CHAROLAIS SPOTLIGHT

How long have you been in the Charolais breed and how did you get involved?

Alex – This is my sixth year showing cattle and being involved in the Charolais breed. My Dad found a composite Charolais steer as my first 4-H beef project. We traveled to Des Moines for our first Junior National and found the Charolais family to be very welcoming.

What other activities do you participate in?

Alex – I am involved in the Maine and Chianina Associations and show steers nationally. I am finishing my freshman year at Gibson City Melvin Sibley and am active in 4-H, FFA, livestock judging, soccer, church, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. I enjoy helping on the family farm every chance I get.

What is your favorite memory that you have made working with Charolais cattle?

Alex – I have met some really awesome people through showing cattle. There are lots of memories, but some of my favorites are being selected in 2021 as 4th overall intermediate showman, spending spring breaks at Will Blanker’s house working cattle, time at the stalls with friends, dinners out with our Charolais show families.

What is your cattle operation based on? And how do you stay involved in the junior Charolais Association?

Alex – My family and I are working to raise high quality Charolais show heifers. We do this by flushing and breeding past show heifers while buying eggs and pregnancies of some of the elite Charolais cows.

Who has been your role model in the Charolais breed?

Alex – Will Blankers and Trent Bertchse. Both have helped me learn to be a better showman, taught me how to fit, introduced me to fellow Charolais breeders and partnered with me on cows and bulls. They have shown me patience, challenged me to try new things, corrected me when I was wrong, and are helping to develop me into the herdsman that I hope to be.

What are your future goals?

Alex – I hope to be competitive at the national level. I would love to follow in Will and Trent’s footsteps and be Junior Herdsman of the Year. When I become old enough, I plan to run for the Junior Board. I want to continue to build my herd and am working to find some pasture nearby that allows me to not only have more cows, but learn about pasture management.

Show Award Sponsorships Available

Please specify show: Owned Heifer, Bred & Owned Heifer, Percentage Heifer, Steer or Bull

 Grand Champion $600

 Reserve Grand Champion $500

 3rd, 4th or 5th Overall $450 (Owned or Bred & Owned only)

 Division Champion $300

 Division Reserve $250

 Class Winner $125 (Only Percentage Heifer & Steers available)

Personal Development Contest Sponsorships Available

Please specify contest and age if applicable (i.e. Jr, Int, Sr, Prepared, Impromptu)

Team Contests: Cook-Off, Quiz Bowl

 Team Contest Champion $200

 Team Contest Reserve Champion $150

Individual Contests: Impromptu Speech, Prepared Speech, Resume & Interview, Poster/Graphic Design, Photo, Art, Talent

 Individual Contest Champion $100

 Individual Contest Reserve Champion $75

Additional Donations of all sizes welcome. Please specify request ____________

Please make checks payable to AIJCA and mail to AIJCA, 11700 NW Plaza Circle, Kansas City, MO 64153 or donate online at www.charolaisusa.com/give-to-aijca.php.

Entry Deadline: May 10

Late entry deadline: may 20