OUTSTANDING JUNIOR MEMBER RYANNE CRUTCHER

By: Samantha Corn

“No matter how you do, you’ll always have a big cheering section behind you.” One of the many ways the 2023 Outstanding Junior Member, Ryanne Crutcher describes her experience with the Charolais breed.

The word ‘family’ is one that arises frequently when asked about her time as a Charolais Junior member. Not only does Ryanne delve into how impactful it has been to grow in the breed with her own family, but she also takes time to acknowledge how it’s the other members of the Charolais breed that make everyone feel welcomed and supported, just like a family does.

Ryanne Crutcher (14), from Fair Grove, Missouri takes the time to attest just how much a good support system means when it comes to showing cattle and competing. Her experience as a junior has evolved much in a short time. Ryanne says, “When I first started showing I didn’t want to compete in very many events and now I want to compete in as many as I can.” A testament to just how much of an impact other members within the AICA and AIJCA have made. Ryanne relays that it has been the fruition of great mentors around her who have pushed her to try new things and to work through the things that are tough. Role models like these can be seen in her brother, Lucas, good friend and 2023 Miss Charolais USA, Emma Hankins, and many more.

Back home, Ryanne helps with her family’s small cow/calf operation that primarily focuses on raising heifers. Outside of the AIJCA she is participates in Livestock Judging, Cross Country, National Junior Honor Society, and Student Council. She stays involved with the Charolais breed by being active within her state association as an officer and participating in as many activities as she can at the AIJCA Junior National Show and Leadership Conference each year.

When it comes to the AIJCA Junior National, Ryanne is no stranger. She has attended them for most of her life with her family alongside. Ryanne describes it as, “…one of the best experiences anyone can have. There are a ton of opportunities to compete in events and meet new people. Everyone is welcoming and you’ll meet some of your best friends there”.

Along with Ryanne’s connections made at Charolais events, it is apparent she has made an impact as well. Through her many years of attendance and numerous successful competitions and shows, Ryanne was recognized as the 2023 AIJCA Outstanding Junior Member at the AIJCA Junior National Show and Leadership Conference.

“To me, the Outstanding Junior Award is for someone who works hard, tries all the events, and supports everyone. Being selected as this year’s recipient is a huge honor. So many people that I look up to and admire have received this award, and I feel lucky and thankful to have been selected this year.”