Category: Juniors

SYDF BEEF Purchase!

Posted on by Shelby Rogers

The Shorthorn Youth Development Fund (SYDF) was established in 2020 to provide financial support that will sustain and expand excellent programming to develop Shorthorn youth as cattle producers and responsible, productive citizens. SYDF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and a resource that allows you to directly invest in the future of the breed that is your business, your lifestyle and your passion. 

According to a survey conducted at the 2015 Shorthorn Impact Conference, 61% of the breeders in attendance started as junior members. These now active members of the American Shorthorn Association prove how important youth development is, and that junior involvement is the pathway to the future success of our breed. One example of excellent programming that SYDF supports is the National Junior Shorthorn Show & Youth Conference (NJSS). It’s an action-packed week of learning and fun that develops skills, knowledge, and confidence, along with love for the breed and lifetime friendships. The cost to produce this annual event is more than $320,000, mostly raised through sponsorships and donations. 

PURCHASING SYDF’S BRAND OF “RED, WHITE AND ROAN ALL BEEF SNACKS” IS AN EASY AND DELICIOUS WAY YOU CAN SUPPORT THE SHORTHORN BREED’S YOUTH DEVELOPMENT MISSION! 

100% SHORTHORN BEEF SNACKS TASTE GREAT AND ARE PACKAGED TO MAKE APPEALING GIFTS FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS, CUSTOMERS AND BUSINESS ASSOCIATES!

To learn about other ways to support SYDF, visit our website: https://shorthorn.org/sydf/

No contribution is too small, and every dollar counts!

By making the commitment to “pay it forward” through an annual contribution to the Shorthorn Youth Development Fund, today’s breeders accept responsibility of seeing to it that our youth have the opportunities they need to prepare for their time as the Shorthorn breeders of tomorrow.

Click here to order Red, White, and Roan Beef

American Shorthorn Association Releases 150th Anniversary Commemorative Painting

Posted on by Cassie Reid

KANSAS CITY, Missouri (February 8, 2022) – “America’s First-Shorthorns Across America”, a limited-edition painting by renowned livestock illustrator and artist C. J. Brown has been released for public purchase. The painting was commissioned by the American Shorthorn Association to celebrate the 150th year of the American Shorthorn Association and will be treasured by many Shorthorn enthusiasts for years to come.

To commemorate each year of Shorthorns in the past, 150 limited-edition prints have been commissioned and released. The original painting will hang indefinitely in the American Shorthorn Association headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri.

During the 2022 National Shorthorn Sale, The Summit at Cattlemen’s Congress in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the first six artist proofs were sold as a donation for $20,000. These profits, and all print sale profits will benefit the Shorthorn Youth Development Fund Foundation (SYDF). The purpose of the SYDF is to provide financial support to sustain and expand the National Junior Shorthorn Show & Youth Conference held annually.

Also sold during The Summit Sale as a unique registration number to the American Shorthorn Association of Registration Number: ‘1872’, representing the beginning of the American Shorthorn Association. With profits benefiting the SYDF, this special registration number sold for $5,500 to Paint Valley Farms of Millersburg, Ohio.

“It was exciting to see the breed rally around the 150th Celebration while supporting the youth of the breed.” comments Montie D. Soules, Executive Secretary/CEO of the American Shorthorn Association.

C.J. Brown remarks that she “was honored to be commissioned to create this piece by the American Shorthorn Association in celebration of their 150th anniversary. This is a great keepsake to remember the 150th anniversary of the Shorthorn legacy for all involved in the breed.”

To purchase your print before they are sold out, contact the American Shorthorn Association.

National Western Stock Show Catch-A-Calf Program Features Shorthorn Steers

Posted on by Cassie Reid

KANSAS CITY, Missouri (January 24, 2022) – The Catch-A-Calf program at the National Western has welcomed nearly 3,000 steers to 4-H families throughout the western United States in its 80-plus years. The American Shorthorn Association is honored to announce that the 2021-2022 program featured Shorthorn steers provided by Peak View Ranch of Fowler, Colorado. This involvement aligns perfectly as the American Shorthorn Association celebrates its 150th Anniversary as a breed association in America.

