![[ Random Image ]](/wp-content/themes/shorthorn/headers/header13.jpg)
Charles Rosson of Quaker Hill Farms discusses Shorthorn carcass quality.
ShorthornPlus Popularity
Charles Rosson of Quaker Hill Farms explains ShorthornPlus Popularity.
Intern Farewell
Elizabeth Crumm
As I reflect on my time here at Shorthorn, all I can is wow! I had an incredible summer with the American Shorthorn Association, being able to learn all the behind scenes like how to do entries, the check-in process, and how the show runs. I enjoyed being able to be in office every day and working with the other staff to get everything lined up for a great week in Maryland! My favorite thing was going through digital beef sorting shows and making show programs. My favorite memory would have to be riding with Montie to Maryland and to Kentucky, I had so many laughs with him and the other interns, I will not forget those road trips memories made with them!
I will miss the other interns and being able to see them every day, I got close with them over the summer. I will also miss talking to everyone in the office and having laughs when working! My future plans are traveling to South Dakota this weekend to picture a show with Focus Marketing and after that I will be joining Wyoming State Fair as the Communications and Marketing Intern, I will also be attending an ambassador training in Colorado for a scholarship. I will then be returning to Manhattan to finish my senior year of college at K-state and start off the state fair run!
Paige Van Dyke
Thank you to the entire ASA staff and the AJSA members for this amazing opportunity. It has been an honor serving you this summer as the 2024 Youth Activities Intern. I have learned a lot as an individual and team member. This opportunity has better prepared me for my future endeavors, and I look forward to what’s to come. One of my favorite memories from this summer was the awards ceremony. Seeing all the exhibitors hard work pay off after a long week was priceless. Through this experience I also gained two new best friends in Kassidy and Elizabeth! These two girls have been such a joy to work with and I look forward to seeing them reach their highest goals. Thank you for everyone in the office for believing in us and investing in our future. It is a summer I will not soon forget! Following this summer, I plan to work with in the livestock industry, so keep an eye out for me!
Kassidy Schumann
To the Shorthorn breed and the people who support it – thank you for this opportunity. I have had the time of my life discovering new talents and new adventures this summer. I will miss the fun environment that our office had and the people within it. Specifically, I will miss my two fellow interns but can’t wait to see how far they go in their future endeavors.
After a summer filled with several thousand miles on the road, I am excited to say things are slowing down for me. This fall I will return to Kansas State University where I plan to graduate in December. Following graduation, I plan to attend Graduate School where I will pursue an MBA.
Shorthorn, this is not goodbye but rather see you down the road. Thank you for the best experience!
The Interns Reflect
Elizabeth Crumm
Registration Intern 2024
As the Registrations Intern, my primary responsibilities for the week were coordinating and overseeing the cattle check in process. During the show I recorded the placings and posted results on Facebook. Of course, I helped everywhere I could in between, whether running things back and forth to contest, helping setting awards up for shows, and setting up the ring for the shows. One of my favorite parts of the week was contest check-in, I was able to help with the thank you letter station, I was able to help little kids write them thank you notes and oversee the process. I also loved being able to play softball with some of the kids after work one day, it was a nice break from office work getting to know the kids! The drive there was nothing but laughs, jokes, and getting some naps in. It was a blast being able to travel with the other interns and of course Montie. We all were jamming to 90’s country and just enjoying the views.
Paige Van Dyke
Youth Activities Intern 2024
The National Junior Shorthorn Show and Youth Conference was a week full of memories. As interns we stayed very busy from check-in, contests, the Youth Conference, shows, meeting members and their families, opening and closing ceremonies, and packing. Junior Nationals are my favorite part of the summer, and I was so excited for the opportunity to Sail away with Shorthorn! The family atmosphere was second to none. One of my favorite memories was playing softball with a group of Juniors one evening after a long day. I look forward to seeing everyone soon and get ready to be Groovy in Grand Island!
