JRA Update: Looking Back on Lessons Learned by Tiffany Watkins, JRA President
stock judging team because I wanted to help others have this experience. Coordinating the activities of an intercollegiate judging team taught me organizational skills as well.
Join us as we interview a mystery guest about their experiences of being involved in junior programs. What roles did 4-H and/or FFA play in your leadership development? 4-H and FFA were valuable in my leadership development. It started with 4-H demonstrations, livestock judging and showing steers. Later, I became more active in FFA with numerous activities. I was able to observe many great leaders who got their start in FFA and I wanted to be like them. Parliamentary Procedure, FFA Camp, livestock judging and National FFA Convention were a few of my activities during that time. I served as chapter vice president and later as president. I was fortunate to win the Southern Region Proficiency in Beef Cattle Production and received my American FFA Degree. Without question, my experience in 4-H and FFA laid the foundation for much of my career. What life skills did you learn through showing or being around animals that have shaped your career? Growing up raising livestock teaches us valuable skills and pays dividends throughout our life. The knowledge
Mystery Guest and dedication necessary to become a “true stockman” that provides stewardship to their animals can build success in all aspects of our life. Even after a lifetime of raising livestock, I still get excited every calf season. Watching the calves grow and develop is really gratifying. It’s even more special to see the consistency of cow families and sire lines through the years. What were some activities you were involved in during college, and how have those experiences helped you professionally? During my undergraduate program. I was involved in the meats and livestock judging teams and Block and Bridle Club. The ability to analyze situations, make decisions and justify those decisions are among the most valuable skills I developed in college. In graduate school, I coached the live-
In addition, I was active in FarmHouse Fraternity and served as Chapter President. This time was valuable because I learned how to work with people from diverse backgrounds. I became adept at setting goals, effective communication and conflict management. The relationships built during that time are still strong and I’m confident that I could call on them for support at any time. When you were in college, what skills or attributes do you think made you a good candidate for an internship or job? ● A good attitude ● Showing up on time ● Being humble ● Willingness to learn ● Dedication to doing good work Describe how you got involved with Red Angus? I’ve always liked red cattle even during my youth growing up with Simmental. Most of those cattle were gold/tan during that era. I remember looking at an NBI semen catalog and
Connect with JRA! The Junior Red Angus Association, the junior affiliate of the RAAA, strives to equip and prepare all members to be leaders, innovators, stewards and advocates for the Red Angus breed, the beef industry and agriculture. The JRA membership actively participates in industry events, conferences and workshops designed to develop members’ critical thinking, leadership and production skill sets. Additionally, the JRA strives to nurture enthusiasm for the beef industry and agriculture, while promoting networking and education. For more information on the Junior Red Angus Association of America and how youth can get involved in the Red Angus breed, visit RedAngus.org or call Kim Heller, Director of Education and Junior Programs at (515) 851-2019 or kim@redangus.org. 48
RED ANGUS Magazine October 2021
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