protected] 270-528-1720, [email protected] [email protected] Bailey Clanton [email protected] Vice chairman: Membership chair: Austin Matheny, Mays Lick, Ky. Jessica Middleswarth, Torrington, Wyo. Austin Cole, Bowling Green, Ky. [email protected] 307-340-0634, [email protected] 270-282-1728 [email protected] JrHereford.org Making the Most of Fall Shows by Austin Matheny

As the leaves change color, the days grow shorter, the air gets crisp, it leaves one thought on everyone’s mind; fall shows. Seniors reminiscing about walking on the green chips in Louisville and the new showmen who are creating their first memories at a show — fall shows are The Importance of a fondly remembered. With the Keystone International Livestock Expo growing near to kick off the fall show season, there’s a list of chores and tasks to complete a mile long. Here are five tips that will help you make the most of this fall show season: by Steven Green Preparing your heifer. Now that 1 school is back in session we often find Two words seem simple. One word to ourselves short on time. Make time express something and another to direct to make sure that you will be able to the notion toward someone. Thank You. present your heifer the best on show Two words with simplicity and upmost day. Rinsing and blowing are necessary importance. Thank you are two words with for proper hair management. To ensure infinite power. your heifer is ready for the showring As we grow into young men and take the time to work on showmanship women, there are many people who skills at home. These few extra steps will choose to help. People and companies help make show day easier. provide opportunities and scholarships because they believe in tomorrow’s leaders. Organize the tack. When getting It is our responsibility to take initiative 2 ready for a show you must prepare and respond to these contributions. It is your tack for the barn and tie outs. extremely important to take time out of your Everything from cleaning equipment, day and make a handwritten letter. Let the organizing the show box, loading the contributor know how much you care. trailer, putting fresh bedding in the Growing up I did a terrible job of trailer, all need to be done before writing thank you letters to people. I didn’t you leave home. You also need to receive scholarships as a kid, but people prepare your feed to take to the show. still contributed small things. These small Make sure you have enough feed to things are worth thanking and I let them last throughout the show and have Make new friends. Meeting new go unaddressed. I didn’t realize this until enough hay for your cattle. Preparing 5 people from all over the United States I received a thank you letter myself. Two in advance will leave you with less to that share the same passion as you words can go so far and make a huge do right before you leave. makes the cattle industry unique. Find difference in the smallest of ways. All I had time to walk around the barns and done was work for someone who was in a 3 Double check health and meet new people. The people that you pinch. The people I worked for appreciated registration papers as well as tattoo meet will form relationships that will last me for who I was and the value I added to identification. The last thing you want a lifetime. Having friends that you see the team. to have happen is being unprepared at shows makes the time spent much I encourage you to step back no matter for cattle check-in. Before you leave more enjoyable. where you are in life and look around at home make sure that you have original those who deserve a thank you letter. Two registration papers, health papers and All of these things will help make your words and a heartfelt note can change a an easy to read tattoo identification fall show season a success, but there life, but it’s up to YOU to pick up the pen that matches the papers. Having these are also many other tasks that need to and make a difference. Most importantly, if on hand and ready will make check in be completed, like making travel plans, you want to make someone’s day, look to time exciting rather than difficult. scheduling your calendar, packing your the ones who raised you. Write your parents clothes, etc. One of the biggest things to or guardians a letter and let emotion pour Enjoy your time in the showring. As help make your fall show season a success onto the paper. No one wants to see us 4 a showman you spend an enormous is being prepared. Throughout the early part succeed as much as the ones who raised amount of time preparing and it is of fall start to complete jobs that need to be us. Go ahead and thank them for their just as important to enjoy your time done for a show. Be vigilant in completing investment in making you the person you showing off your hard work. No matter these so they get done in a timely manner. are today. I have never regretted taking how you place, be proud of how your You will be able to focus more time on the time to write those two words, but there are animal looks and find ways to improve cattle and spend time with your family. Most plenty of times I wish I would have. for next year. importantly, enjoy your time at the shows.

