Until Next Time...

By Audrey Hambright

Looking back I can hardly believe it has been three and a half years since I made the trip north to Omaha to start my summer internship with the American Shorthorn Association. Little did I know I when I started out in Omaha that summer with my trusty sidekick who was a summer intern for Ak-Sar-Ben at the same time, that it would have led me down the path that it did.

From my time with the ASA to the Shorthorn Country magazine and back to ASA again, I have had some great experiences, met many people along the way and have a suitcase full of memories to take with me everywhere I go. More than anything, it has truly been an unbelievable learning experience from start to finish.

Those of you who know me well, know that I’m partial to my home state of Kansas. I have a great opportunity to keep working in the beef industry, close to home no less! My new position is with the Beef Cattle Institute at Kansas State University as the Communications Coordinator.

Everyone I have worked with at Shorthorn along the way has been nothing but supportive and great to work with. Some of them have become my closest friends. I wish them all the best in their future endeavors – and that Shirley continues to keep everyone at the Shorthorn office in line!

Myself, Jake Alden and Gwen Crawford at the  2012 CYT Sale.

I am very thankful for all of the Shorthorn events I had the opportunity to attend and the people I met along the way. There are many of breeders and/or members who I only had correspondence with by phone or email, but I feel like I would know just as well if I had the chance to meet them in person.

As I have told a few, this is only “good-bye” for now. I’m sure I’ll see many of you on down the road. I look forward to seeing where the Shorthorn breed goes in the future as well as the activities of the ASA staff and membership.

Until next time…

From the 2012-13 National Lassie Queen

Since I was crowned as your National Shorthorn Lassie Queen this past November at the North American International Livestock Exposition I have gained a lot of experience, friends, mentors, and memories that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.  It’s hard to explain and summarize a whole year of my experience and gratitude in one small thank you article.  This time last year I would never have dreamed that I would be where I am today. 

I want to start off by thanking my amazing family.  Through this journey they have been with me every step of the way.  My mother and father have been a huge inspiration to me.  When I got discouraged I could always count on them to help me find my way and work through all of the planning, traveling, and finances.  I can never thank them enough for the countless hours they have spent with me on the road chaperoning me and assisting me when I needed it.  I also want to say thank you to my brothers and sister-in-law, David, Fran, and Jeffrey, for always being there for me and encouraging me, even when I didn’t think I needed it.  This experience has enabled me to become closer to you and I have loved every minute of it.  I love you all more than I can ever describe.   

Over the course of this year I have traveled to Denver, Colorado, Fort Worth Texas, The Kentucky Beef Expo, Junior Nationals in Des Moines, Iowa, The Missouri State Fair, The Kentucky state fair, Star Search Sale at Cates Farm in Modock, Indiana, The Keystone Show.   It’s hard to focus on one specific event I have been to, each trip has brought a new experience but the most influential trip I have taken this year was to the California Shorthorn Junior and Open show.  The hospitality from them was so warm and accepting.  This trip opened my eyes to a new side of the Shorthorn industry.  I had time to sit down and actually get to meet the breeders and exhibitors and learn of their hardships over the past year with the drought they have been experiencing.   

A few more people I want to be sure to mention are the wonderful breeders and members within the state of Kentucky.  You have been so generous and supportive of me on this journey.  I especially want to thank Faye Korthaus and Fran McCall.  You have both been there for me from the very beginning when I decided to become the Kentucky State Queen three years ago.  From the loaning of the tartan, to helping me with my crown, to advice on how to walk, talk, and even wave, you have been there and because of your help I have become the third National Queen to come from the state of Kentucky, which I consider to be a huge honor.   



I am sad to see this year come to an end, as I walk across the green shavings for the last time, in November.  I will soak in every moment and remember how blessed I am to have had this once in a lifetime opportunity.  No words can ever describe how honored, thankful, and greatful I am.     
I love you all so much,

Jessica McCall

2012- 2013 National Shorthorn Lassie Queen

Retiring Address

By Billy Zack Taylor, ASA Board Member

It is a true honor and pleasure to have served on the Board of Directors for the American Shorthorn Association.  During the two terms, I have had the privilege of representing the wants and desires of any member which conveyed any concern or idea.  Furthermore, as a Board we have made several changes for the future of the Shorthorn breed.  There will need to be several changes in the future as well. 

