Angie Kinsley honored
M
y name is Angie Kinsley. My husband Marty and I live northwest of Murdo, South Dakota, where we farm and ranch. Both of us grew up in the Jones County area and we couldn’t imagine a life anywhere else. We raised our two sons, Kelly and Anthony, on the ranch where Kelly has now taken over the lead role in the operation. When the boys became Marty’s right hand men, I began working outside of the home for the Cooperative Extension Service in the 4-H office, with SD Court Services and currently as the Director of Equalization for Jones County. We are beyond blessed having five grandchildren that live near us and whom we get to spend time with. Western Junior, for me, has never been about the ribbons and trophies, although I feel I have earned my fair share. It was about the friendships and comradery of like-minded families, meeting new friends, and the fun of learning about the livestock industry. My first WJLS experience was in 1974 with a Hereford steer named Buddy. He was a red ribbon bucket calf that taught me great lessons about animal husbandry and finances…namely if you work with an animal closely enough every day, a piece of baling twine will work for a halter because they just follow you around wherever you go. Also if you are still feeding a 900 lb fat steer milk replacer you are not going to make a profit. Compassion was a tough one though, as Buddy was also my first lesson in love and loss when the 8 yr old Angie bawled her eyes out loading him on the semi-trailer. My three sisters and I all showed cattle at WJLS. We still carry these lessons along with many more thanks to my parents, Lawrence, former WJLS Director, and Evie Roghair who allowed us to experience each of them with grace and guidance. Marty and I strived to instill the Learn by Doing 4-H motto into our boys as they became WJLS showmen. In
a couple years when the grandkids reach 4-H age, we hope to do the same for them. My WJLS experience began at an early age and continued as a showman and member until I graduated from the 4-H program. Becoming a 4-H Leader and promoting the show was a natural progression of my 4-H career and when asked to serve as a State 4-H Leader at Large for WJLS by Lee Newsam, I was honored to step up to the plate. Following in Lee’s steps as President of the organization really brought to light the countless hours of volunteer work that it takes to make a three day show possible. I will always go above and beyond to promote a WJLS atmosphere of friends and family to any young person that will listen. It isn’t the sparkle that should get you there but the football games on the lawn with friends you don’t know yet, icicles hanging off your nose while washing your calf, and the whole family with five extras piled into the camper for a card game. Once a young person has tried it, I dare them not to want to return next year. From there the fun can turn into rewards including tangible and monetary prizes along with college scholarships and career building opportunities not to mention lifelong friendships. Word of mouth and our actions as adult leaders are our greatest recruitment tool.
Annual Membership Meeting December 5, 2020
10:00 am – Location will be noted with membership meeting notice Directors’ meeting following annual membership meeting
Western Junior Livestock Show
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