J U N I O R

Mattie Harward, Area 8 Director

Life Lessons Learned

At Junior National in the show ring and contest rooms

Hello! My name is Mattie Harward and I am from the small town of Richfield, North Carolina where my family runs a commercial cow/ calf operation, two livestock auction markets, and a livestock video auction. Additionally, my sisters and I have a purebred cattle operation as well. Through our different ventures, we strive to help farmers in our area by marketing their cattle to the best of our abilities and also providing the best genetics we can for them. My sisters and I grew up showing cattle across the country and some of our best memories were made in the show barn preparing and traveling to shows as a family and for that, I am forever grateful.

With that being said, my favorite time of year is here, summertime! Summer means junior nationals are right around the corner! Each year, juniors come from all over the country to compete and share fellowship with one another in one location. Because of junior nationals, I have made connections and friendships that I know will last at one goal, try again, but at least you know you gave it your all.

You only regret the opportunities you did not take. So seize every opportunity to try new things and step out of your comfort zone. If it was not for going to the leadership conference at my first junior nationals, I would have never met one of my closest friends.

Make the goal to meet someone new or make a new connection. Someone once told me that your network is more valuable than your net worth. Those people you meet and the friends you make are going to be with you for a lifetime. Surround yourself with people who want to see you succeed. It is important to find those mentors that you can look up to for guidance, support, and knowledge. Find those mentors that you can call to ask questions, learn from, push you to accomplish goals, and who will support you.

Be kind and humble with everything you do. There is no denying we all like to win. However, we

O f f i c e r s

President Devon Benes Valparaiso, NE (402) 499-3429 devben@hotmail.com

Vice President Weston Schrader Wells, KS (785) 488-6390 weston.schrader@gmail.com

Secretary Shade Bunker Sparta, WI (608) 855-0270 shadebunker1@gmail.com

Area 1 Maddy Rohr Elbert, CO (720) 467-3302 maddy23@ksu.edu

Area 2 Dillon Borg Concord, NE (402) 369-2676 dborg802@gmail.com

Area 3 Weston Schrader Wells, KS (785) 488-6390 weston.schrader@gmail.com

Area 4 Jaycee Littleton Simms, TX (903) 701-2129 jayceelittleton02@gmail.com

Area 5 Carter Hoge Good Hope, IL (309) 255-4131 carterdhoge@gmail.com

Area 6 a lifetime and these friendships all started because of the shared passion we had for Charolais cattle. For many juniors like myself, we look forward to this week all year long, preparing each day for the cattle show as well as the contests that are provided. Everyone comes from all over to compete in the show, showmanship, and contests. Through competitions and leadership conferences, juniors can learn many skills and make many connections that turn into lifelong friendships. Like many juniors, junior nationals will always hold a special place in my heart.

I am writing this article as my junior career is quickly coming to an end. I will be forever grateful for the lessons and opportunities this industry has taught me, but as I look back at my time competing in the show ring and contest rooms, there are a couple of life lessons I have learned that I would like to share.

Give it all you got all day, every day. Even on the days, you do not think it matters, it does. Set goals for yourself and make sure that you push yourself to accomplish those goals. Even if you do not succeed can not forget that winning is not everything. It is important to have kindness on those days that you lose and to be humble on the days that you win.

The American International Junior Charolais Association is a wonderful organization and provides juniors with many opportunities. This association has given me the skills, tools, and knowledge to be successful. By competing in contests I have learned various skills like communication, knowledge of the beef industry, and the importance of teamwork. By showing cattle I have learned the value of responsibility, hard work, and what it means to win and lose. Finally, I have learned that the Charolais breed is filled with wonderful people and mentors that strive each day to not only provide the best genetics but also opportunities for juniors to develop their own skills to be successful. I encourage you today to step out of your comfort zone and talk to anyone in the Charolais breed to see how you can get involved in this incredible breed and association.

Treasurer Mattie Harward Richfield, NC (704) 463-5828 mattieann8@gmail.com

Ex-Officio Molly Smith Lockhart, TX (512) 995-6263 mollysloan@hotmail.com r e a

At Large Austin Alexander Bremen, AL (256) 287-1166 austin.alexander.2022@gmail.com

At Large Nissa Olsen Manhattan, KS (785) 313-2975 nco.charolais@gmail.com

At Large Ethan Shoemake Warner, OK (918) 424-8703 ethan.shoemake2004@gmail.com

At Large Jenna Tlach Prole, IA (515) 393-0841 jntlach@gmail.com

Lucas Crutcher Fair Grove, MO (417) 766-3278 crutcherlucas@gmail.com

Area 7

Shade Bunker Sparta, WI (608) 855-0270 shadebunker1@gmail.com

Area 8

Mattie Harward Richfield, NC (704) 463-5828 mattieann8@gmail.com

C o m m i t t e e C h a i r m e n

Fundraising

Mattie Harward

Programs & Activities

Weston Schrader

Membership Shade Bunker Junior National Devon Benes

Membership in the nationwide AmericanInternational Junior Charolais Association (AIJCA) is open to anyone 21 years of age and under as of January 1 of the present year. The initial membership fee is $30 and $25 annual dues thereafter.