I encourage any member which has a love for the future of this great breed of cattle to run for the board.  We have a great Executive Secretary with a great vision.  The remaining Board is very progressive and truly has a great desire for the Shorthorn breed to succeed in all aspects of the cattle industry.  It is vital that the entire United States is represented. I encourage any member to run that cares about the progressive future of the Shorthorn breed, not only in your area but the entire United States. 


Interested in running for the ASA Board of Directors at the 2013 Annual Meeting in Denver? Please sumbit your intent to run along with a write-up of yourself and photo to the ASA by November 1, 2013. All candidates will have their write-up and photo published in the December issue of the Shorthorn Country.
View the By-Laws of the ASA for complete protocol of election to the board of directors - click here.

My How Time Flies

by Ricky W. Guidry, ASA Board member and Past President

It doesn’t seem like it but it has been six years since you elected me to the Board of Directors of the American Shorthorn Association.  While I had managed a Business and Ranch most of my life this was my first experience of being a director of an Association consisting of members from all parts of the Country and having diverse interest.

 While I have only been involved with Shorthorn cattle for 15 years it has been a pleasure meeting other breeders from all parts of the country.  I have never been involved with any other group that has a love for cattle as I have seen with Shorthorn breeders.  In the last 6 years I have grown to understand the diverse goals that our breeders have with their individual programs.  I have even seen my goals as a breeder move from the show ring to using Shorthorn cattle in a crossbreeding program that works in our southern region.  As a board member it is key to listen and learn as much as possible from all facets of the breed.  Only with an understanding of the various needs of different programs can we continue to serve the needs of all members.  As a board we should always remember that we are in that position because our fellow members elected us to that position to protect and promote programs that aid all members in reaching their goals.  We have seen a lot of issues with genetic defects, show programs, management, etc. in the last 6 years and feel the board has always strived to move the association in a positive direction.

 At the National Show and Annual meeting in Denver 2014 there will be 3 of the 9 seats on the board of directors up for election.  Anyone with the passion to work as a board member to continue to direct the breed in a positive direction should consider running for the board in January.  A diverse board both geographically and program orientation is key to ensuring all members issues are considered in making decisions.

Interested in running for the ASA Board of Directors at the 2013 Annual Meeting in Denver? Please submit your intent to run along with a write-up of yourself and photo to the ASA by November 1, 2013. All candidates will have their write-up and photo published in the December issue of the Shorthorn Country.
View the By-Laws of the ASA for complete protocol of election to the board of directors - click here.

 

Jump In and Enjoy the Ride!

By Les Mathers, ASA President

 

I have been fortunate to be a member of many boards and participate in the governance of many organizations both small and large. Some have been privately held, some publicly owned, some for profit, others not for profit. They have been C corps, LLCs, S corps, limited partnerships, 501 c3s and others. Some have been in health care, some financial institutions, some in agriculture, some in real estate. None of the organizations have more people with more passion than ASA members and staff.

I have long known many of the Shorthorn breeders and have been able to get to know many more in the USA and throughout the world. Many have some differences in their personal goals of their programs, but all support the wonderful breed in their own way. How often can one travel thousands of miles across oceans and continents and be able to introduce your children to people who have known you and your family for four generations through Shorthorn cattle?

Being a board member and taking on a key governance role is not for everyone. Broad dedication to the advancement of a variety of ASA goals is necessary. We need continued focus on the service to our members and improvement of the breed and its relevance in the beef industry. Board members need to give the time and focus as may be needed to govern and give our ASA executive and staff clear priorities.

Skills and knowledge about governance, business development,  finance, strategic planning, marketing, and legal issues are needed. Being chosen to be a board member for the ASA is a great honor and top candidates are needed to provide leadership and continuity. We must preserve the many great assests and continue to put ourselves in a good position to go forward.

 

If you or someone you know can provide the passion as well as the skill and knowledge then jump in, or push them to consider running for the board.


Interested in running for the ASA Board of Directors at the 2013 Annual Meeting in Denver? Please submit your intent to run along with a write-up of yourself and photo to the ASA by November 1, 2013. All candidates will have their write-up and photo published in the December issue of the Shorthorn Country.
View the By-Laws of the ASA for complete protocol of election to the board of directors - click here.

