AJSA Hotwire November 2018

2019 AJSA Events 2018 Early April – AJSA Classic Entries Open – Watch website and social media April 15 – Hotel scholarship deadline. Application available at juniorsimmental.org May 8 – Regional Classic entry deadline, 4:30 pm.

Event registration fees double between May 8, 2019, 4:31 pm, and May 15, 4:30 pm.

May 15 – Regional Classic final entry deadline, 4:30 pm.

May 22 – National Classic entry deadline, 4:30 pm.

Event registration fees double between May 22, 4:31 pm, and May 29, 4:30 pm.

May 29 – National Classic final entry deadline, 4:30 pm.

June 1 – Silver and Gold Merit Award Applications, Photography Contest, Interview Contest, Trustee Applications Due. June 11-15 – AJSA North Central Regional Classic, West Fargo, ND June 19-22 – AJSA South Central Regional Classic, Stillwater, OK June 19-22 – AJSA Eastern Regional Classic, Lewisburg, WV TBD – AJSA Western Regional Classic

July 22-28 – AJSA National Classic, Louisville, KY September 27 – AJSA Steer Profitabliity Competition entry deadline. *All deadlines are Mountain Daylight Time

AJSA 2018-2019 Board of Directors President Kiersten Jass 515.408.4918 KierstenJass@gmail.com Vice President of Communications Jordan Cowger 816-916-3329 jordancowger@gmail.com Vice President of Leadership Clay Sundberg 815.878.6758 csundberg@live.com Vice President of Finance Garrett Stanfield 606.375.2794 stanfield40@buckeyemail.osu.edu Vice President of Marketing Teegan Mackey 512.718.3165 tteeeeegan@gmail.com

CAMPING Please make your camping reservations by calling the Kentucky Exposition Center RV Department PH: 502-367-5380 Reservations can be made up to a year in advance.

By Grace Greiman North Central Trustee

On July 19-21, 2018, the Simmental, Shorthorn, and Gelbvieh junior associations held the 2018 IGS Summit Leadership Conference in Fort Worth, TX. The theme was “Big Team, Big Dreams” and we had a variety of participants from each breed association attend this year. The Summit is open to juniors between the ages of 14-22 and anyone in the cattle industry is always invited to attend. Throughout the three days, we toured many places, had different speakers, and learned more about our industry.

On Thursday, Jon Bonnell spoke to us at the Livestock Exchange Building. Bonnell is a famous chef that owns Bon-

Olivia Branum 601-466-3733 oliviabranum92@gmail.com Emily Ivey 865.254.2998 showcattle13@gmail.com

Cody Smith 405-756-6905 codys7022@gmail.com

Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Hotel Group Name: AJSA 2019 National Classic PH: 1-888-233-9527 / $122/rate 830 Phillips Ln., Louisville, KY 40209 Make Reservation La Quinta Inn & Suites Louisville Airport & Expo PH: 1-502-368-000 / $116/rate 4125 Preston Hwy., Louisville, KY 40213 Make Reservation

November 2018

Eastern Regional Trustees Rachel Dickson 740-915-1160 dicksonfarms21@gmail.com

South Central Region Trustees Kara Cloud 417-793-1414 kara.cloud0820@gmail.com

2019 National Classic HOTELS

IGS Leadership Summit Recap

North Central Region Trustees Hunter Aggen 507-923-0815 hma2017@hotmail.com Grace Greiman 641-512-1662 grace.greiman@gmail.com

nell’s Fine Texas Cuisine and has been in the news many times throughout his life. We then got to tour the famous Fort Worth Stockyards and Superior Livestock. We ended the night with icebreakers and games to get to know each other better.

Friday, we had a long day of speakers, a fun tour, and ended with a Texas Rangers baseball game. In the morning, Dr. Kevin Johnson, Scott Williamson, and Diane Johnson all spoke to us. Dr. Kevin Johnson is an assistant professor for the TCU Ranch Management Program. Scott Williamson is the Executive Director of Law Enforcement/Theft Prevention for Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. Lastly, Diane Johnson spoke to us and she is the President of Livestock Publications Council. We learned a lot from these speakers, and we thank them for the time they gave up to speak to us. Later that afternoon, we got the chance to tour the Bureau of Engraving. It was very interesting to see all the steps it takes to make money. We ended the day with a Texas Rangers baseball game, which was a great way to bond with our peers from the other breed associations.

