Association Outlook

Montie D. Soules

asa executive secretary/CEO

Sesquicentennial Kickoff

This issue of the Shorthorn Country includes reports from the 2021 National Junior Shorthorn Show and Youth Conference. I will begin with a few comments about the biggest event the breed gathers for and this was one of, if not the biggest in our history. In Louisville, Ky., tons of cattle and some of the finest folks you can find gathered to make this year’s event an extremely competitive show. I’d like to bring attention to all the contests held at this educational event. The Career Development Contest is a new addition; this is where the junior exhibitor prepares for a mock job interview. This is just one example of how this event helps prepare our youth for the future. Nearly 1,000 awards are presented at the show and youth conference each year. The young people of our breed are impressive when you analyze all they accomplish during the fun-filled week.

The following Facebook post I saw explains the real value of purchasing Shorthorns for our children:

“One of my friends asked, “Why do you pay so much money for your kids to show cattle?” Well, I have a confession to make, I don’t pay for my kids to show cattle. So, if I am not paying for them to show, what am I paying for? - I pay for those moments when my kids become so tired, they want to quit but don’t. - I pay for those days when my kids come home from school and are “too tired” to go the barn but go anyway. - I pay for my kids to learn to be disciplined. - I pay for my kids to learn to take care of their body. - I pay for my kids to learn to work with others and to be good teammates. - I pay for my kids to learn to deal with disappointment, when they don’t win what they’d hoped for, but still have to work hard in the grading. - I pay for my kids to learn to make and accomplish goals. - I pay for my kids to learn that it takes hours and hours and hours and hours of hard work and practice to create a champion, and that success does not happen overnight. - I pay for the opportunity my kids have and will have to make life-long friendships. - I pay so that my kids can be in the ring instead of in front of a screen......I could go on but, to be short, I don’t pay for show cattle, I pay for the opportunities that showing cattle provides my kids with, to develop attributes that will serve them well throughout their lives and give them the opportunity to bless the lives of others. From what I have seen so far, there is no greater investment out there.”

~Unknown Author~ (KellyHairSheep.com)

I think this says it all; as we build future generations for our breed, industry, and nation. Thank you to all that help support this wonderful event each year. It is important for the youth of our breed.

The other event I would like to draw to your attention is our 2021 ASA Annual Meeting on Oct. 23rd in Kansas City at the Hilton Kansas City Airport Hotel which will also kick-off our 150th Anniversary (Sesquicentennial) Celebration. We will unveil the 150th Anniversary Book which can be purchased on our website or at the event. The history of our breed and of the cattle industry is captured from cover to cover. If you have any interest in Shorthorns or the cattle industry this one-of-a-kind book is a must have item!

We will have a panel of Shorthorn Legends plus Shorthorn Trivia during the morning Forum along with comments from Dr. Tom Field. The Annual Meeting reports and election of new Board Members will take place that afternoon. The evening will include a Social and Awards Banquet where we will present last year’s awards as well as for the current year. Don’t forget the American Royal National Shorthorn Show is on Friday Oct. 22 and a social will be held at the ASA office on that same evening, with drinks and hor d’oeuvres. This time has become a favorite for many who attend. It provides time to socialize with other Shorthorn breeders and share ideas while meeting up with old friends and making new ones.

The breed is gaining acceptance in the industry and there are many new breeders joining the breed. The atmosphere at the National Junior Shorthorn Show and Youth Conference is a prime example of the positive happenings in the Shorthorn Breed! =