Catch You Down the Cow Path...

From Patrick Wall -

It’s been a pleasure to work for the American Shorthorn Association for the past 5 years. I want to extend a sincere thank you to all Shorthorn breeders for their dedication to the breed and for the hospitality they’ve shown me and my family throughout my tenure. Though my beef industry role will be changing, I still hope to be a helpful resource to the ASA moving forward. I have accepted a position as an Area Beef Field Specialist with Iowa State University Extension & Outreach. My territory will shrink from about 30-some states to 17 counties in an effort to spend more weekends with my young family. I certainly loved what I did for ASA, and I hope the future will prove there was some value in my efforts. I truly believe in the potential of the Shorthorn breed to the beef industry, and I know you have the necessary tools to make ‘em better! Rest assured, I will be in tune with your progress…thanks again!

Kickin' Off Fall Photo Friday!

It's officially the fall season! There have been a few sales and events which indicate so, whether the actual weather makes it feel that way or not.

This past Friday we kicked off "Fall Photo Friday" on the American Shorthorn Association Facebook page and did we have quite the entry to start it off with!

Anthony Bradshaw tagged us in a photo on Instagram, which he then shared on the Facebook fan page. If this doesn't say festive, fall and Shorthorns, we don't know what does! Thanks to Anthony for sharing a little bit of fall with us from Michigan!

To get your photo featured, share it on the ASA or AJSA Facebook pages, tag us on Twitter!

"Friday morning at The Revival, Beaverton Michigan.
Little Cedar Cattle Company." - @arbshaw

From the Road: State Association Spotlight: Ohio

Field Representative Jake Alden is on the move again, this time to Ohio for the Farm Science Review where the Ohio Shorthorn Breeder's Association has put on an exceptional display to promote Shorthorns. 

Check out some of these snapshots from their promotional booth! 

 

 

 

Have you ever been to the Farm Science Review and what did you think? Did you see their booth?

ASA Fall Board Meeting Review

Between rounding out a few PACE shows and starting up sale season, the ASA staff has been busy with some planning meetings with committees and the ASA Board of Directors. Standing committees met via conference call in the weeks leading up to the board meeting this last weekend in preparation for any recommendations they might have.  

Montie Soules, ASA Executive Secretary/CEO provided a few key notes from the three-day board meeting held in the Omaha office:

• I would like to personally thank the ASA BOD for their time and commitment that made our most recent meeting a success; we covered many issues and topics in depth.

• I also want to thank the entire ASA staff for their dedication and involvement providing detailed information and presentations to the board for their consideration and discussion. It was a tremendous team effort from the staff.

• I would also like to recognize the breed committees who met through conference calls to provide additional detailed information giving the board direction.

"The board/staff/committee cooperation has become a Big Team Effort, leading to more involvement from membership and giving membership a bigger say in the actions of our association."

Please read Montie’s full overview of the meeting in the “Association Outlook” column in the October issue of Shorthorn Country.

Interested in running for the ASA Board of Directors at the 2013 Annual Meeting in Denver?

Please submit your intent to run along with a write-up of yourself and photo to the ASA by November 1, 2013. All candidates will have their write-up and photo published in the December issue of the Shorthorn Country.
View the By-Laws of the ASA for complete protocol of election to the board of directors - click here.

2014 Junior National UPDATE and Hotel Information

School has officially started for so many, which usually signals the end of summer. No worries! We're already planning for next summer!

Yesterday, Gwen and Montie made a trip down to Kansas City to meet with staff from the Maine and Chi Associations - as all three breeds will be joining up in Summer 2014 for the junior national.

June 23-28, 2014 - Louisville, Kentucky - Mark your calendars!

Changes for schedules were discussed as the weeklong event will need to accomodate activities for all three breeds. Efforts for fundraising and other events and as Gwen said "the nuts and bolts" of preparing for a junior national were also discussed.

THEME:
Theme for 2014 - "Riding for the Brand". Each breed will present a logo, before a final one is decided upon. So keep your eye out for the official logo unveiling!

Ready to start planning for next summer? Below is the list of hotels where the Chi/Maine/Shorthorn Junior National has set up blocks. Keep following us here on the blog to keep updated on the planning process!