“Funded in part by the American Simmental-Simbrah Foundation” Saturday, we toured three different ranches. We first went to Shipwreck Cattle Company, which is owned and operated

by Jered Shipman. Shipwreck Cattle Co. focuses on raising and breeding quality Simmental cattle. We learned a lot from Shipman about the history of his operation and tips for success. After Shipwreck Cattle Co. we went to WHR Shorthorns. WHR gave us a tour of their operation and taught us about their background in the Shorthorn breed. Lastly, we toured Mohl Gelbvieh with Kevin and Shari Mohl. The Mohl’s shared their background in the Gelbvieh breed, provided us with a BBQ dinner, and hosted a dance for us.

Overall, the week was a great opportunity to meet new people and learn more about our industry. Thank you to everyone that made the 2018 Summit Leadership Conference a success. I encourage any youth in the cattle industry to attend the Summit. This past summer was my fourth Summit Leadership Conference, and it is by far one of my favorite weeks of the summer. I have made lifelong friends and have learned how to be a true leader in the cattle industry through the Summit. If anyone has any questions about the Summit, contact myself or any of the other junior board members, and we would be glad to share our experiences with you!

Western Region Trustees Bentley McCullough 406-788-1669 bentley383@yahoo.com Zach Wilson 360.941.8020 Zach.Wilson1211@gmail.com Western Region Executive Committee Representative Keanna Smith 970-769-0357 keannasmith2@gmail.com

President’s Update Kiersten Jass, AJSA President Hello everyone, I hope the start to the school year is going great! I am looking forward to seeing everyone at the upcoming fall majors. As a Board we have been very busy the past couple of months especially with The Summit Leadership Conference which was held in July.

The Summit Leadership Conference was another great success working with the American Junior Shorthorn Association as well as the American Junior Gelbvieh Association. It is always a blast putting on an event with these two great Associations every summer.

As a Board we have had a meeting at the Summit and have had conference calls since.

We have been updating Classic rules, working on items that were brought to our attention at our annual meeting and searching for a new youth coordinator. We are excited to announce that we have expanded the Show Shield line and now have pop sockets for sale! Be watching for them at the fall majors as well as our hats we have for sale. We are very excited about the future of the junior program and the direction it is heading in!

Look for trustees at all the upcoming fall majors. If you have any questions, concerns, or comments feel free to reach out to myself or any other trustee.

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What’s Inside

Kiersten Jass

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Where are they now?

Jessica Smith Young Canadian Simmental Association 2018 National Classic 2018 AJSA National Classic Recap Grading Changes in the Beef Chain

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Racing to the Bluegrass An Inside Look Into the 2019 AJSA National Classic Where Are They Now? Laurie Tadevick McCullough IGS Leadership Summit Recap

2018 – 2019 AJSA Board of Trustees

Where Are They Now? Jessica Smith

2018 AJSA National Classic Recap

Racing the Bluegrass: Summitto Tour: UNL Football Stadium An Inside Look Into the 2019 AJSA National Classic

In one word, Jessica Smith describes herself as passionate. “I have always been very passionate about my faith, loved ones, and the ag industry,” she said. As some of you may know, Jessica, the 23-year-old daughter of Mark and Debbie Smith, served on the AJSA Junior Board of Trustees and was elected as President in 2013-2014. Jessica’s passion is what led her to where she is today.

Currently living in Starkville, Mississippi, Jessica is in her last year of graduate school at Mississippi State University in Agricultural and Extension Education.

In addition, she works for Mississippi Land Bank as the Marketing Manager which entails managing social media, coordinating all trade shows and events, and creative and graphic design of advertising, both print and digital. When she graduates, Jessica said she will continue working for Mississippi Land Bank for as long as she is an asset to their team. She would like to continually grow her communication skills and

Follow the 2019 AJSA National Classic Facebook Page for updates!

By Kara Cloud South Central Trustee

By Olivia Branum Eastern Trustee build her portfolio. “I plan to advocate for agriculture on the state level in whatever capacity I’m allowed, as agriculture is Mississippi’s #1 industry,” Jessica said.

Jessica said she decided to run for President of the Junior Board partly because being a positive role model for youth is something that she takes great pride in. “My leadership style has always been servant leadership,” she

A little known fact about Jessica is that she can play three different instruments: piano, guitar, and violin/fiddle. said, when asked about the reason behind her decision to run. Jessica believes her greatest achievement as president was fostering a better relationship between the Junior and Senior Boards. She feels it is vital that these two groups work together toward the vision of the AJSA.

While Jessica did very well in AJSA competitive events, she said what is most memorable are the personal and professional connections she made Jessica Smith with friends, Simmental breeders, and industry business owners from across the United States. Jessica said that the AJSA has impacted her life in every way possible, personally and professionally. She has made many friends and gained skills that she has applied in her educational and professional careers. “My advice to new members starting out in the AJSA is to step outside your comfort zone and take advantage of every opportunity to grow,” Jessica said.

