JRA Update - by Morgan Marlett

JRA Update: My Red Cow Story by Morgan Marlett, 2021 JRA Round-Up Top Hand

Editor’s note: The agricultural industry is a dynamic system that provides tremendous career opportunities. However, sometimes what catches your interest is different from the aspect of the industry in which your family is engaged. That’s where JRA member and 2021 Round-Up Top Hand Morgan Marlett found herself. Fortunately, her power of “want to” fueled her to establish connections, acquire resources and create learning opportunities to launch her future in the Red Angus cattle business.

My history with the Red Angus breed has been brief, but nonetheless one of the most impactful periods of my life. It has given me unique opportunities for growth, hands-on learning experiences and friendships with some of the most hard-working people I’ve ever met.

My red cow story began my senior year of high school as an experienced 4-Her. I had been involved in 4-H since I was eight and had participated in almost every aspect of the program from leading on my 4-H State Teen Council to showing horses and pigs. As I neared aging out, I had the brilliant idea to try something new that many of my friends already enjoyed — showing cattle.

Luckily for me, I knew a family friend down the road whose daughters had shown cattle for the ranch he managed. I reached out and asked him some questions to see if my idea was possible.

Raymond Prescott, manager of Bull Hill Red Angus Ranch, was more than happy to work with me and was soon helping me select cattle to halter break for the upcoming show season. From then on, I was hooked.

The highlight of my day was spending time with my show heifers. It was during that time that I decided that beef cattle, and more importantly, Red Angus cattle, would be a part of my life forever.

From there, my experiences with the Red Angus breed evolved. I interned with Mr. Prescott over my winter break and experienced a calving season for the first time. I assisted him with all aspects of calving and record-keeping while he patiently answered all my many questions.

I looked up to him significantly, and still do, and was thankful to have him as a mentor while I learned all about cattle management and care. I continued to show, help at Bull Hill and started thinking about the possibility of interning in another part of the country to learn more about cattle and rangeland management.

Mr. Prescott supported me and suggested that I get in contact with good friends of his that had Red Angus in eastern Montana, the Ketchum family.

I was soon able to talk with Bruce and Tena Ketchum, owners of Milk Creek Reds, and share my interest in interning. Before I knew it, I was headed to Montana for my spring

break to explore the ranch, experience their calving season and attend their annual bull sale. I came back even more in love with the Red Angus breed and could not wait to return for my summer break.

As an intern, I was constantly pushed outside of my comfort zone to further my personal growth. I learned how to manage electric fencing, rotate pastures, move cattle on horseback and even tie several useful knots.

The Ketchums were amazing teachers and always encouraged me to try new things, even if I didn’t believe I could do them myself.

I also learned more about the AI process. I was taught how to thaw semen straws, correctly use an AI gun, and efficiently work through large groups of cattle.

My time there was unforgettable, and I came back to South Carolina a much more capable cattle woman. I rounded out the summer by attending the Junior Red Angus Round-Up for the first time. I had been wanting to attend for a couple of years, but had never had the chance to go, so I was excited!

I arrived not knowing anyone and left the week with so many great friends that were as passionate about red cows as I am.

Overall, my experience with the Red Angus breed has been nothing short of amazing. The opportunities that I have been given, friends I have made and people who have supported me on my journey were like none I have ever had before.

Weighing a calf in Montana

I will forever be thankful that I found the Red Angus Association of America and am positive I will be involved with red cattle for the remainder of my lifetime. •