Kassidy Schumann
Communications Intern 2024
Sailing away with Shorthorn was a blast (even for someone who cannot swim)! From the ride out with Montie being stuck in a car with all three interns to the ride back this was a trip I will not soon forget. I stayed busy, toting around my camera for almost the whole week, capturing the memories as they were being made. I also helped anywhere I could between contests or grabbing refreshments. I think some of my favorite memories included the lassie’s teatime and the green crown I was gifted or Paige trying to teach Montie the “right” words to Dixieland delight. I’m looking forward to another road trip with the crew as we gear up for the symposium in Kentucky soon.
The Interns Take On a 16 Hour Roadtrip!
Kassidy Schumann – Communications Intern
As exhibitors from around the country gear up for a long haul tell us what you do to pass time on long road trips.
I sleep on roadtrips… a lot! I will also pass time with phone calls or playlists and podcasts.
How has the first few weeks of interning been? Give us a recap or reflection!
We have been super busy at the office! In the first 3 weeks we have done a lot of work for Jr. Nationals, and I am excited to sail away with Shorthorn! I will also say I have had a great time getting to know the staff here and think they are amazing!
What is one piece of advice you have for the exhibitors as they come to compete in Maryland?
I know that Jr. Nationals can be stressful, but as the last year exhibitors know – there are only so many Jr. Nationals you get to attend so enjoy them and make lots of memories!
We have 16 hours to kill! Drop a few of your favorite songs for a road trip playlist.
- Bring on the Rain – Jo Dee Messina & Tim McGraw
- Love’s Gonna Make It Alright – George Strait
- Everytime We Touch – Cascada
Elizabeth Crumm – Registrations Intern
As exhibitors from around the country gear up for a long haul tell us what you do to pass time on long road trips.
I usually bring my laptop with me to knock out schoolwork, answer emails, and watch Netflix. After I do that, I usually turn a podcast on and take a nap!
How has the first few weeks of interning been? Give us a recap or reflection!
The past couple of weeks have been super busy and, on the go, to get prepared for the best Junior Nationals! I have been able to get to know the staff more and their absolute best team to work with!
What is one piece of advice you have for the exhibitors as they come to compete in Maryland?
My best piece of advice I would give to exhibitors is to just have a blast, to get out of your confront zone and go talk to everyone because those are the best friendships you will have down the road!
We have 16 hours to kill! Drop a few of your favorite songs for our road trip playlist.
- Any man of mine – Shania Twain
- Check yes or no – George Strait
- Hannah Montana shuffle
Paige Van Duke – Youth Activities Intern
As exhibitors from around the country gear up for a long haul tell us what you do to pass time on long road trips.
To pass time catch up on sleep, make phone calls, listen to good music or an audio book!
How has the first few weeks of interning been? Give us a recap or reflection!
The internship has been great thus far! We have been busy at the office getting everything prepared for the show and the contests! The staff is great, and it’s been a pleasure to get to know and work alongside them! I am so excited to Sail Away with Shorthorns this week in Maryland!
What is one piece of advice you have for the exhibitors as they come to compete in Maryland?
Enjoy every moment, it goes by quicker than you think! Try something new and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, you never know until you try.
We have 16 hours to kill! Drop a few of your favorite songs for our road trip playlist.
- King of the Road, Randy Travis
- Heads Carolina Tails California, Joe Dee Messina
- ‘Til You Can’t, Cody Johnson
Meet The Interns
Hello, We are your interns for the summer! We look forward to meeting each of you and encourage you to follow along to see the summer shenanigans we get into! Read below to learn more about us.
Name: Kassidy Schumann
Hometown: Lecompton, Kansas
Where are you currently and what does the future hold? Currently, I am gearing up to enter my last semester at Kansas State University where I will graduate with a degree in Agricultural Communications and Journalism as well as minors in Agricultural Sales and Animal Science.
What brought you to Shorthorn? I originally applied to Shorthorn because of its proximity to home, but after receiving the internship I started meeting different breeders and they were all so kind and helpful. I really appreciate the true family atmosphere the people in this breed create.
What are you most excited for this summer? I am excited to attend a new breed’s Jr. National show and travel to some new places. I am also excited for everything I will learn this summer from so many new people. Although it is June I think school is just starting for me!