“The American Shorthorn Association is the oldest beef breed association in the US. As a result, Shorthorns pulled the wagons, provided milk and beef as the west was settled. Today we are proud to have a long history with the NWSS and provide Shorthorn cattle for the youth of our industry to gain this experience,” explains Montie D. Soules, Executive Secretary/CEO of the American Shorthorn Association. “Marking our 150th year with 40 Shorthorn steers being raised by 4-H members across the western United States, exemplifies the strength in our breed as it continues to excel today.”

“Shorthorn cattle are the beginning of cattle in America. They are integral in many of the breeds that exist today, and we are celebrating that this year,” comments Trish Leone of Peak View Ranch on the importance of ASA’s 150th Celebration.

Each January participants gather in Denver, Colorado to catch a calf; if successful, members continue to feed and raise the steer throughout the coming year and return one year later with a market-ready animal to exhibit at the National Western Stock Show. Participates are judged on showmanship, record books and a personal interview; steers are judged on production and carcass quality.

The American Shorthorn Association sponsored more than 70 individual awards and prizes for the program in categories from interview, production, record book, sponsor relations, live evaluation, showmanship and overall champions.

Rick Leone of Peak View Ranch adds, “Shorthorns have such an advantage in terms of docility, gain and yield grade. With such a rich tradition of family involvement, Shorthorn’s are great first project for kids.”

The 2022 Grand Champion Catch-A-Calf steer was exhibited by Cami Miller of El Dorado, Kansas, congratulations to all participants! Individual interested in participating in future years can find applicant information at nationalwestern.com.

Best of the Barns Recognizes Shorthorns in Two Award Categories

Posted on by Cassie Reid

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (January 21, 2022) – The most prestigious awards in the livestock industry, the Best of the Barns recognizes the American Junior Shorthorn Association (AJSA) in two 2021 award categories.

The National Junior Shorthorn Show held in Louisville, Kentucky received 10,735 votes, winning the ‘Most Enjoyable Junior Nationals’ award for the second year in a row. This past National Junior Shorthorn Show set records for entries with over 900 entries from 28 states. The AJSA strives to engage its members in opportunities that develop character, promote valuable skills and build life-long friendships.

“We call ourselves the family friendly breed, and if you know the people in the breed, you know it is true. It is what makes us really special and keeps families coming back.” says Shelby Diehm, AJSA Director of Youth Activities. “It is very exciting to win most enjoyable junior national for the second year in a row”.

Going above and beyond, Diehm was recognized in the Best of the Barns awards as the Best Jr. Activities Director, receiving an impressive 11,731 votes.

“It is an honor to win best junior activity director this year. I am coming up on six years with the ASA and AJSA and I love my job more and more each day.” As Director of Youth Activities, Diehm oversees the annual Junior Nationals and serves as the AJSA Junior Board Adviser.

Diehm goes onto say she is “truly blessed to be surrounded by the best junior board who make my job even better. The Shorthorn youth and their families are what make my job and junior national the best”

The Best of the Barns nationwide awards program recognizes the best of the best within the livestock industry. For a complete list of award winners visit pulse.sullivansupply.com.

The 2022 National Junior Shorthorn Show is June 19-25 in Kansas City, Mo. Visit www.juniorshorthorn.org for more information.

Farewell from the Interns

Posted on by Shelby Rogers

This Friday is our last day in the ASA office and although we are sad, we have thoroughly enjoyed our time here! Today we had a potluck lunch with everyone in the office and we selected the Alabama Tropical Tri Tip Fajitas to make! Kendall did the cooking since Cassidy and I aren’t as handy in the kitchen. We have each put a little bit about our time here and we included the recipe we prepared also!

Kendall:

Our time here is winding down, as Friday is our last day in the office. In my final remarks, I want to thank all of the American Shorthorn Association staff for having me in the office. These past couples of months have been a blast, and I have learned many new skills that will help me in the future. I came back to the breed that got me started showing, and I have enjoyed every moment. I will soon pack up and head back to Stillwater to finish my last semester at Oklahoma State University as an agricultural communications major. I just wanted to thank ASA, the members, and everyone else for making this a successful NJSS and summer for myself.

Cassidy:

As our time in the office comes to an end, I would just like to express how thankful I am for this breed and the people in it. Shorthorns were my first love and to have the opportunity to serve this breed is one that I will forever cherish. I have learned so much these past few months and I am sad that my time in the office is coming to an end. As I prepare to head back to Starkville, I would like to thank the ASA Staff, members, and AJSA members for allowing this experience to be as amazing as it has been. Thanks everyone and, hopefully, I’ll see everyone soon at the next show!