Young Canadian Simmental Association National Classic

By Emily Ivey Vice President of Communications Each year the Young Canadian Simmental Association and the American Junior Simmental Association send members to each other’s National Classic. This year Michelle Helm and I had the opportunity to travel to Olds, Alberta, where we attended the Canadian National Classic. Once in Olds, we were welcomed with open arms by enthusiastic junior members who immediately got us involved in the contests. The juniors compete in showmanship, team fitting, herdsmen quiz, cattle judging, sales talk, photography, and scrapbooking.

As participants in the Canadian National Classic, we participated in sales talk, cattle judging, herdsmen quiz, and showmanship. Now, I am sure some of you are wondering why we would take cattle all the way to Alberta; well, we actually did not. In Canada, juniors can use another participant’s animal for showmanship, so we took the opportunity! Michelle and I both competed in senior showmanship and were both fortunate enough to make it into the top ten!

On the final day of the National Classic the cattle show was held. We watched the show throughout the day, and Michelle even got to show the heifer she used in showmanship the day

2018

before. Something that is a little different at the YCSA National Classic is that exhibitors must care for their cattle without outside help, which includes fitting the cattle for the show. Since we were participants in the event, we could help other juniors with their cattle. Michelle Helm and I was able to help fit several head, Emily Ivey which I enjoyed.

Another unique aspect of the week was that the Canadian Simmental Association had their annual meeting in conjunction with the National Classic. While the juniors were busy caring for their cattle and competing in contests, the adults conducted their business and meetings. In addition to this, a local breeder had their annual production sale which people from the show had the opportunity to attend. It was interesting to see the different kinds of Simmental cattle Canada has to offer and what a major breeder production sale looks like there. It was awesome to represent the AJSA at the Canadian National Classic!

By Rachel Dickson Eastern Trustee

The American Junior Simmental Association National Classic is an event that brings hundreds of exhibitors in every year. “Chillin’- Coolest Show in the Nation” was the theme for our National Classic show this year. The state of Minnesota hosted the event in St. Paul at the state fair ground facility July 2-7. Throughout the week juniors participated in educational contests, exhibited their cattle, and made memories with other exhibitors from across the country.

Every year, juniors travel all across the country to compete at the National Classic. This year was no exception and the distance traveled was impressive. Thirty-nine states made the drive to Minnesota along with over 800 head of cattle and 500 exhibitors.

Throughout the week juniors participated in educational contests as well as showmanship on the final day. Contests included public speaking, livestock judging, sales talk, cattlemen’s quiz, and genetic evaluation quiz.

This was the first year that bred and owned bulls were exhibited at the Classic and many juniors participated. In the purebred division, Kaylie Huizenga of Morrison, IL, brought home champion honors while Bailey McAlister of Neosho, MO, had reserve. The percentage division was just as competitive and the champion bull was exhibited by Audrey Redalen of Chatfield, MN. Reserve honors were awarded to Cade Bracker of Underwood, IA. Juniors really enjoyed the week and the different activities that they were able to participate in. The fitting contest, dance, mentor program, and fitting clinic were a few of the events that really stood out to most exhibitors. Kaitlyn Cloud of Missouri said, “I always enjoy traveling and attending National Classic and seeing all of my friends. My favorite part of the week is always the dance and the mentor program. The dance is always a fun time to meet new people and since it was on the Fourth of July we all dressed up and made it a good time. I also really enjoy the mentor program because I get to meet the newer members and help them out and I hope they are really impacted by the advice I give.”

A sincere thank you goes out to our sponsors. Without them this event would not be possible every year and we are eternally thankful for them. Thank you to the Minnesota Junior Simmental Association and the Minnesota Simmental Association for all their hard work leading up to the week of and throughout the week. These groups went above and beyond to make sure the hospitality area was stocked, there were judges at every contest, and that there were enough funds to put on the event.

Their dedication to the Association is appreciated and doesn’t go unnoticed.

The American Junior Simmental Association along with the Simmental Breeders Sweepstakes are excited to promote that the 2019 AJSA National Classic will be hosted at the legendary Ke n t u c k y E x p o s i t i o n C e n t e r i n Louisville, KY, the last week of July.

AJSA exhibitors will get all the benefits of the National Classic, but also have the opportunity to exhibit in the Simmental Breeders Sweepstakes show along with other opportunities like the Nathan Adkins Memorial Scholarship and the Showmanship Showdown. For me and many others, Louisville holds a special place in our hearts and holds so many memories from generations of show cattle families. In 2014, the AJSA National Classic was also held in Louisville and was one of the most attended National Classics in our history — we have even higher expectations for this year!