How did you get involved in agriculture? I was lucky enough to grow up on a ranch in Lecompton, KS where we run commercial cow-calf pairs as well as a small, registered herd of performance Herefords. My parents made sure I was involved on the ranch and in 4-H from a young age and to this day one of my favorite activities is still checking cattle with my dad.
What is one thing you consider a necessity? My headphones. I love music and listen to it everywhere I go. My headphones allow me to listen to some good tunes while also tuning out other distractions, allowing me to work more efficiently.
What do you do to relax after a day at the office? After a day at work, I use my drive home to unwind. Usually that means one of two things, I am either blaring my music or calling family and friends to catch up.
Name: Paige Van Dyke
Hometown: Louisville, Illinois
Where are you currently and what does the future hold: I graduated from Oklahoma State University this May with my Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, with a major in Agricultural Communications and a minor in Special Education. After my summer internship with the American Junior Shorthorn Association, I hope to work for a breed association in the youth activities or communication department or at an agricultural organization/business within the communications field.
What brought you to Shorthorn: The people brought me to shorthorn! I have always wanted to intern/work for a breed association and when the opportunity arose, I was eager and excited to start this new journey!
What are you most excited for this summer: I am most excited about meeting all the junior members and their families! Junior Nationals is my favorite summer event, and I can’t wait to not only grow and learn as an individual, but help other junior members step outside their comfort zone and have a memorable experience.
How did you get involved in agriculture: I got involved in agriculture at a very young age on my family’s grain and livestock operation in southern Illinois. I grew up showing club lambs on the Illinois Club Lamb Association Circuit and at the age of 12 I started showing Angus and Red Angus cattle. Cattle quickly became my favorite species! I started getting more involved within the associations and had the opportunity to serve as the NAJRAE Jr. Board President.
What is one thing you consider a necessity: One thing I consider a necessity is Ice Cream! I could have it morning, noon and night if I allowed myself.
What do you do to relax after a day at the office: Once I am done at the office I like to change into comfy clothes, spend time with my Australian Shepard puppy Rynn, and watch a movie while I cook dinner.
Name: Elizabeth Crumm
Hometown: Anadarko, Oklahoma
Where are you currently and what does the future hold: I am currently a senior at Kansas State University majoring in Agricultural Communications and Journalism. I plan to attend graduate school at Kansas State University in the Agricultural Communications department, after I finish my bachelor’s degree in May of 2025. After school I am hoping to work for a breed association, or a major livestock show.
What brought you to Shorthorn: What brought me to Shorthorn was all the good stories I have heard from past interns; I have always wanted to have a long summer internship with a breed association to learn more about the behind the scenes of what all goes into putting on a junior nationals and everyday work in the association. The one thing that stood out me was how much you will learn from Shelby and all the fun you would have working here, that’s what brought me to shorthorn.
What are you most excited for this summer: I am very excited to head to junior nationals and to meet all the exhibitors!
How did you get involved in agriculture: I am a 5th generation farmer, I got involved in the show cattle industry at nine years old and have been showing Hereford cattle since. I got really involved in the Hereford Association in 2021 after being crowned Oklahoma Hereford queen and serving for two years, I also served as the secretary and president on the junior board.
What is one thing you consider a necessity: My one necessity would be my caffeine in the morning, I MUST have a red bull or a coffee every morning.
What do you do to relax after a day at the office: After work I usually go home and change into comfy clothes and turn a movie on to start getting dinner ready.
ASA recognizes Rick Leone & Family as Builder of the Breed
KANSAS CITY, Missouri (November 1, 2023) – The American Shorthorn Association Awards hosted their Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday, October 22, 2023, at the Hilton Kansas City Airport in Kansas City, Mo.
Rick Leone & Family of Fowler, Colorado, was honored as a 2023 Builder of the Breed. The prestigious “Builder of the Breed” recognizes Shorthorn breeders who have shown true dedication for an extensive time and contributed to the stewardship of the Shorthorn Breed. This award recognizes their efforts in breeding and promoting Shorthorn cattle, which have added to genetic improvement of the breed. Individuals are recognized who have continuously been supporters and promoters for both the Shorthorn breed and the beef cattle industry. Builder of the Breed award winners are recognized for making a lasting impact on our breed.