Abigail:

In just two more days we will be wrapping up our time here in the ASA office and these past few months have been awesome. I am really thankful to everyone here, especially Shelby, for working so hard to make sure that we got to have an internship amidst all of the crazy stuff going on in the world. I know that I’ll look back on this experience and cherish the memories I have made. I have learned so much during my time here and although I started off with Simmentals, the Shorthorn breed will now always have a special place in my heart! Thank you again to all of the staff and ASA/AJSA members who make this breed so great!

Alabama Tropical Tri Tip Fajitas Recipe:

Ingredients

  • 1 Tri Tip, 1 ½ – 2 lbs.
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 cup soy sauce
  • ½ cup pineapple juice
  • 2 bell peppers, 1 red and 1 green
  • 1 small onion
  • 1 pineapple split in half, save pulp
  • 1 tbsp. cilantro
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 tsp. cumin
  • 1 tsp. Adobo
  • 1 tsp. red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp. smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Marinade steak for 2-8 hours in soy sauce and pineapple juice. Season with salt and pepper on both sides. Cook steak on griddle for 6-8 minutes per side. While the steak cooks, add bell peppers to grill and turn occasionally to char.
  • Once steak is done to your likeness, set aside to rest.
  • In a skillet, add olive oil, garlic, and onion. Cook until the onion is opaque. Then add sliced bell pepper, cilantro, cumin, adobo, pepper flakes, paprika, and cook 3-5 minutes until the seasoning is well blended.
  • Slice steak into strips. Add to skillet with the previous mixture. Add ½ cup pineapple juice and pulp from hollowed pineapple. Cook until steak is warm, and juice is thick.
  • Add mixture to the hollowed pineapples and serve on flour tortillas with pineapple sales.

Pineapple Salsa

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs. pineapple, diced
  • 10 Roma tomatoes, diced
  • 1 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 3 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
  • 2 tbsp. lime juice
  • Salt and pepper
  • Hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

  • Mix all ingredients well, season with salt and pepper to taste

Road to Junior Nationals

Posted on by Shelby Rogers

Hey everybody! We are getting everything packed and ready for Junior Nationals! We are heading out to Abilene on Thursday with Shelby and we are pumped! Our travel itinerary for the day is to get to the office around 6am to pack up the car and then head out around 7:30, next (and possibly most important), we will stop in Oklahoma City at the Whataburger for lunch (as directed by Shelby). We hope to be in Abilene around 4:30 that evening to start getting everything set up.

           In this blog post, we are sharing one of our favorite things with you guys: our music! In the office, we are always jamming so we decided to create a “Road to JR Nationals” playlist. We have each included 5 of our favorite songs that we contributed to the playlist. Happy listening & see you in Abilene!

Cassidy’s essentials:

  1. Tall City Blues – Flatland Cavalry
  2. Good Lord Lorrie – Turnpike Troubadours
  3. Elisabeth – Zach Bryan
  4. Rodeo Clown – Randy Rogers and Wade Bowen
  5. Burn it at Both Ends – Randall King

Kendall’s essentials:

  1. Me and My Kind – Cody Johnson
  2. My Texas – Josh Abbott Band and Pat Green
  3. Follow You to Virgie – Tyler Childers
  4. Million Miles – Kody West
  5. 14 Miles From Home – Six Market Blvd.

Abigail’s essentials:

  1. Traveler’s Song – Flatland Cavalry
  2. Panhandle Slim – The Panhandlers
  3. Easton & Main – Turnpike Troubadours
  4. Rhinestoned – Randy Rogers and Wade Bowen
  5. Die Rockin – Whiskey Myers

Shelby’s essentials:

  1. Mississippi Girl – Faith Hill
  2. ALL Shania Twain
  3. Run – George Strait
  4. Cows Around – Corb Lund
  5. Lord Bury Me in Texas – Shane Smith & the Saints

Junior Nationals Prep with the Interns

Posted on by Shelby Rogers

Hey y’all! We have 11 days until Junior Nationals and we hope you are excited as we are! For today’s blog post, we wanted to update everyone on what we have been working on, what we are excited for and give some advice to all of our juniors in preparation for NJSS! We are so pumped for a great week in Abilene and we can’t wait to see everyone!