2 / Fall 2016 celebrating CHB, Hall of Fame recipients and on Lot 1. The Lot 1 auction of the street sign Hereford youth. for the AHA office has grown into quite the Kansas A highlight and remarkable achievement prestigious honor and the junior board is for Hereford breeders, youth and enthusiasts always excited about this offer. We hope it is to celebrate Friday evening, Oct. 28 is the your name on the sign next. Hereford Youth Foundation of America’s Following the sale, the junior Hereford City (HYFA) fall scholarships reaching more show will begin at 5 p.m. in Hale Arena. than $130,000. Juniors, please take time to While watching the junior show, be sure to thank Jack and Donna Vanier of CK Ranch, give a smile to the state queens who are Brookville, Kan., for awarding 10 Vanier running for National Hereford Queen. Family Scholarships in the amount of $10,000 each. Another new scholarship added Sunday events Here We Come to the fall HYFA awards is the Perks Ranch Scholarship for $5,000. We truly owe all of The National and state queens will be back by Brooke Jensen HYFA’s generous donors great appreciation in Hale Arena by 8 a.m. Sunday morning for for providing financial assistance to Hereford the National Hereford Show. Most likely, the When you think of Halloween, what are your youth entering or enrolled in college. show will still be going on when the Supreme first thoughts? A fun weekend with friends, Champion Junior Heifer is selected in the opposite ring. Hopefully, the Hereford heifer dressing up and trick or treating with little Saturday events ones? My first thoughts are, it’s American wins again this year! Prior to the selection of Royal time. This is an exciting thought for me After an evening of celebration, Saturday champion bull, Taylor Belle Matheny will be as it’s my first show outing of the fall season, will kick off at 9 a.m. with the AHA Annual passing her crown to the 2016-17 National the new National Hereford Queen is crowned Meeting. The meeting is packed full of Hereford Queen. Good luck to all the girls and senior board members are elected at information about last fiscal year’s successes who are competing for this honor. the American Hereford Association (AHA) and improvements for the Association The 2016 AHA Annual Meeting and Annual Meeting. Last year’s annual meeting and Hereford breed. Another vital part of National Show at the American Royal are will be hard to top, as the social at the AHA the annual meeting is the selection of the right around the corner. With the changes office was a huge success. However, the 2016 new senior board members. This year’s and new additions to the schedule, we hope annual meeting schedule is jam packed and candidates are: Bruce Thomas, Stephan to see you there. The NJHA board would like the team has some really awesome additions Coates, Joel Birdwell, David Schubel, to thank all the HYFA scholarship donors and to the annual event. Tommy Mead and Joe Waggoner. The AHA staff for making this weekend possible. NHW will also be hosting their annual Join us, Halloween weekend, to celebrate meeting at 1 p.m. that same afternoon. the successes, programs and juniors of the Friday events Make sure to grab your boots and head AHA. I know I will be spending my weekend This year, the festivities will be hosted at to the American Royal by 2 p.m. for the in the best place imaginable, at the Annual The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center. Ladies of the Royal Sale in Meeting and American The theme for this year’s meeting is Talk Wagstaff Sale Arena. If your Royal. See you soon in Hereford: Connecting Cattlemen with Our ranch or family is interested in Kansas City. Allied Partners. Two new exciting additions having the title on the street sign to the weekend include, a trade show in front of the AHA headquaters and six educational breakout sessions. for the next year, be sure to bid The weekend will start off Friday afternoon with educational sessions and a National Hereford Women (NHW) board meeting. The sessions include presentations about Certified Hereford Beef (CHB), social media, Hereford Publications Inc., breed improvement, how to use MyHerd, and especially for the junior audience, a leadership session led by Kelly Barnes from Oklahoma. These sessions will be beneficial for any age, who are wanting further education or new information on programs offered by the AHA. While the sessions are taking place, stop by the trade show that will be offered Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. There will be 15 booths, with companies from Allflex to VitaFerm and Superior Productions. When the afternoon sessions are wrapped up, freshen up and bring an appetite to the awards reception at 6 p.m. The awards ceremony is always a warm and enjoyable evening with family and friends

