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

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

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