CHAROLAIS JUNIOR NATIONAL A Family Affair

Dr. Clint Rusk Executive Vice President

My overall impression of the 2023 Charolais Junior National was one of admiration and respect for the “Family Friendly Atmosphere” created by everyone involved in the event. From the AIJCA Board of Directors to Kaitlyn Chism and the Planning Committee, to Reagan Dolan and Peyton Piepho (our summer interns), to the AICA staff, to the judges, parents, and grandparents; the overall atmosphere at this year’s Charolais Junior National was very enjoyable due to the Family Friendly nature of the various competitions. Whether your children were in elementary school, high school, or even in college, the competitions were designed to make every contestant feel welcome and important. The inclusive atmosphere permeated the cattle barns, the wash rack, and the competition rooms where speeches, quiz bowl and cook-offs were held. The spirit of congeniality even reigned in the showring where showmanship, team fitting and cattle shows resulted in friends working together and cheering for one another because making new friends was more important than winning ribbons and awards. What an inspiring way to spend the 4th of July and the next three days at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Special thanks to our hosts from the great states of Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin for making this year’s Charolais Junior National one to remember!

At last year’s Charolais Junior National in Grand Island, I realized how important the daily meals were for creating the family atmosphere I mentioned above. The hospitality committee went above and beyond to be sure we were well fed during our time at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. I was also very impressed with the hard work, dedication, and servant hearts I witnessed in the members of the planning committee. Their attention to detail from stalling to tie outs to planning daily events and the Thursday evening banquet that fed over 600 people, was impressive at every level!

On Wednesday morning, I headed to the Annex to visit with exhibitors, parents, and grandparents. I didn’t keep track of every person I visited with, but the morning went by quickly and the conversations were priceless. After lunch, Samantha Corn and Brett Spader started interviewing exhibitors of all ages. My job was to go through the barn and send exhibitors and advisors to the FFA Room in the Birthing Center to meet with Samantha and Brett. I started with some of the people I had conversations with, in the Annex earlier in the day. I soon moved over to the Cattle Barn directly across from the showring. I found the people in this building to be just as friendly as the ones in the Annex. I immediately met exhibitors who were willing to be interviewed and who knew where the FFA Room was in the Birthing Center. I spent the majority of Wednesday afternoon visiting with exhibitors, parents and other Charolais enthusiasts.

On Thursday morning, I went directly to the showring to watch the Charolais Bred & Owned Show. Wow was I impressed with the quality of the animals and the showmanship skills of the exhibitors. Both groups were equally good! The judge, Will Coor, was extremely enthusiastic and very complimentary towards the exhibitors and their animals. It was obvious Mr. Coor was enjoying judging the Bred and Owned Show and the exhibitors appeared to enjoy presenting their cattle to him. The championship lineup of Charolais heifers, bulls, steers, and percentage heifers was outstanding. My compliments to the exhibitors for raising and showing such an outstanding group of Charolais and Charolais-Influenced cattle.

Friday morning started at the showring with a wonderful rendition of the National Anthem sung by AIJCA member, Belle Watje from Millsap, TX. The owned heifer show was the focus of the final day of this year’s Charolais Junior National and Ty Bayer from