Fall 2016 / 3 and wheat are good energy sources that Fat steers require a very high-energy diet can help your cattle maintain their weight to gain the correct amount of weight for the or gain more weight. You want to give your target endpoint. calf a good protein source as it helps to Yearling heifers are a little bit trickier as grow its muscles and organs. Roughages you need to look more closely at their body like beet pulp, cottonseed hulls and soyhulls condition score, or their level of fatness before can be used as high energy products that determining what to feed them. A low body also help to expand the gut. Vitamins and condition score indicates that you should minerals are highly important too, as they feed your heifer a high-energy, medium are essential for tissue and skeletal support. protein diet to help her grow and fill out more. Know Your Finally, forage products such as hay and A heifer with a medium score should have silages help to keep the gut working properly some part of her diet focused on high-energy, and regularly. but should stick with a large amount of their diet being roughage and forage to help Deciding on a ration them maintain their weight and condition. If Feeds Before you can truly start making a ration, your heifer has a high body condition score by Bailey McKay you must know your calf. First, is to recognize then they need to have a high roughage the breed, age, gender and goal for your and forage diet to lose some weight. The concept of feeding cattle is not as calves. Having a target goal for your calf Weanling calves need both a high energy simple as giving your calf some grain and is important because then you can figure and high protein diet to help them grow, but hay. There is much more that goes into it, out how much to feed so it gains weight you must be careful so they also don’t get like knowing your cattle and the different at a healthy, steady pace. People mostly too fat in the process. feedstuffs. There are different kinds of feeds associate having a target goal with market Many of our feed companies have that have different benefits for your cattle. animals, but it is really important to have a complete feeds, protein supplements and Grain products such as corn, oats, barley goal for all your animals. roughage type feeds to help you meet these needs. What you feed is your decision. Do you want just one feed or are you willing to mix multiple feeds together to achieve the Life As an AHA Field Rep desired outcome. Also researching what feeds are available in your area or how by Bailey Jones far it would be to get a certain feed and comparing the cost to see which one is the The American Hereford nine states including Illinois, Indiana, best option. Some people will also want to Association (AHA) has a group Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, mix their own grain mix instead of buying of seven extraordinary men Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and West a complete feed. This works as long as you that are the link between the Virginia. He travels to many other states can get a consistent feed every time so that office in Kansas City and the for various sales and shows to help the cattle will not go off feed. Also always breeders and juniors from all breeders market their cattle and remember to feed mineral and vitamins over the country. Representing purchases cattle for breeders to keep your cattle hair coat shining and the AHA at shows, sales, who are unable to attend. looking good. This can be as easy as putting meetings and herd visits At the many national out loose mineral so the cattle have access throughout the year, these and state shows, you to it at all time. men travel thousands of may see John in the ring miles. As the AHA region five John Meents or the makeup areas. Supplements field representative John Meents has been This is an essential part of his job to ensure There are also many different supplements traveling for sixteen years. that the shows run smoothly. from many different companies on the John grew up on a small grain and His favorite aspect of being a field rep market. These supplements can do an array livestock farm in northwest Indiana. He is the Hereford people and developing of things, from putting on a show day fill or graduated from Purdue University with a friendships with breeders. However, one maximizing a fuller center body, increasing bachelor’s degree in agriculture. He and thing that he did not expect when he muscle mass development, increase fat his wife Peg currently reside in Jenera, Ohio started out was the tremendous increase in burning that targets specific areas in the and have three children, Jay, MaeLyda and demand for not only Hereford cattle, but for body to reduce fat or a supplement that can Emily. They also have three grandchildren. the product of Hereford beef. be fed during stress periods that contains Before becoming a field rep for the AHA, I would like to give a huge thank electrolytes, vitamins and prebiotics to keep John worked with the American Yorkshire you to John Meents and the rest of the animal hydrated and eating. These can Club, Drovers Journal and the American our representatives; Mark Holt, Lander be found in your area most of the time or are Polled Hereford Association. Nicodemus, Levi Landers, Joe Rickabaugh, easily shipped. He started with the AHA in August 2000. Tommy Coley and Juston Stelzer. It takes As you can see there are many factors to He spends an average of four days a week great people like them to keep the AHA consider when deciding what to feed and on the road traveling and completing his running smoothly. Your many miles traveled how. From knowing your animal’s breed and responsibilities and is away from home and many days spent with breeders and body type to your target goal. There are a about 120 nights a year. As the Upper promoting our great organization and lot more factors to consider than just putting Midwest Region’s field rep, John represents breed are truly appreciated. some grain and hay in front of your calf.