The Leone Family of Peak View Ranch represents the Builder of the Breed qualifications through their dedication to the Shorthorn breed. The family acquired their first Shorthorn in 1976 as part of Rick’s 4-H involvement. Rick’s passion for the breed has been reflected by a lifelong commitment to service and stewardship. He has exhibited cattle at county, state and national levels as a youth. He served on the Rocky Mountain Shorthorn Association board while in college at Colorado State University. He also served on the ASA board of directors for six years including president from 2019-2020.
Rick along with his wife Trish and their two kids, Gabriella and Valentino, are strong advocates for performance testing and support the value of EPDs. Their herd has won the Century Club award for several years as well as several Performance animals. They support research and participate in feedlot trials in several locations. Their passion for the breed shows as soon you have a conversation with them about Shorthorn cattle.
The American Shorthorn Association congratulates Rick Leone & Family on their prestigious honor as being selected as a 2023 Builder of the Breed.
About ASA
The American Shorthorn Association’s mission is to serve all members, protect the integrity of the herdbook and database; enhance and communicate the value of the Shorthorn breed, and expand the use of Shorthorn genetics in the U.S. beef industry. Visit shorthorn.org to learn more.
American Shorthorn Association :: 7607 NW Prairie View Road, Kansas City, MO 64151:: 816.599.7777 ###
ASA recognizes Bill Bales & Joe Bales as Builder of the Breed
KANSAS CITY, Missouri (November 1, 2023) – The American Shorthorn Association Awards hosted their Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday, October 22, 2023, at the Hilton Kansas City Airport in Kansas City, Mo.
Bill Bales and Joe Bales, a father son duo of Morristown, TN, were honored as 2023 Builders of the Breed. The prestigious “Builder of the Breed” recognizes Shorthorn breeders who have shown true dedication for an extensive time and contributed to the stewardship of the Shorthorn Breed. This award recognizes their efforts in breeding and promoting Shorthorn cattle, which have added to genetic improvement of the breed. Individuals are recognized who have continuously been supporters and promoters for both the Shorthorn breed and the beef cattle industry. Builder of the Breed award winners are recognized for making a lasting impact on our breed.
Bill grew up on the family farm, Hillside Farm, that traces back to the 1890s. He got his start with the Shorthorn breed by exhibiting steers in the local 4H and FFA shows. He was a banker by profession but also was responsible for the cattle herd and was an active proponent of youth livestock events, served at the local, state and national levels. He is a lifetime member of the ASA and served as director and officer of the Tennessee Shorthorn Association.
Joe also grew up on the family farm and started with the breed by showing steers locally. Once he added heifers to his show string, he began exhibiting across the Southeast and nationally. He is a lifetime member of the ASA and a former board member and vice-president of the American Junior Shorthorn Association. He most completed his six year term as ASA board of director and served most recently as president.
The American Shorthorn Association congratulates Bill Bales and Joe Bales on their prestigious honor as being selected as a 2023 Builder of the Breed.
About ASA
The American Shorthorn Association’s mission is to serve all members, protect the integrity of the herdbook and database; enhance and communicate the value of the Shorthorn breed, and expand the use of Shorthorn genetics in the U.S. beef industry. Visit shorthorn.org to learn more.
American Shorthorn Association :: 7607 NW Prairie View Road, Kansas City, MO 64151:: 816.599.7777
###
ASA recognizes Ward Bakenhus as Builder of the Breed
KANSAS CITY, Missouri (November 1, 2023) – The American Shorthorn Association Awards hosted their Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday, October 22, 2023, at the Hilton Kansas City Airport in Kansas City, Mo.
Ward Bakenhus of Columbus, Nebraska was honored as a 2023 Builder of the Breed. The prestigious “Builder of the Breed” recognizes Shorthorn breeders who have shown true dedication for an extensive time and contributed to the stewardship of the Shorthorn Breed. This award recognizes their efforts in breeding and promoting Shorthorn cattle, which have added to genetic improvement of the breed. Individuals are recognized who have continuously been supporters and promoters for both the Shorthorn breed and the beef cattle industry. Builder of the Breed award winners are recognized for making a lasting impact on our breed.
