Q&A with Jaclyn Aikens

Jaclyn Aiken 2022 THA Queen

Can you tell us about yourself and your background?

I was born and raised on a farm in Telford, Tennessee where we have beef cattle, straw, hay, and also grow corn for silage.

I was active in 4-H and FFA and loved anything agriculture, especially showing cattle. I graduated from Walters State Community College in December, 2021 with a degree in Agriculture Business.

I attend Oakland C.P. Church and enjoy spoiling my little nieces, spending time with family and friends, and showing cattle.

How did you get involved in the Hereford industry?

My involvement with the Hereford industry began when I purchased my first two registered Hereford heifers to show in high school. I was immediately hooked on this breed; they have the best temperament of any breed that I’ve ever worked with. I have met so many well-respected Hereford breeders and they have all been so helpful in obtaining and growing my herd.

Why did you decide to run for the THA Queen?

I decided to run for the THA Queen because of the awesome opportunity to travel and promote this breed. I remember seeing all the Hereford Queens leading in the classes at the NAILE show and thought how neat it would be to run for that one day.

What do you hope to accomplish as the THA Queen?

I want to be a smiling face to everyone coming out of the ring to receive their ribbons and also to encourage other young girls to run for the Tennessee Hereford Queen. I want to encourage more youth to get involved in all of the different opportunities and organizations within the Hereford Association.

What is your favorite Hereford memory?

I guess my favorite Hereford memory would have to be when I won showmanship the first time and received my first belt buckle. Also, not far behind that favorite memory, would have to be when I won my first “Grand Champion” purple ribbon.

Can you tell our readers about some of the Hereford activities that you are currently involved in?

The Hereford activitiy that I am most involved in is showing cattle. I took one of my heifers to the National Hereford Show in 2018. I also showed and represented as TN Hereford Queen at the Southeast Junior Regionals in Cookeville, Tennessee and I’ll be going to Louisville, Kentucky on July 16th, 2022 for the Junior Nationals “Banners in the Bluegrass” cattle show. I am also serve as the East Tenn. Director of the Tennessee Junior Hereford Association.

What are your future education and/or career plans?

I plan to work with other well respected Hereford breeders and continue to expand my herd.