Cassidy:

What are you working on in preparation for Junior Nationals?

  • As we prepare to head down to Abilene, I am busy getting things together for ALL the contests. I’m doing a lot of printing to get scoresheets and result sheets ready. My favorite thing to do is sort through the prizes as they come in and, believe me, these prizes are NICE!

What are you looking forward to the most at Junior Nationals?

  • I am really looking forward to seeing all of the exhibitors as they compete throughout the week. I loved competing in different contests when I was a junior and am excited to be on this side of the event. I am also super excited to see Flatland Cavalry as they are definitely one of my favorite bands.

What are the essential items on your packing list?

  • Adidas tennis shoes, my flat iron, a quality playlist and of course, a good attitude.

What advice do you have for junior members?

  • Get out there and get to know other exhibitors and don’t be too competitive!

Kendall:

What are you working on in preparation for Junior Nationals?

  • I have been rounding up all the entries over the past couple weeks and double checking everything is correct. Lately I have been spending a large amount of my time to send confirmation emails to every member to make sure their entries are correct. In the weeks leading up to nationals I will be making labels for all the animal’s and kid’s numbers. This will take up most of my time leading up to when we leave for Texas.

What are you looking forward to the most at Junior Nationals?

  • I am looking forward to a fun filled week in Texas. I am also excited to finally be a part of the behind the scenes of a national show. Also, to help possibly make this the greatest week of your summer. It will also be great to finally put faces to names after working with entries for the past month.

What are the essential items on your packing list?

  • My croc sneakers, my Navajo pearls, and Chapstick.

What advice do you have for junior members?

  • Have fun, get out there and meet people from different states!

Abigail:

What are you working on in preparation for Junior Nationals?

  • I finished up putting the exhibitor folder together, so now my primary job is putting together social media posts about contest rules and reminders as well as creating daily schedules to keep everyone up to date while we are actually in Abilene. I have also been updating press releases so that they can be sent out with scholarship, contest and show winners after Junior Nationals. It’s been really busy, but it’s a lot of fun!

What are you looking forward to most at Junior Nationals?

  • I am really looking forward to being behind the camera. Before heading to Kansas City for my internship I did a couple of senior picture shoots for friends, but it has been a little while since I have gotten to photograph livestock and I can’t wait! I am also really excited about seeing Flatland Cavalry and looking forward to a honey butter chicken biscuit from Whataburger.

What are the essential items on your packing list?

  • My camera, earbuds for the drive, and my pillow.

What advice do you have for junior members?

  • Don’t be too serious. I know it’s easy to get caught up in wanting to win, but don’t forget to have fun too!

ASA Members, welcome the newly formed band, “The Red Roans”

Posted on by Shelby Rogers

Our names are Wade, Wyatt, and Faith and we will be your entertainment (interns) for this summer’s tour. The biggest show of the year is scheduled in Lebanon, Tennessee, on June 17. We have been very busy preparing for the performance of the year and we’re ready for a week of “Strumming a Shorthorn Tune!” Our band members and stage crew here at ASA are excited for a fun filled week and can’t wait for the final performance!

 

Keyboard Player Wyatt

Is everyone ready for a good time?!? This past week in the office has been very busy but also very enjoyable! My main focus has been preparing the set list (exhibitor folders), designing graphics and preparing content for our social media pages. I have really enjoyed meeting my fellow band members (other interns, well only one of the interns since the one of them is my twin brother) and the stage crew (ASA staff) as we prepare for this great performance! I have really enjoyed Kansas City and look forward to exploring more! I’m very excited to meet you all in Tennessee!

Guitarist Faith

How’s everyone doing?! I have been Strumming a Shorthorn Tune all week as my band members (other interns) and I prepare for our upcoming concert! I have been working hard on ticket orders (entries) to make sure that you have all the correct information and payments to attend this great performance that you don’t want to miss. I’m excited to be here and can’t wait to learn more about Kansas City and the Shorthorn breed. Hope you’re ready to rock out and strum along with my crew and me! If you have any questions about your tickets (entries) make sure to contact me or our lead singer (Shelby Rogers) at any time!