4 / Fall 2016 while trying to figure out how the magician knew which of my hands the coin was in and A Harvest what word I was looking at in the book. We laughed until we cried at “The Indian and the White Guy.” Not only was this a great place to meet to Remember with breeders, but also to raise money for HYFA. The night was filled with great company and $2 million was raised that will go to support the NJHA leadership programs, the Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE) as well as providing scholarships for Hereford youth. It was amazing to be in the presence of the distinguished guests and their generosity. A very special thank you goes to the Mickelson and Kunde families for welcoming us to the winery and showing us some of the greatest hospitality. Another huge thank you goes to the Perks family for their $100,000 scholarship endowment to start the $5,000 scholarship that will be awarded for the first time this fall, the 2016 JNHE host committee for their fundraising efforts and putting a by Mason Blinson $100,000 gift into the Growing A Lasting Legacy Campaign fund. And finally, to Rick The National Junior Hereford Association board members, just made it ten times and Bonnie Coley-Malir for the $500,000 (NJHA) board of directors made their way better. I now go to school with three other leadership endowment given to support to wine country in Sonoma, Calif., for the board members so we made the long trek to the Faces of Leadership conference held Harvest II fundraising event benefitting the California together and got to spend a lot of each year. During the extravagant evening Hereford Youth Foundation of America time together. yet another outstanding gift was given to (HYFA). The weekend was packed full We all thoroughly enjoyed being able HYFA as Rick and Bonnie announced they of winery tours, Hereford producers and to spend a relaxing weekend with all of the are pledging $1,000,000 of their estate to beautiful scenery. Hereford breeders that were able to attend. the future of HYFA. This night was one we This was my first trip to California, and The Harvest II was a great way to be able will never forget, with $1.7 million in gifts and it was not at all what I expected. When I to focus on meeting people and catching an auction that grossed nearly $350,000. thought of California, I thought of the beach up, rather than having to worry about cattle To say the event was a huge success is an and Los Angeles. In reality, the wine country back in the stalls or getting ready for the understatement and our utmost gratitude part of California is beautiful open mountains show. We all listened to the speakers of the goes out toward everyone in attendance. covered in vines as far as the eye can see. tours as they showed us all around the Kunde It is amazing to see the passion that I took enough pictures to nearly fill up the estate. We ate meals while sitting beneath people have for the juniors in our association storage capacity of my phone. This was a the redwoods looking out on thousands of and to see how much they believe in us to great experience, and being with my fellow acres of grapevines. We scratched our heads be the future of the Hereford breed.

Fall 2016 / 5 Presenting Your New NJHA Board Members by Kelsey Repenning

During the 2016 Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE) in Madison, Wis., the National Junior Herford Association (NJHA) board of directors welcomed four new remarkable members to the team. Elected to the board to serve a three year term are: Bailey Jones of Wisconsin, Brooke Hinojosa of Colorado, Nathan Hopkins of Tennessee, and Austin Matheny of Kentucky. I would like to share with you a few things about the “newbies” and what they hope to achieve during their time on the board. We look forward to everything they will accomplish.

Bailey Jones Nathan Hopkins Brooke Hinojosa Darlington, Wis. Winchester, Tenn. Carr, Colo.

What’s your Hereford What’s your Hereford What’s your Hereford background? background? background? My family operation Hopkins Ranch is my I was born and Bailey Nathan Brooke is a small cow-calf family operation and raised in a Hereford operation with around we raise Herefords in family. I started the 30 cows in southwestern Wisconsin. I have Winchester, Tenn. I have been involved in 4th generation with my family, Stangle been involved with showing Hereford cattle the Tennessee Junior Hereford Association Herefords, in Nebraska and then eventually since I was 5 years old. I got involved in the (TJHA) since 2007 and the American moved to Colorado. I moved to Colorado Wisconsin Junior Hereford Association at Hereford Association since 2009. I was one into a Hereford family, Sidwell Herefords, the age of 7 and have served in various of the former reporters for the TJHA. continuing my involvement. I served as the positions on the board of directors since Colorado Hereford Queen for three years. 2008, including president in 2015 and What is your favorite quote? I am currently the president of the newly vice president in 2016. I was also state What, then, shall we say in response rebuilt Colorado Junior Hereford Association. ambassador and princess from 2011-2014, to these things? If God is for us, who I have been attending the JNHE for eight serving as state queen in 2015. can be against us? — Romans 8:31 years and look forward to continuing my involvement on and off the NJHA board. What is your favorite quote? Where are you attending school and “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s what is your major? What is your favorite quote? cloud” — Maya Angelou Vanderbilt University; Biological Sciences “Don’t be afraid to go after what you want to do, and what you want to Where are you attending school and What are your career goals? be. But don’t be afraid to be willing what is your major? Become a physician, rancher, and to pay the price.” — Lane Frost University of Wisconsin-Madison, entrepreneur Animal Science Where are you attending school and What are three fun facts about you? what is your major? What are your career goals? • I’m learning the piano I am currently a freshman at Oklahoma I hope to go to medical school and become • Most strangers think I’m from Great State University studying animal science with an emergency medicine physician. Britain an option in business. Go Pokes! • I don’t like chocolate What are three fun facts about you? What are your career goals? • I have six siblings. I am undecided on a career, but I would What advice you would like to share • I am an Emergency Medical Technician. love to work with an association, preferably with new junior members? Hereford. Or, I want to work for a company • I am a night owl. Do the best you can in all facets of life and with pharmaceutical sales. never waste your talents. What advice you would like to share What are three fun facts about you? with new junior members? What are your goals while on the board? • I’m an All-American Scholar. Get out and try new things! • Further the great work of past board • I sometimes dip my steak in ranch or put members. garlic seasoning on it. What are your goals while on the board? • Gather new ideas from junior members • I accidentally locked my head in a Meet lots of new people, get juniors more from all over the country. involved in contests during JNHE and give fitting chute at NWSS 2016. • Increase junior membership. all NJHA members a sense of ownership in the organization.