2014 National Junior Heifer Show Hotel Information

Crowne Plaza

830 Phillips Lane

Louisville, KY 40209

(502) 367-6161

Block Name – Chi/Maine/Shorthorn Junior National

Block Rate - $99

Courtyard Marriott Louisville Airport  - BLOCK FULL as of 10/4/13

819 Phillips Lane

Louisville, KY 40209

Block Name – Chi/Maine/Shorthorn Junior National

Group Code – CMSN

Block Rate - $99

Holiday Inn – Fair/Expo Hotel  

447 Farmington Ave

Louisville, KY 40209

(502) 637-4500

Block Name – Chi/Maine/Shorthorn Junior National

Block Rate - $99

Sleep Inn – Louisville Airport  

3330 Preston Hwy.

Louisville, KY 40213

(502) 368-9597

Block Name – Chi/Maine/Shorthorn Junior National

Block Rate - $99

Hilton Garden Inn Louisville Airport

2735 Crittenden Dr.

Louisville, KY 40209

(502) 637-2424

Block Name – Chi/Maine/Shorthorn Junior National

Block Rate - $109

From the Road: Wyoming to Missouri

Last week, Jake traveled to both Wyoming and Missouri State Fairs for the Shorthorn PACE Shows.

This was the first year for Wyoming to host an invitational PACE show and we were glad to have them on the schedule!

Wyoming State Fair Results:

Judge: Jim McDougald

Grand Champion Bull – LC Gold Label 184, shown by Greg Cardey, Merced, CA

Reserve Champion Bull – JT Gold Label 589, shown by JT Ranch, Oakdale, CA

Grand Champion Female – JT Betty Angel 259, shown by JT Ranch

Reserve Champion Female – PLC Kiss This 212 GS, shown by Ty Shockley, Wheatland, WY

Missouri State Fair Results:

Judge: Jared Boyert

Grand Champion Bull – HC Marksman 252, shown by Hugh Moore, Jr. & Sons, Jerseyville, IL

Reserve Champion Bull – MM Corrupt 10312, shown by Hugh Moore, Jr. & Sons

Grand Champion Female – 3D Augusta Pride 3127A ET, shown by Sarah Moore, Jerseyville, IL

Reserve Champion Female – AF Revival 1301, shown by Robert Alden, Hamilton, MO

The Missouri State Fair Shorthorn Show was dedicated to the Bertz Family of Missouri. They were recognized at the show.


Snapshots from the show!



The Bertz Family gathers for a photo at the Missouri State Fair
backdrop.

Patrick will be making his way to the Kentucky State Fair later this week, so keep watch for results from that show as well as the West Virginia State Fair that took place this past week!


Full results will be published in an upcoming issue of the Shorthorn Country magazine!
For a schedule of current PACE shows, please click here.

From the Road: PACE and Picnics

Members of the ASA staff have been burning up the highways and the skyways lately traveling to events, but we’re just getting warmed up!

In July, the California State Fair kicked off the PACE Show season, with a good turnout as usual! ASA Field Representative Jake Alden was on hand for the event.

California State Fair Show Results:

Champion Bull - GSC Sonny 183, Greg Cardey, Merced, CA.

Reserve Champion Bull - LC Gold Label 44, Don Cardey, Turlock, CA.

Champion Female - JT Betty Angel 259, JT Ranch, Oakdale, CA.

Reserve Champion Female - LBB One Red Rose 294, Bennett Land & Cattle, Ducor, CA.

Twig Marston evalutes the Champion Bull lineup at the
California State Fair PACE Show.

If you’re not sure what we’re referring to when we say “PACE”, it is a Shorthorn show that is a point accumulation event. Shorthorn exhibitors accumulate points throughout the year based on their winnings and the show and number of animals exhibited. The points accumulated give animals the opportunity for an All-American distinction. To learn more about the PACE process, click here.

 

I (Audrey) went to Indiana State Fair just this last week for the Area 5 PACE Show. (Since I’m writing this post, I get to provide commentary for my travels!)

It was a great show and I had never been to the Indiana State Fair! The shows had been moved into the new “Youth Arena” since the coliseum is currently under renovation – so a change for everyone. A majority of the budget for renovations to the coliseum are being spent on interior changes in efforts to maintain the iconic look of the outside of the building. Fair-goers could tour the renovation and I must say it will be quite the deal when it’s all said and done – hopefully in summer 2014.