Bakenhus embodies the Builder of the Breed qualifications through his commitment to the Shorthorn breed. He was born into the famous Ar Su Lu Shorthorn program and was involved at a young age in day-to-day operation of the cattle and crop farm as well as being part of the American Junior Shorthorn Association. Upon graduation, he returned to the family farm to continue the development and success of the Ar Su Lu herd.
Bakenhus led the family to exhibit annually at the National Western Stock Show Yards Show for many years, with the record of exhibiting more Pen Show Champion Pens than any other operation in the breed. The family held an annual female and bull sale for many year and their cattle became foundation animals for several other breeders. He was a major contributor in providing genetics and direction to Shorthorn herds all over the country. He has been a fixture to the Shorthorn breed, even serving a two-year term on the ASA board of directors.
The American Shorthorn Association congratulates Ward Bakenhus on his prestigious honor as being selected as a 2023 Builder of the Breed.
About ASA
The American Shorthorn Association’s mission is to serve all members, protect the integrity of the herdbook and database; enhance and communicate the value of the Shorthorn breed, and expand the use of Shorthorn genetics in the U.S. beef industry. Visit shorthorn.org to learn more.
American Shorthorn Association :: 7607 NW Prairie View Road, Kansas City, MO 64151:: 816.599.7777
###
ASA recognizes Bryan & Marti Warner as Heritage Award Winners
KANSAS CITY, Missouri (November 1, 2023) – The American Shorthorn Association Awards hosted their Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday, October 22, 2023, at the Hilton Kansas City Airport in Kansas City, Mo.
Bryan & Marti Warner of Pavillion, Wyo., were honored as 2023 Heritage Award Winners. The Shorthorn Heritage Award recognizes Shorthorn members who have shown exceptional leadership for Shorthorn activities in a state or regional area. These honorees are persons that have shown exceptional passion in all areas of the breed. Award recipients have promoted the breed by taking leadership roles within their respective geographical areas. They are individuals that can be given credit to helping with the long-term success of the breed at any level. They have attended functions, been a mainstay, and have shown their passion and love for the breed and the people in the breed. A Heritage Award winner is a true Shorthorn enthusiast who has positively impacted the breed to the benefit of all Shorthorn breeders.
Bryan grew up in Colo. and was involved in farming and trucking. He became a very good over-the-road truck driver. Marti grew up in Wyo. on a Hereford ranch. She was involved in all ranch activities including haying to handling cattle. Bryan and Marti met in 1985 and began their journey together.
The Warner’s began buying and selling “fixer-upper” properties which led to them owning a small farm that allowed them to raise some cattle and grow hay. In 1996 they attended the National Western Stock Show and they decided to watch a Shorthorn sale. They bought two heifers, and it was the beginning of their Shorthorn herd. They bought Shorthorn cattle from several breeders across the U.S. They have focused on calving ease and maternal strength in their herd. They have been honored with the Century Club Award in 2010 and 2011 from the ASA for registering 100 calves or more. They think their greatest gift is their involvement in the ASA and the friends they have made over the years.
The American Shorthorn Association congratulates Bryan & Marti Warner on the prestigious honor as being selected as a 2023 Heritage Award Winners.
About ASA
The American Shorthorn Association’s mission is to serve all members, protect the integrity of the herdbook and database; enhance and communicate the value of the Shorthorn breed, and expand the use of Shorthorn genetics in the U.S. beef industry. Visit shorthorn.org to learn more.
American Shorthorn Association :: 7607 NW Prairie View Road, Kansas City, MO 64151:: 816.599.7777 ###
ASA recognizes Mary Hinton Bass as Heritage Award Winner
KANSAS CITY, Missouri (November 1, 2023) – The American Shorthorn Association Awards hosted their Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday, October 22, 2023, at the Hilton Kansas City Airport in Kansas City, Mo.