6 / Fall 2016 What advice you would like to share with new junior members? Get involved. Because of being so involved, so many doors open with great opportunities.

What are your goals while on the board? My main goal while serving on the NJHA Board is to inspire juniors to get more involved in and out of the showring. I also want to help juniors become just as passionate about the Hereford breed as I am.

Austin Matheny 2016-17 National Junior Hereford Association board of directors (pictured seated front row, l Mays Lick, Ky. to r) are: Kelsey Stimpson, Melba, Idaho, chairman; Jessica Middleswarth, Torrington, Wyo., vice chairman; Kelsey Repenning, Mitchell, S.D., communications chair; Steven Green, Mundfordville, Ky., What’s your Hereford fundraising chair; Brooke Jensen, Courtland, Kan., leadership chair; and Austin Cole, Bowling Green, Ky., background? membership chair. Directors standing are Brooke Hinojosa, Carr, Colo.; Bailey Jones, Darlington, Wis.; Austin Matheny, Mays Lick, Ky.; Bailey McKay, Marysville, Kan., Nathan Hopkins, Winchester, Tenn.; and I’ve grown up on Austin Mason Blinson, Buies Creek, N.C. our family Hereford operation and have been showing since 2005. We have a purebred herd and a commercial herd where we utilize embryo transplant. NJHA Dates

What is your favorite quote? and Deadlines “Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Comes into us at midnight Note: NO late entries or applications will be accepted very clean. It’s perfect when it arrives after the postmark date of each deadline. and it puts itself in our hands. It hopes we’ve learned something April 1 Summer scholarship applications due online — hereford.fluidreview.com from yesterday.” — John Wayne May 1 Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE) early bird entry deadline. Where are you attending school and June 1 Advisor of the Year Award nominations due what is your major? Kansas State University, Animal Science with JNHE final online entry and showmanship deadline (Online only! No late a Business option entries accepted.)

What are your career goals? Final JNHE ownership deadline I plan to return home and expand our family’s Hereford operation with my parents. Photo contest entries due — email to [email protected]

What are three fun facts about you? Walter and Joe Lewis Memorial Award applications due online — • I enjoy watching football. hereford.fluidreview.com • I always fix my hair. National director candidate applications and nomination forms due • I’ve always wanted a corgi for a pet. online — hereford.fluidreview.com

What advice you would like to share with June 15 Extemporaneous Speaking Contest entries due new junior members? Don’t be bashful when at a show, go out and Great American CHB Grill-off recipes and entries due meet new people and lifelong friends. Illustrated Speech Contest applications due

What are your goals while on the board? Peewee Speech Contest applications due I would like to see junior memberships grow along with the number of cattle we have at Promotional Poster Contest entries due (if unable to attend the JNHE) junior nationals each year. July 15-21 Junior National Hereford Expo, Louisville, Ky.

Sept. 15 HYFA scholarship applications due

Fall 2016 / 7 A Panhandle Event by Brooke Hinojosa

Wow, it’s definitely been a hectic summer. most valuable treasures. Early explorers From hours spent in the barn prepping began residing there approximately 12,000 for the Junior National Hereford Expo years ago. We experienced a detailed (JNHE), to rounding the summer out with tour of the canyon to see where the roots an outstanding trip to West Texas and began. From the one black bull in the creek New Mexico for the Faces of Leadership bottom to the TEXAS Outdoor Musical and conference, everyone has been busy. a fireworks show, we were filled with The Faces of Leadership conference is historic information. an event that many juniors look forward Although the night was very late, we to because they can kick back with other started the next day out with inspiration. juniors and not have to worry about the Stran and Jennifer Smith, Childress, Texas, cattle for a few days. They have a new task shared with us their secrets to success on the at hand for a couple days: leadership. This rodeo road and in life. Their story was one of We left the hotel to head to Channing year 84 juniors attended the conference true inspiration. Stran is a world champion tie and the home of Barber Ranch with to brush up on their leadership skills and down calf roper that has had to overcome inspiration to dominate in the judging enhance their beef-industry knowledge. many obstacles in his life. The biggest and contest. The Barber Ranch had more to offer The Faces of Leadership conference most challenging obstacle Stran and his than just the judging contest. They gave us is always one of my favorite weeks, not wife experienced was dealing with the fact the opportunity to do a pasture tour, barn only for the leadership opportunities, but he had suffered a stroke at age 32, due tours and free time to just look around all for the chance to tour a new part of the to having a hole in his heart. Although this the cattle they brought up. It was quite the country. The Texas Panhandle provided the challenge was devastating, he and his wife experience to look at so many top notch opportunity to tour some of the top Hereford persevered and Stran is now 100% healthy. pens of heifers including, BR Kate Rielle 5532 ranches, a university, as well as see some They shared “10 Secrets to Success,” some ET, the 2017 Lot 1 Foundation Female. Texas culture. of them being: follow your passion, be We then boarded the buses and made The flights landed and the buses loaded coachable, stay hungry, have balance and our way to Pérez Cattle Company in Nara for our first day in Texas. After a few ice be a finisher. With the inspiring words of the Visa, N.M. The Pérez family gave attendees a breakers, we headed for a tour of the Palo Smiths in our minds, it was time to prepare for tour of many small pastures along with some Duro Canyon. The canyon is one of Texas’ our next adventure. of their elite herd. We had the chance to witness the bull, Mighty, as well as the Hutton bull. We were allowed time to sort through the pens of bulls, heifers and pairs. The Pérez family gave us the opportunity to visit the old school house in Nara Visa and treated us to some excellent enchiladas and a intriguing panel discussion led by Terri Barber, Kyle and Drew Pérez and Matt Copeland. Now that our stomachs were full, we made the quick trip over to Copeland & Sons Herefords. The first stop at Copeland’s was a pasture viewing. On horseback, the Copeland crew brought up a few sets of pairs for us to see. After our pasture tour, we then made our way to Cliff and Pat Copeland’s house. They brought up a few