With the generous leadership of DP Sales Management, there will be lots of exciting events lined up for this

year to involve all members and their families. Doug, Debbie, Holli, and Drew have a great passion for the Simmental breed and always are very supportive of the AJSA. With their experience, we are excited to see what they have up their sleeves to offer the exhibitors and their families!

For those of you not familiar with the AJSA National Classics, they are not your typical junior nationals.

Exhibitors of all ages are required to participate in educational contests: Public Speaking, Sales Talk, Cattle Judging, and Quizzes in order to show their cattle in the show at the end of the week. On the last day of the Classic, we have a banquet to honor and recognize the exhibitors by placing a top 20 in each contest along with a top 20 overall. This has been a tradition in the AJSA for many years and we think it separates us from other junior organizations. By requiring educational contests, we strongly believe that we are shaping the leaders and cattlemen and

cattlewomen of tomorrow and creating a strong future for our breed.

A change is being made this year regarding the Showmanship contest at the National Classic. Traditionally, in the showmanship final drives, the judges keep the overall placings a secret to announce at the banquet at the end of the week. This year, we have decided to let the judges place the final drives in the ring like a normal showmanship contest. We feel as if this makes the award more prestigious and gives the finalists more recognition from the folks who do not attend the banquet In closing, this is our invitation to every single one of you to attend the 2019 AJSA National Classic in Louisville, Kentucky, along with the Simmental Breeders Sweepstakes show.

With this being a centralized location and a great facility, we are hoping for large numbers of participation! We can’t wait to see you in July!

Where Are They Now? Laurie Tadevick McCullough

Next year, the National Classic will be held in Louisville, KY, in conjunction with the Simmental Breeder’s Sweepstakes, July 22-28, 2019.

Grading Changes in the Beef Chain

By Keanna Smith Western Trustee For the beef industry creating a quality beef eating experience does not fall solely on the producer. The packers, retailers, and consumer all share a part in the overall experience.

Quality starts at the at the bottom with the cow, then the calf.

Producers must maintain quality feed, sound breeding practice and proper health management. From there the cycle continues up the ladder through many different hands that include stockers, backgrounders and feedlots. At any point during this process, the quality of the beef product can be affected, either positively or negatively.

Grading carcasses at the packing plant classifies quality. For example, Cargill Meat Solutions reports 4% of their product grading Prime and an impressive 75% grading Choice, and they produce more than 1.6 billion pounds of ground beef, which allows their product to appeal to a wide range of consumers.

In December 2017, USDA updated the definition of maturity for cattle by teeth dentition, leaving behind the skeletal maturity method. This updated method helped in identifying young cattle that were previously classified as being 30 months or older, and were missing out on premium markets. The new classification was particularly helpful in heifers, since estrogen can cause more bone ossification. In the past some cattle under 30 months of age were sent into ‘No Roll’ even though the carcass had desirable quality grade, yield grade, and tenderness because the carcass skeletal maturity classification was misleading.

Camera grading has also increased the ability to recognize quality. Recent changes by USDA have made for a more precise grading process, which gives the consumer a more consistent package, consistency promotes quality, and ends with a more palatable dining experience.

By Bentley McCullough Western Trustee Laurie Tadevick McCullough was a member of the Montana Junior Simmental Association. She also served on the AJSA Board of Trustees. Laurie grew up in Geraldine, Montana. She co-owns the TSR Ranch with her family Jack, Bentley, and Jonna.

Hotwire: Can you please explain your experiences during your time in the AJSA? LTM: Growing up raising Simmentals, it was only natural that I became involved with the Montana Junior Simmental Association and the AJSA. It was a wonderful opportunity to meet young Simmental enthusiasts from all over the United States. I was able to serve five years on the AJSA Board of Trustees.”

HW: What was your most memorable moment as a junior member of the Association?

LTM: I have quite a few memories, but one that sticks out was winning the livestock judging contest in Springfield, MO. I enjoyed working with juniors from all over the United States and seeing different perspectives.

HW: Do you have advice for junior members, whether they are just getting started or maybe finishing out their last couple years with the association?

LTM: As I look back my advice is don’t think twice, just say yes. Yes, to every opportunity that comes before you no matter how insignificant or boring it may seem. You never know the door that it may open. That door may not open instantly, but, it may open a couple years into the future. Just having the experience is something that can never be taken away from you.

HW: Do you have any last thoughts you would like to share?

LTM: The Simmental breed has come a long way in a relatively short amount of time from the first calf born in Montana, to the first national sale in Denver, CO, in 1971 before the National Western even recognized Simmental as a breed. From the one-millionth animal registered, to the birth of the first black Simmental, to the one of a kind genetic evaluation systems.

The Simmental breed will continue to grow because the future of our Association lies in the capable hands of our youth.