JORDAN MACK MEMORIAL HERDSMAN OF THE YEAR

Makayla Houck

It can be said that showing cattle comes with a much greater gift than the success of winning. For Makayla Houck, 2023 Jordan Mack Memorial Herdsman of the Year, this is true. Aside from learning to fit and show cattle, Makayla has learned the importance of attitude, work ethic, and honesty.

“The biggest lesson I have learned is that it’s not always about how well you do in the showring, but more about the people you meet, the lessons you learn and the memories you make throughout the years.”

For as long as she can remember, Makayla has been involved in the Charolais breed. Growing up on a Charolais cow-calf operation, Makayla spent much of her childhood traveling to local and national cattle shows. Even today, Makayla has not missed a Charolais Junior National since she was able to show.

By: Reagan Dolan

Located in Prescott, Iowa, Makayla and her family base their operation around commercial bull sales. Through their cow herd and retainment of high quality replacement heifers, they strive to raise and market the highest quality bulls for their customers. With the goal of producing bulls built to last in a variety of environments, this approach starts with the genetics in their cow herd. For Makayla and her family, they have found much success in bull production, as she exhibited the Grand Champion Bred and Owned Bull at the 2023 Char Spangled Banner Junior National.

Makayla’s favorite contest throughout her time participating at Junior National is showmanship. As a talented showman, Makayla placed fourth in the senior division showmanship contest at the Char Spangled Banner Junior National. Previously, Makayla has been awarded top 5 showmen in all three showmanship age divisions at Junior National.

“There are so many great showmen in the industry today. I feel fortunate when I am selected in the top 5.”

Becoming a great showman would not have been possible without the help of her great mentors in the Charolais breed. Makayla’s stepdad, Craig, introduced her to the cattle industry. Owning a cow-calf operation, Makayla was able to take note and learn from Craig and his understanding of Charolais cattle. While she sat ringside, Makayla learned how to show at a young age by watching her sister, Haley, compete at cattle shows. These strong influences in Makayla’s life have helped her find a true passion within Charolais, cattle shows, and AIJCA.

“I would not be where I am today without my stepdad Craig, Cody Runft, Justin Patrick, and my sister Haley. I owe a lot of credit to them for everything they’ve done for me over the years.”

In May 2023, Makayla graduated from Southwestern Community College with an associates degree in business administration. Starting this fall, she will begin at PCI Academy in Ames, Iowa to become an esthetician. As Makayla approaches her final year as an AIJCA junior, she still has high hopes for her last time to compete at Junior National.

“In my final year I hope to continue to make memories, meet new people, be a good role model for younger juniors, and enjoy the week! I know for sure that this year will be impossible to top, because there is no award more important to me than Herdsman of the Year.”