8 / Fall 2016 of their dominant herd sires as well as a female from the heart of their program. Importance of We then were shown pens of heifer calves that they will be selling this fall. From steers to heifers, to the show barn, there was something for everyone. We were treated to Scholarships dinner from a chuck wagon while western singer and songwriter R.W. Hampton by Nathan Hopkins played for us as we enjoyed our meal and watched the sunset, New Mexico style. Throughout what has been one of the most it’s a key that opens up the door for the The last day was filled with industry unconventional and heated presidential American dream, and it’s a passion or knowledge as well as motivation. We seasons of our country’s history, I have had skill that God blessed us with. We see that started the day out at West Texas A&M the opportunity to follow the candidates scholarships are so much more than a University’s (WTAMU) Ranch learning about along their path from announcement to blanket term that keeps us out of eyeball their cloning program. We had the chance nomination. Frankly, there could not be debt, they are “case specific” and tangible to meet Alpha, who was cloned from a two more different candidates; however, rewards for the blessed who receive them. yield grade 1 carcass. Crazy? Yes, but that while watching numerous debates and It might sound contradictory to say is just an example of how far technology speeches, I have seen an undeniable there are plenty of scholarships available, has enhanced the agricultural industry. similarity rise to both candidates’ platforms: but the truth is, there are. Just look at the We made our way to one of the top student debt relief. Not to say the specific Hereford Youth Foundation of America feedlots in the area, Dawn Custom Cattle relief plans are carbon copies, but the (HYFA) and all they provide in furthering Feeders. This was such a unique experience simple fact presented is students need the education of our youth. It’s amazing. for many of the attendees — seeing 15,000 help. Although the “help from whom” is the The year 2016 is a record setter for HYFA head of cattle on feed. question for politicians, many students ask scholarships. Just this fall HYFA is awarding Although many thought of this as a themselves help from where? more than $130,000 to National Junior typical feedlot, we learned the Dawn Having completed my freshman year Hereford Association members. Custom Cattle Feeders is locally owned at Vanderbilt, I have experienced the A large thank you to all of the generous and its manager is one of the four process that a lot of students face of donors from the past and the new ones this owners. During the tour they filled us trying to search out scholarships and be year. Specifically, the Vanier family and CK with information about the pens, cattle the one or one of few recipients who is Ranch of Kansas and Perks Ranch of Illinois processing, everyday care, buying deemed most worthy. I have experienced for their contributions to HYFA and Hereford processes and more. the passion to do all that you can so a youth this past year. As our industry day continued we dream can become reality. Thankfully, I Scholarships exist for our interests, participated in workshops led by American have also experienced the joy of receiving location, prospective field of study, and Hereford Association (AHA) staff at the scholarships that embody my life work hobbies. However, with the abundance WTAMU campus. They walked us through and I believe that’s where a scholarship’s of opportunities, we, ourselves, often put the MyHerd registration process, social importance lies. That is to say each a limit or restraint on our credentials, thus media and breed improvement. scholarship is different, each means affecting our chance of being selected. Next was a visit to the American Quarter something different and each has a return Just like applying to college, our options Horse Association’s (AQHA) Hall of Fame value like no other. are limited if our grades, activities, and Museum. We spent time learning In my short walk of life, I have met accomplishments and/or skills are subpar. the great information and history of the many interesting and unique people. At Subpar being not the average of the AQHA, from horses to instrumental people, Vanderbilt, many have travelled from all total population, but that of ourselves. I a timeline of the breed and much more. over the world to acquire knowledge of guarantee that if you do your absolute best While at the AQHA we heard from our their study. Through conversations, I’ve to get a scholarship, which does require closing keynote speaker, Eddie Slowikowski, learned that several are representations years of your best work, not just hard work, who hyped us by helping us to discover our of their country who were awarded then you will be rewarded. purpose and ignite our passion. From our scholarships to American universities, yet When I received my first scholarship in crazy dance moves, to his awesome stories, most don’t see the opportunity as a “free elementary school I thought, “Well, why we left the museum excited and ready for ride,” but a “blessed journey.” I absolutely couldn’t they just give me cash.” Now, I our final stop at the Big Texan Steakhouse. agree, which leads me to ask, “Is a realize that each scholarship since has a As we wrapped up the conference, scholarship just a checklist to get you to story with some laughs, tears and long days we enjoyed one last adventure as a graduate school?” that are memories I will cherish forever. Be group. Although we didn’t have their 72 A scholarship is a reward for years of sure to create some of your own and see oz. challenge, we did enjoy a Certified study and dedication, it’s a memory of your efforts rewarded. Hereford Beef steak. After dinner, we a beloved friend and family member, enjoyed some games and free time to explore this one-of-a-kind tourist attraction. This was a leadership conference to remember and it was definitely a Texas-style event. I can’t wait to see everyone at the next Faces of Leadership event.