 

I also enjoyed getting suggestions on what I needed to see before I left the fair and just as importantly - what I needed eat! (Can't leave without trying some fair food!)

Indiana State Fair Show Results:

Champion Bull - BPCC Boondock Saint 1206, Beck Powell Cattle Co., Linton, IN.

Reserve Champion Bull - DRAG Bo's Boy Wonder, shown by Allison Dragstrem, Amboy, IN.

Champion Female - CF No Foolin 25 ET, shown by Adrianne Trennepohl, Middletown, IN.

Reserve Champion Female - CF Mattis Rose 284 SOL ET, shown by Xavier Ferris, Whiteland, IN.

 

Some snaphshots from the Indiana State Fair!

This past weekend Montie Soules, Executive Secretary/CEO of the ASA, attended the Ohio Shorthorn Breeder’s Association picnic held at Turner Shorthorns in Somerset, OH. Montie had nothing but good things to say about the event held on Sunday. The turnout was fantastic with approximately 125-140 people in attendance and a few of those included new people interested in Shorthorns! Montie and the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association spoke to the group and all enjoyed a potluck dinner.

Those in attendance at the Ohio Shorthorn Summer Picnic.
What a group!

This week doesn’t slow down one bit as Jake is off to both Wyoming and Missouri State Fair PACE Shows. This is the first year for Wyoming to be on the PACE rotation and we are excited to have them!

Patrick, ASA Field Rep, will be off to the Kentucky State Fair PACE Show the following week, so make sure to look him up if you’re in attendance!

Look for updates on Facebook and Twitter as we update you on more events From the Road.

For full show reports, watch an upcoming issue of the Shorthorn Country magazine!

A Summer of Firsts

Where did the past three months go?  It seems like just yesterday that I left Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania and made the long drive to Omaha, Nebraska to start my first ever internship away from home and 4-H, but here I am saying farewell. This summer truly was one of many firsts for me. Not only was it my first time being away from my family and home so long, it was my first Jr. National show, I got to see some states that I had never been to before, and I got to check a lot of other things from my bucket list.



Opening Ceremonies at the Junior National.

 

Thank you to everyone here at the American Shorthorn Office for giving me the chance to learn from you and making me feel at home here. You all helped me figure out what I was doing, got me back on track, and kept me going all summer. A big thank you goes to Gwen Crawford for giving me this opportunity and always being there when I run to her with my questions. We learned early on this summer that I take things very literally and sometimes that is good thing, but sometimes not so much. She is one of my role models now and I can only hope to be like her when I grow up.



My first time being in Nebraska this summer.

 

I really don’t think that I can put my experiences this summer into words just because so much has happened. But if I learned one thing here this summer it is that you never say no to trying something new. Not only this summer did I get to meet many amazing people who taught me life lessons that I will cherish forever, I took giant steps in my life. There is no doubt in my mind that this has been my best summer ever and I couldn’t have imagined sharing it with anyone else. I will always be grateful for being an ASA intern and I wish the best to everyone here.

-Laura 

It’s certainly bigger than anything in PA!

Learning, laughter and livestock.

Twelve weeks ago this central-Indiana hog girl found herself with an internship in Omaha working for a cattle association. (I had never even been to Nebraska until I moved for the summer!) Yes, funny how things fall into place, right? As I am preparing to leave my “home” for the  past few months, I can’t believe the experiences I’ve had, the people I’ve met and the place I’ve been. Without a doubt, I am capping off the best summer of my life. My time spent with the ASA is an experience I will never forget!

The memories made in this building will not be forgotten.

 

As I finish up the last few items on my sticky note to-do list this week, the memories and stories from the last 3 months continue to rush back. Memories of using the copier the slow way verses the more efficient way after making hundreds of copies the day before, experiencing my first major league baseball game with the Shorthorn and Hereford staff in Kansas City, the countless hours in the office designing the exhibitor folder for Junior Nationals, staff lunches, the drive to KEY Conference in the mini vans, dragging luggage across the Iowa State Fairgrounds looking for a truck at Junior Nationals and so many more.

