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.
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| 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.
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| Dr. Rowntree discusses proper forage management practices to the group. |
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| Juniors view the low-stress livestock handling facility at MSU Lake City Research Center. |
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| 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