Fall 2016 / 9 Meet Your 2016 Advisor of the Year: BJ Jones by Jessica Middleswarth of what hosting a larger show would be like. After successfully hosting the regional show BJ Jones of the Wisconsin Junior Hereford we knew we wanted to bid on the JNHE. As Association was awarded this year’s 2016 the size and scope of the JNHE increases Advisor of the Year. Through hard work, every year, it is getting more difficult to find support, time and dedication, BJ has not facilities that can host such a large event. only had a large impact on the Wisconsin When the Alliant Energy Center built their junior members, but has also earned himself new barns, we thought it would be a perfect this prestigious national award. Being facility to host a JNHE. It was a three-year the Wisconsin advisor for 10 years, BJ has BJ Jones pictured with Taryn Adcock after process from getting bids until we actually promoted the organization to active Hereford receiving the 2016 Advisor of the Year award. hosted the event. juniors across the state. In just the past year, It was a tremendous team-building event BJ helped the membership grow from only What three pieces of advice would for the state of Wisconsin as I had a great 75 juniors to 118. On the night of the awards you give to new junior members? co-chairman in Sondra Brancel, as well as a banquet at the 2016 Junior National Hereford Get more involved, ask your advisor great executive team of 10 committees that Expo (JNHE) in Madison, Wis., not only did ➊ or officers what you can do to help? did a tremendous amount of planning to BJ earn this title in his home state, but also There is plenty to do and many hands make make this happen. We couldn’t have done at a junior national he had the opportunity for lighter work for all. It will help you get more this without our dedicated committees and to plan and host. This award is quite special involved and meet new people. the 120 plus volunteers that helped us during to this determined, hardworking individual the week. who focuses on state membership and Don’t be afraid to step outside your We approached the event from an involvement, so we congratulate BJ with his ➋ comfort zone — meet a new friend, try exhibitor’s perspective. We wanted people to success. I had the chance to talk with BJ on a new contest, try to clip or fit on your own have an enjoyable week with their families, his most recent achievement. animals and always ask for help to better as for many this is their summer vacation. yourself and your talents. The state of Wisconsin wanted to welcome How did you get involved in the Hard work makes it happen, no matter everyone from across the United States and Hereford association? ➌ what you do, put your all into it to be be gracious hosts. Personally, the whole My family and I actually moved from the successful. Don’t be left saying that you wish experience was one of the most enjoyable suburbs of Milwaukee to the country in 1976 you would have done one more thing to and fulfilling experiences of my life. We were when I was 8 years old. My family bought make your project successful. overwhelmed by the number of volunteers a small farm with 80 acres. Around 1982 as well as the awesome feedback from we purchased our first Hereford cattle. I Describe planning the 2016 JNHE exhibitors and guests. I was so happy for the joined the Wisconsin Junior Polled Hereford It had been a seven-year dream of mine to record numbers in exhibitors and cattle. It Association at that time showing at my first bring the JNHE back to Wisconsin. We first was certainly a week to remember. junior national in 1984. planned a regional show in 2011 to get a feel What is your favorite part about the Hereford breed? For us we love the temperament of the breed. With six kids, we never had to worry about them working in the barn with their cattle by themselves during the day. We both work off the farm, so it gave us great peace of mind to know they were working with such gentle animals.

