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AJCA Board of Directors Update
AJCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Taylor Pinkerton, President Northeast Region • Indiana • Term expires 2021 765.580.9681 • tapinkerton12@gmail.com
Kylie Pickard, Vice President At Large • Michigan • Term expires 2021 269.948.3762 • kypickard@gmail.com Savannah Garrett, Secretary At Large • Indiana • Term expires 2022 765.969.4532 • savannahgarrett2020@gmail.com Allyson Beninga, Treasurer At Large • South Dakota • Term expire 2021 605.496.4592 • allysonbeninga@gmail.com Payton Jackson, Public Relations At Large • Georgia • Term expires 2021 706.340.2150 • pkjackson2002@gmail.com Courtney Bockman Northwest Region • Nebraska • Term expires 2021 402.637.6353 • cbockman20@wwindians.org Jillian Bryant At Large • Missouri • Term expires 2022 573.489.4732 • jillian.bryant.business@gmail.com Trace Helser At Large (SW) • Nebraska • Term expires 2022 308.883.3875 • showsteer380@gmail.com Tatum Miller At Large • Texas • Term expires 2021 432.230.1178 • tmiller1883@gmail.com Hannah Smith Southeast Region • Georgia • Term expires 2022 828.371.8726 • hannah.smith@students. macon.k12.nc.us Berren Strope At Large • Nebraska • Term expires 2022 402.340.7188 • berrenstrope@oneillschools.org Shea Whaley At Large • Iowa • Term expires 2022 515.851.9206 • sheawhaley22@gmail.com
Motivation in Uncertain Times
by Berren Strope, At Large Director
There has never been a year quite like 2020. Of course, you can always fall back on Covid-19 as the main reason, but there has been more. Derecho in Iowa that destroyed many farms, homes and operations. Packing plants have shut down, terrible fires and drought across America and more. Through all this though, no industry has shown more perseverance and dedication than the Ag industry. And no breed has shown more dedication to its breeders and juniors than the Chianina breed.
When many thought that junior nationals would be canceled, we announced the show would go on. When Ohio said that we couldn’t have the show there, we didn’t give up. With the help of both the Chianina and Maine-Anjou associations, we were able to find a fantastic location in Sioux Falls, S.D., to host “Livin’ for Summertime!” We were also able to hold shows like the Eastern and Western Regional Chianina shows and were well represented in champion drives across many different state fairs and youth events.
Many exciting events are planned for our breeders and juniors. Louisville is arriving faster by the day and the Denver replacement show in OKC will be here before we know it! Looking further to next year’s junior nationals in Chickasha, Okla., the Chianina Association has decided to add a Composite Chianina Heifer show as a 1-year trial. This means registered Chianina cattle that are under 6.25% will have a separate show at junior nationals. This event will be tested at junior nationals and only offered there. For more information, be sure to check out the American Chianina Association website to learn more.
It is this kind of great news that makes me proud to be a part of the Chianina Association. We persevere through uncertain times, and we give not only juniors but breeders across America a chance to exhibit Chianina cattle. To me, this is what makes not only the cattle industry but the livestock industry as a whole so special. These are the lessons that the cattle industry and the Chianina breed have taught me and they are why I am proud to serve as a Director for the AJCA and am motivated and excited for the future.
We have many exciting opportunities coming up for our juniors and breeders. I can’t wait to see you all in Louisville and OKC!
Don’t Fret…Shows Will Go On
by Allyson Beninga, Treasurer
Canceled…a word we have all heard too many times this year. Shows across the country have been canceled because of COVID, but it seems most of the time another one pops up to take it’s place.
The most recent cancellations have been the National Western Stock Show and now the Ft. Worth Stock Show. These are shows that we as Chianina members and breeders have grown accustomed to attending. And while we won’t be able to attend these in 2021, exhibitors shouldn’t fret.
The Cattleman’s Congress in Oklahoma City will serve as an alternative show for the ACA activities that normally take place in Denver. The ACA is planning a sale on Jan. 10 and the Chianina shows, both junior & open, will be on January 12, 2021. This opportunity will take place at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds. Gear up for a great time in Oklahoma City!
With all the uncertainty in the livestock show world, we are so excited to offer this show. Although, it will not be the same, we will still all be together. We look forward to seeing everyone in Oklahoma City!
