JRA Contact Information

Celeste Settrini’s Go-To Tips for Social Media Success: 1 Post regularly. There’s nothing worse than an outdated page.

2 Be real. Be yourself!

3 Don’t be boring.

Koester said it’s important to respond if someone comments on your post. If someone said hello to you on the phone, you would answer. Social media should be no different.

THINK TWICE BEFORE POSTING

When you post, you’ll want to keep in mind that people outside of agriculture will see your post. Settrini says the biggest mistake she sees is a graphic post that is not explained well. “I think it’s important for us to be transparent and share our story, but many times I see a photo on Instagram or Facebook that can be taken in different ways and can shed a poor light on what we do.

“It may be nothing at all, but by not fully explaining, people can let their minds wander and come to a negative conclusion when maybe it was nothing negative at all. Be aware before posting if you think something might be questionable.” She said if you can’t provide clear, understandable explanation, it might not be the best story to post.

She takes advantage of non-ag friends seeing her posts, and uses that to educate that community. Her recipes and reviews pull in this audience. “Once they follow along, they will eventually learn something about ag,” she added.

Ranchers also need to understand that animal rights groups often dictate social media policy. In 2019, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals organization bought enough shares in Facebook to get a seat at the board table. (Keep in mind that Facebook also owns Instagram.) Shortly before that move, Facebook banned the sell of livestock between private parties. To avoid Facebook jail, it’s good practice to avoid listing any prices and any words similar to “for sale.”

Settrini advises to be extra cautious with your wording. She recommends using social media as a promotional tool to drive guests from Facebook to your website. “The website will be the spot where you have all the details and sale information.”

GET SOCIAL!

Social media magnifies your toolbox for selling show cattle. Study how ranches you admire handle their content and jump in the game! With some creative content, photos that attract attention and a plan, you could be well on your way to finding your next buyers online! B&B

Don’t just post to sell. It turns people off. Your content should offer value to someone else. — Tracey Koester

The Junior Red Angus Association of America, 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, visit RedAngus.org or call Kim Heller, junior programs coordinator, at 515-851-2019.

The five days in Kentucky and Tennessee were packed with both education and fun! Site visits highlighted the key commodities of the region’s agriculture as well as industry partners that assist in advancing agriculture. Team challenges and individual contests showcased participants’ knowledge of cattle production and evaluation. The JRA annual meeting provided an opportunity to guide continuous improvement for the organization, and members elected the 2021-2022 board of directors. The entire experience provided 60 participants from 14 different states with a chance to create friendships and lifetime memories.

TOP HAND AWARD YOUNG GUN AWARD

Morgan Marlett, Laurens, South Carolina, claimed the JRA Round-Up Top Hand Award. JRA Director Andrea Rutledge, left, Big Sandy, Montana, presented the award to Morgan.

COMMERCIAL CATTLEMAN SCHOLARSHIP

Jacynta Bomgardner, Loma, Montana, was named the winner of the JRA Round-Up Commercial Cattleman Scholarship. JRA Directors Rutledge, left, and Mia Gibson, right, Elgin, Iowa, presented the award. Tessa McGibbon, Green Valley, Arizona, was awarded the JRA Round-Up Young Gun Award. At right, Rutledge presented Tessa with her award.

HEATHER PRESSER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Taryn Cox, Walla Walla, Washington, won the Heather Presser Memorial Scholarship at this year’s JRA Round-Up. Rutledge, left, and Gibson, right, presented Taryn with her award.

STOCKMAN’S KNOWLEDGE CONTEST CHAMPION TEAM

JRA Directors Izzy McGibbon, left, Green Valley, Arizona; and Tiffany Watkins, right, Dade City, Florida, presented awards to Whitley Frost, Esbon, Kansas, junior reserve champion; Wes Meyer, Anamosa, Iowa, junior champion; Bailey Smith, Shiner, Texas, intermediate reserve champion; Natalie Evan, Jacksonville, Illinois, intermediate champion; Mitchell VanderWal, Brentford, South Dakota, senior reserve champion; and Ethan Dickerson, Paradise, Kansas, senior champion.

THANKS TO THE 2020-2021 JRA DIRECTORS!

We extend a special thanks to the 2020-2021 JRA board of directors! From left are Peyton Nagel, Alhambra, Illinois; Andrea Rutledge; Izzy McGibbon; Tiffany Watkins; Mia Gibson; and Isaac Berg. From left are Paige Fitzgerald, Bloomington, Illinois; Dalia Weber, Rock City, Illinois; Greysen VanWye, Lancaster, Missouri; Jacynta Bomgardner; Randi Anderson, Clarion, Iowa; Jenna Cox, Walla Walla, Washington; Morgan Marlett; and Kenneth Fruszie, Chinook, Montana. Gibson, right, presented the award.

MEAT ANIMAL EVALUATION CONTEST

From left, McGibbon presented awards to Bruce Calteaux, Winona, Minnesota, junior reserve champion; Wes Meyer, junior champion; Natalie Evan, intermediate reserve champion; Bailey Smith, intermediate champion; Kenzie Mork, Sanders, Montana; senior reserve champion; and Ethan Dickerson, senior champion. JRA Director Isaac Berg, Pipestone, Minnesota, also helped with the presentation.

ROUND-UP MEMBER SCHOLARSHIPS

From left, Rutledge presented JRA Round-Up Member Scholarships to Whitley Frost and Morgan Marlett. Gibson, right, helped to present the awards.