I want to thank the entire American Shorthorn Association staff for sharing their knowledge and expertise with me and always making me feel like part of the team. From proof reading my articles and press releases, to helping me brainstorm ideas and provide feedback, I appreciate and thank Audrey Hambright. She has allowed me to gain real-life experiences in the agricultural communications world and prepared me for my future career. Whether it was teaching me how to use the copier, explaining the ins and outs of a Junior National, or challenging me to try new things and ask questions, I am forever grateful for Gwen Crawford who has become as a mentor and role model. Last but not least, I want to thank Jennie Johnson for setting the bar for me in this internship, being an incredible roommate and for including me in everything this summer.

2012 ASA Communications Intern,
Jennie Johnson, and me.

Gwen Crawford and I skating in
Michigan at KEY Conference

 

I have summed up my internship experience in three words: learning, laughter and livestock…what more could you want? Learning about the Shorthorn breed and communications, sharing a laugh in the office or at an event with a member and discussing livestock on a daily basis has made each day so great. Without a doubt, I couldn’t have asked for a better experience or better people to be surrounded by. I am forever grateful to have been an ASA intern and can’t wait to see where the breed goes in the future!


- Blaire

KEY Conference Recap

The ASA staff and tag-along Junior Board members made the long haul to East Lansing, Mich., to kick off the 2013 KEY Conference last Wednesday. The conference took place at Michigan State University July 26-28. With over 30 participants, staying in traditional-style dorm rooms, jam-packed schedules and new faces, we were excited for the days ahead.

Between leadership activities, educational presentations and hands-on experiences, it was a highlight of our internship with ASA. For the first time all summer, we were able to get to know more of the junior members besides the Junior Board. Let us tell you-the Shorthorn breed has a bright future with this group of youth. Observing them working together in activities, hearing the solid questions asked during presentations and seeing their passion for the cattle industry left us in awe.



KEY Conference Participants at Little Cedar Cattle Co.

 

Being able to partake in the events was beneficial for us as well. Having the opportunity to tour the state-of-the-art MSU meats facilities and learning effective livestock handling techniques proved to be as interesting as what we had been told. Additionally, being in a pasture with the cows at Lake City Research Center and meeting with the Michigan Shorthorn Breeders Association at Little Cedar provided new opportunities for both of us.



Dr. Rowntree discusses proper forage management practices to the group.



Juniors view the low-stress livestock handling facility at MSU Lake City Research Center.



KEY participants ready for laser tag at Zap-Zone!

 

Establishing new friendships, growing as individuals and embracing new experiences were key points at the KEY Conference. We want to thank all of the participants, volunteers and presenters for making this event such a success. We look forward to seeing what is ahead for this conference and the AJSA in the future!

 

- Blaire & Laura

ASA/AJSA Interns

Team Spirit!

At the ASA office, we like to celebrate our employees – and the environment we work in. So every once in a while we plan an office potluck, which always brings in a lot of food. Shirley (part-time receptionist) usually ramrods this event and brings her famous junk burgers – which Montie has renamed “Husker Junk Burgers” since Shirley is the biggest Nebraska Husker fan you will ever meet.

In the midst of a busy summer consisting of Shorthorn U, Junior National and KEY Conference among many other activities – we hadn’t even had a summer potluck lunch and we wanted to make sure to have one before interns Laura and Blaire left us for the summer, which they will be doing this week. Can’t believe their time as interns are almost up! Watch for a blog post from them this week for a recap of KEY Conference!

Now this office lunch wasn’t just any office lunch. During the planning of food items we would bring, they were soon getting labels like Shirley’s Husker Junk Burgers, Patrick bringing cowboy caviar from “Cyclone Nation” and Montie bringing “Sooner Buns”. So staff each wore their favorite team t-shirts today – all college teams.



Some of the staff showing off our teams! Not bad variety considering
we're in a Nebraska-based office!

Teams/Schools represented:

Nebraska

Kansas State

Iowa State

Oklahoma State

Oklahoma (Montie was half and half on his representation of OK college teams)

Missouri

Oregon

Penn State

This was a fun way to show our school/team pride and get together for lunch as a team ourselves. (We are stuffed, by the way.)

What do you do as an office or a staff to bring the team together?

 

 

 

- Audrey  (Go K-State!)