Mary Hinton Bass of Olton, Texas, was honored as a 2023 Heritage Award Winner. The Shorthorn Heritage Award recognizes Shorthorn members who have shown exceptional leadership for Shorthorn activities in a state or regional area. These honorees are persons that have shown exceptional passion in all areas of the breed. Award recipients have promoted the breed by taking leadership roles within their respective geographical areas. They are individuals that can be given credit to helping with the long-term success of the breed at any level. They have attended functions, been a mainstay, and have shown their passion and love for the breed and the people in the breed. A Heritage Award winner is a true Shorthorn enthusiast who has positively impacted the breed to the benefit of all Shorthorn breeders.
Mary received her first Shorthorn heifer when her dad purchased a heifer for her to show in 4H. This began her ongoing passion of 62 years being involved in promoting the Shorthorn breed. She was a charter member of the Texas Junior Shorthorn Association and later served as secretary/treasurer for three years. She served as a princess and the Texas Shorthorn Lassie and represented the state in the National Lassie Queen contest in 1969. While in college she met her husband, J.O. and they moved her herd to his farm in west Texas and call it MJ Shorthorns.
She served for many years as the Texas Shorthorn Association secretary/treasurer. As part of her duties, she traveled to a few events to promote the Shorthorn breed. She served on the National Shorthorn Lassie board and was honored as National Lassie of the Year in 1985. After her son James began showing, they traveled to shows across the state. She hopes to be around long enough to get her grandkids started in the Shorthorn business.
The American Shorthorn Association congratulates Mary Hinton Bass on the prestigious honor as being selected as a 2023 Heritage Award Winner.
About ASA
The American Shorthorn Association’s mission is to serve all members, protect the integrity of the herdbook and database; enhance and communicate the value of the Shorthorn breed, and expand the use of Shorthorn genetics in the U.S. beef industry. Visit shorthorn.org to learn more.
American Shorthorn Association :: 7607 NW Prairie View Road, Kansas City, MO 64151:: 816.599.7777 ###
ASA Recognizes Alan K. Sears as Merit Award Winner
KANSAS CITY, Missouri (November 1, 2023) – The American Shorthorn Association Awards hosted their Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday, October 22, 2023, at the Hilton Kansas City Airport in Kansas City, Mo.
Alan K. Sears of Eaton, Colo., was honored as 2023 Merit Award Winner. The merit award is given to recognize individuals that are not Shorthorn breeders who support and promote the cattle industry. This award honors those beef cattle industry leaders who have specifically assisted and had a positive influence on the Shorthorn breed. These individuals have been exceptional supporters and dedicated friends of the Shorthorn breed for many years. This describes Alan K. Sears and shows why he is deserving of his recognition.
Sears first beef project was a red Shorthorn heifer purchased at the Indiana Shorthorn Association Blue Ribbon Sale. After that first heifer, he was hooked on the breed. Shorthorn cattle and the Purebred Beef industry became his passion. After graduating from Purdue University, he was hired in 1977 to work at the ASA to run junior activities and as a field representative. He was integral in merging the youth conference and junior national show into one event.
After leaving the ASA, Sears worked at Drovers Journal and then the North American Limousin Foundation. He found his way back to the Shorthorn breed when he was hired in 1993 to work for the Shorthorn Country magazine. After his time at the magazine, he went to work for the Western Livestock Reporter and then Deiter Bros., followed by Five Star Cattle Systems. In 2008, he returned to Western Ag Report as well as starting his own business providing sale management, genetic and marketing consultation services. You can find him at different Shorthorn sales across the country.
The American Shorthorn Association congratulates Alan K. Sears on the prestigious honor as being selected as a 2023 Merit Award Winner.
About ASA
The American Shorthorn Association’s mission is to serve all members, protect the integrity of the herdbook and database; enhance and communicate the value of the Shorthorn breed, and expand the use of Shorthorn genetics in the U.S. beef industry. Visit shorthorn.org to learn more.
American Shorthorn Association :: 7607 NW Prairie View Road, Kansas City, MO 64151:: 816.599.7777 ###