Drummer Wade

Who’s ready to have some fun?! Hope you’re all ready to pack the seats and tap along to the best hits at the greatest concert of the summer. I have been incredibly busy preparing contests for our audience (Junior members) and making sure the week is filled with exciting and competitive activities. The fellow band members and set crew have enjoyed the last week of getting to know each other and we are looking forward for the final performance in Tennessee. Kansas City has been a good time and I’m excited for more adventures in the near future. Make sure to get your tickets booked and get ready to jam along to the newest and hottest hit of the summer!

 

We are 18 days away from the biggest concert of the summer and can’t wait to enjoy the fun filled week in Tennessee!

 

Welcome 2019 Interns!!

Posted on by Shelby Rogers

Faith Massingill is a senior at West Texas A&M University majoring in Agriculture Media and Communication. She grew up in a small town called, Hamilton, Texas, where she raised both Purebred Angus and Red Angus cattle with her family. She was very active in 4-H and FFA, competing in every contest possible which all led to her finding her passion. At school, Faith is heavily involved with the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow serving as an officer as well as an Ag Ambassador for the Department of Agriculture. She hopes to find herself working for the cattle industry one day as she continues to pursue her passion for advocating the agriculture industry. Faith can’t wait to meet everyone and get to work with the American Shorthorn Association!

 

Wade Minihan grew up on a commercial cow operation, as well as a Registered Hereford operation in Wheaton, KS. The operation is managed by his parents, alongwith his older brother, twin brother, and younger sister. Wade is currently attending Fort Hays State University in Hays, KS pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness, with a minor in marketing. Involvement on the collegiate level consists of Vice-President of Block and Bridle on the campus of Fort Hays State University. In addition, he serves as a senator with the Student Government Association and he is a junior board member of the Kansas Junior Hereford Association. Wade has been showing cattle for the past 14 years at the county, state, and national level. Wade has a passion instilled in the cattle industry and for the next generation of the livestock industry. He strives to be a role model for the younger generation, as they are the boots on the ground representation that is to come. Wade believes there is no better achievement than having the ability to assist and motivate the youth of this industry that we are all passionate about. He is excited to be the youth activities intern for ASA this summer!

 

 

Wyatt Minihan is currently a junior at Kansas State University majoring in Agriculture Communications and Journalism. Wyatt grew up in the small town of Wheaton, KS where his family owned and operated a commercial, cow-calf operation while also raising and showing registered, Hereford cattle. Growing up in the rural community sparked his ambition to become an advocate for the agricultural industry. While attending K-State, Wyatt has been involved in many clubs and campus activities including the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow and Block and Bridle. Wyatt plans to use his interest in photography, graphic design, and passion for agriculture in his future to better serve the agricultural industry. Wyatt is looking forward to serving as your communications intern for the AJSA and learning more about the beef industry and this association.

ASA BOARD MODIFIES MISSION STATEMENT, VISIONS AND CORE VALUES

Posted on by Shelby Rogers

At the end of February, the American Shorthorn Association board of directors met in Kansas City for a strategic planning session led by Kevin Oschner. During the session, the board revised the ASA mission statement, vision, core values and core strategies.

The new mission statement is “the mission of the American Shorthorn Association is to serve all members and enhance the value of the Shorthorn breed by managing data, maintaining the integrity of the herdbook, educating members and communicating the value of Shorthorn cattle resulting in the expanded use of Shorthorn genetics in the U.S. beef industry.”

The new ASA vision is to be recognized in the industry as a viable British breed that creates profitability in beef cattle production, with a family-friendly environment.

The new ASA core values are diversity: we value diversity of members and breeding programs, transparency: we value the importance of a transparent database and herdbook, family: we value programs and activities that encourage and support family-based beef production, accountability: we believe its important for individuals to take ownership of their actions and decisions, honesty and integrity: we believe that strong relationships are based on personal honesty and integrity, technology: we value the role technology plays in advancing beef production and the Shorthorn breed, heritage/history: we celebrate the rich history of the Shorthorn breed, and customer service: we commit ourselves to treating our members like valued customers.

The new ASA core strategies are to increase commercial interest in Shorthorn genetics, educate, equip & empower our members, continue to develop & support the junior program, and invest in research & development to enable breed improvement.

“This strategic planning session was truly valuable in updating our association to fit how we have grown and will continue to grow as a breed including prioritizing the importance of the Shorthorn breed in the commercial cattle industry,” said Montie D. Soules, executive secretary/CEO of ASA. “The board spent two days planning to make sure we were including all current and future members of the ASA so that we can serve them to the best of our ability.”