GW JUNIOR CONNECTION
Cultivating Successful Cattlemen and Women By Brooke Nowack “There is no growth in the comfort zone; there is no comfort in the growth zone.” That is one of my favorite quotes. When we apply this way of thinking to the American Gelbvieh Junior Association (AGJA), we understand that it is important to get involved in the association with a hands-on, all-in approach. How can this be done? There are plenty of activities, contests, and opportunities available with the purpose of cultivating successful cattlemen and women within the membership. The most popular opportunity that our members take advantage of is attending the AGJA Junior Classics in the summers. However, junior classic isn’t just a cattle show, it is a way for young breeders to make connections, hone in on skills, and capitalize on a chance to develop. Gelbvieh junior nationals are unique in the way that all members are encouraged to compete in any and every one of the many contests that we have available. Contests that junior national exhibitors can compete in include livestock judging, sales talk, skill-a-thon, prepared speaking, and team fitting. Each contest provides a learning opportunity for juniors to expand their knowledge on aspects of the cattle industry. However, there are additional contests that members don’t have to
Jake Renner Member & Youth Activities Coordinator 303-465-2333 • jake@gelbvieh.org Andrea Murray, Adult Advisor Kingfisher, OK • 405-368-9601 murrayfarm@pldi.net Lori Maude, Adult Advisor Hermosa, SD • 303-809-3789 lori.maude@gmail.com
Tom Vehige, Adult Advisor Billings, MO • 417-772-2002 tbarscattle@gmail.com
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be present at junior nationals in order to participate in, such as video, graphic design, photography, ag podcast, and even the poster contest. So, even if juniors are not able to make it to junior nationals, there are still plenty of opportunities for them to compete in contests. Every contest is carefully thought out and revised by the members of the AGJA board of directors. The board is made up of nine directors, each serving a two-year term, and one ex-officio. Being on the board is one of the best experiences and greatest opportunities that the association has to offer. Not only do members coordinate many of the junior classic details, but we also travel to major shows such as National Western Stock Show, North American International Livestock Exposition, and American Royal. By being a hands-on, all-in member and running for the board, juniors will be given a prime opportunity to hone in on leadership skills. One of the best ways to prepare for running for the AGJA board, is to first serve as an ambassador. The AGJA ambassador travels to all of the same shows as board members, giving juniors the chance to make connections while representing the breed. There are a million ways to be involved within the association, but the best way is through a hands-on approach. This is vital in order to cultivate future leaders in our association, our industry, and our country. F
Grace Vehige, President (2017) Billings, MO • g_vehige@hotmail.com
Danielle Stock, Ex-Officio (2018) Waukon, IA • danielle.m.stock@gmail.com
Alexx Starr, Vice President (2018) Stapleton, NE • lexi.starr@icloud.com
Brooke Nowack (2019) Bland, MO • victoria2020brooke@gmail.com
Madalynn Welsh, V.P. of Leadership (2019) Franklin, NE • madalynn.welsh@outlook.com Cade Cameron, Secretary (2019) Danville, IA • cameroncade15@hotmail.com Cody Forbes, Treasurer (2019) DeSmet, SD • forbesbros.livestock@hotmail.com
Karley Rumfelt (2020) Markle, IN • karleyrumfelt2@gmail.com Rachelle Anderson (2020) Jamestown, KS • reanderson522@gmail.com Preston Dunn (2020) Saint John, KS • prestondunnksu@gmail.com