Those who win this award are not only people who state members look up to, but also are great examples of what a true advisor is. If you haven’t yet, make sure to congratulate BJ and thank him and the other Wisconsin helpers for putting on a great junior national this year. Also be thinking of nominations for the 2017 Advisor of the Year which will be presented in Louisville, July 15-21. BJ with his wife and six children.

10 / Fall 2016 Win, Place, Showin’ for the Roses

WIN WIN WIN WIN

SHOW SHOW SHOW SH

$2 TWO $2 PL PLACE PLACE $2PLACE TWO $2 KY DERBY $2 TWO $2

FOUR KY DERBY 0 FOUR

N 4 KY DERBY N0 4 EIGHTH (8) RACE FOUR N0 4 EIGHTH (8) RACE 16 JULY 2017

EIGHTH (8) RACE 16 JULY 2017 if 1st Only Cash if 1st Only Cash if 1st Only Cash Only 1st if Cash Only 1st if Cash Only 1st if

16 JULY 2017 1s if Cash 3rd or 2nd 1st, if Cash 3rd or 2nd ,

or 2nd Cash if 1st or 2nd Cash if 1st or 2nd

JULY 15-21, 2017 • LOUISVILLE, KY. by Austin Cole

Does it get much better than the greatest My favorite part of the tour is that you can 4) Frank’s Sandwich. Frank’s is located cattle show of the year and horse racing? purchase a custom made bat with anything right outside the gate of the I know that I am super excited for the you’d like on it, whether it be your name or fairgrounds. If you need a quick ham Hereford family to be back in Louisville, Ky. your favorite show heifer’s name. or roast beef sandwich, or a super- again. “Showin’ for the Roses” is set to be the Aside from tourist stops, eating can fast but awesome lunch, this is the biggest and best junior nationals so far. I am be a great adventure in Louisville. I have place to go. The sandwiches are excited to be a part of the host state as well researched and even gotten the chance so big you can barely eat them. as being part of the National Junior Hereford to taste test a few of the top five best 5) Hometown Pizza. The name says Association’s (NJHA) board of directors. restaurants in the city of Louisville. it all. Hometown quality with all Things are shaping up really nice for the 2017 1) Morton’s the Steakhouse, located kinds of variety. Everything from Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE). downtown on West Main Street, if BBQ pizza to my favorite cheese you are looking for a high end prime burger pizza. They have several Things to do while in Louisville cut steak, this is the place to eat. locations near the fairgrounds, so Besides showing cattle while in Louisville, Top notch steak and seafood that is be sure to check it out. what else is there to do? We have all heard out of this world. Don’t forget about On top of unique tours and top notch of the Kentucky Derby and Churchill Downs, the carrot cake; it is to die for. food, Showin’ for the Roses is on track to right? Churchill Downs is located a few miles located on be yet another great JNHE. From an all air- away from the fairgrounds. If you decide to 2) Mark’s Feed Store, Bardstown Road. BBQ and just plain conditioned facility, plenty of space and who go for a visit, they offer a museum tour that good food. Mark’s has some great could forget that historic mural that stands has horse racing history, information about BBQ beef brisket, but my favorite dish tall in the showring. I know that I am speaking the derby all the way to how the horses are is the honey wings. I love honey and for all parties involved when I say we can’t trained. If you are looking for something a I love some really good wings. You wait to see everyone, July 15-21, 2017 in little different and a chance to get out of the cannot go wrong with this combo. Louisville for an event that you will definitely barn for a while, this would be a great place Great food and a neat atmosphere. want to place a bet on. to see a different sector of agriculture. The next personally recommended tourist 3) Beef ‘O Brady’s is located right out from Book your rooms today: stop is the Louisville Slugger museum and the fairgrounds across the road from Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport factory. In downtown Louisville, about 20 the football stadium. Brady’s is similar 830 Phillips Ln. minutes from the fairgrounds, you can see to a Buffalo Wild Wings, but the food is Louisville, KY 40209 where all slugger bats are made. If you a little bit better. They have everything 502-367-2251 have kids that play baseball or you just from burgers to tacos, and let’s not enjoy watching baseball, this is the tour that forget wings and onion rings. A great you need to go on. You can walk through spot to watch some baseball on the the factory and watch them make bats. big screen.

Fall 2016 / 11