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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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!
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