Hall of Fame

Mikala Grady
TX

My name is Mikala Grady I’m from Grandview, Texas and I am sixteen years old. My parents are Brad and Misty Grady and I have two brothers the oldest is Braden and my younger brother is Mason. They all have contributed to my success in ways I cannot repay them.My parents have been the main attribute in my success and I cannot thank them enough for everything they have instilled in me throughout the years and the love and supports that they show me everyday. They are the whole foundation of all my success and I cannot thank them enough for providing me with great animals and for preparing me for life through these industries.My oldest brother Braden started showing and that’s what started the background of my interest in showing. He showed goats and lambs and was very successful over the years. My little brother Mason isn’t quite old enough to show at Texas majors but has shown at Louisville twice. He started to show pigs a couple of years ago in Louisville, but it wasn’t until this year where he had a taste of success with Reserve Poland and Reserve Berkshire.

My background for showing started with pigs my third grade year and now I’m a sophomore in high school. Jay McCormick has also been very influential to my show career in the pig barn throughout the years and has helped me capture a lot of success throughout the years. But,it wasn’t until 2014 where I had a pig that we thought really had a shot of winning the whole show. I took my pig “Malibu”to The Houston livestock show where my biggest dream had finally came true and I had won the biggest barrow show in the country. Malibu was the one of the greatest ones to ever walk and that experience with that pig was one I still consider to be one of my greatest accomplishments. I can still recite the key words that made a legacy for me.“This one is an American Bad Boy he was born to be a champion and I’ll go slap him.” Right then I knew all the early mornings and late nights were well worth it and that I could accomplish anything I had ever wanted if I worked hard. It gave us momentum to hang another banner in 2015 with not just pigs either. Ft. Worth was very good to us in 2015 with my older brother Braden showing the Grand Champion goat. Then two weeks later I would show the Grand Champion Pig. It was a surreal moment for my family and everyone involved and being able to do it along side my brother who led my family into showing livestock made it that much more special. That year at Ft. Worth I also showed my first steer at a Texas major and little did I know how far I would come over the years. In the beginning of 2016 we didn’t see much success ,but as the year progressed some people came into my life that would allow me to be very competitive in the pig and steer barn. Bobby and Mandi Maddox, Nattee Hood Jarred Hobbs,Tommy Meek, Zack Curry and over the past year Taylor Johnson. They have all contributed to my success in ways I cannot explain and never will be able to repay them for. It takes a whole team to be successful and to perfect each angle of the operation and it takes a group of people perfectly matched to have a great time doing everything together.It’s been a great journey the past year and I cant wait to share some of my favorites memories on the road. This past year was the first year we were together as a team and it has gone quite well. I showed at Dallas and won a class, third in class at Kansas City, and was second in class at Louisville. We had Phoenix next and decided to take our Louisville steer, Ziggy to Phoenix along with two others. Ziggy would later go on to win Phoenix and I couldn’t think of a better steer to hang my first banner in he steer barn with. It was a great feat for everyone involved for it being the first banner we had hung as a team. Little did we know that the rest of the year would be just as amazing. Denver would be next on the agenda and I would both show pigs and steers. We knew that we had a good steer and also two gilts that we thought would be very competitive in the pig show. But, it is still hard to believe that we came out of Denver with Reserve Grand pig and Reserve Grand steer and also having reserve middleweight with my pig. Needless to say Denver was very good to us and it is one of my greatest accomplishments. At this point we didn’t think it could get any better but, it just kept getting better from then on out. Ft. Worth would be the next show and with it being thirty minutes from my house it’s a very special show to my community and everyone involved when a local wins. It was nothing short of a dream come true not only because it is the most prestigious show in the nation but, also winning it along side of my best friend really topped it off. We both came from the pig barn starting out and to gravitate towards the steer barn around the same time and to be Grand and Reserve at Ft. Worth was very surprising. Their is nothing quite like the atmosphere in Ft. Worth when you win the press is right there, Del Frisco’s tops the night off with everyone who got you there in the same room, the sale the next day along with a interview and press conference. They really make it a once in a lifetime experience for us kids. After Ft. Worth we proceeded to win Austin which would lead me to the first time I have ever shown in a rodeo for the Grand drive. Over the summer we went to many jackpots and did very well. I grew better as a showman and had to learn how to adjust to a new set of steers. It’s been a fun show season so far with being Reserve Grand at our first outing of the season in Dallas with one of my favorite steers. The past two months have been nothing short of a dream come true with winning Kansas City a very prestigious show in its own right along with Louisville a couple weeks later. Louisville is one of my favorites along with my family’s because we run thoroughbreds and have some at Churchills training track “The Spectrum” and we get to see them work in the mornings and occasionally see one run. Just this past May we had a horse named Girvin run in the Kentucky Derby, he didn’t do as well as we had hoped, but the ride he took us on throughout the Derby was truly a dream come true for everyone involved. Throughout the show in Louisville I had Girvins trainer Joe Sharp along with his wife Rosie Napravnik, and their two boys come to watch me. Along with Girvins jockey Robby Albarado and his family stop by to come see my family and I. It’s pretty neat to have support from many different industries. Louisville is just a really special place with the connection we have with horses and now having won the steer show there. With that being said horses have always been my calling and I want to pursue that and become a vet focusing mainly on Thoroughbreds and also traveling the country and working on the elite tracks. But, as of know my goal is to win every major livestock show in the country in both the pig and steer barn, and a goal to think about right now with having two legs of the triple crown down is winning Denver. It’s been a goal of mine for awhile, it’s not going to be easy but, I am determined to meet the goal of winning all majors in my the respected barns I show in before I graduate. Then to have a shot at the triple crown for the steers is truly an honor and I hope it capture that and make history. Throughout my career so far I have won seven majors, five in the steer barn and two in the pig barn. I have also been Reserve Grand three times, twice with steers and once with pigs. It’s been a great year by it self winning five majors and being reserve at three, and Girvin winning the grade one Haskell Invitational, grade two Louisiana Derby and running in the Kentucky Derby. My family, my team and I have been blessed by this year more than words can describe! We have had a lot of success. But all in all these industries have made me the person I am today and I cannot repay it for the people it has brought into my life, the life lessons, and the friendships it has given me. Thank you to everyone who has made me successful and who has contributed to my wins. I thank God everyday for this life he has given me, and the great people he has surrounded me with!

Charles W. Herbster
NE

Charles W. Herbster, owner of Herbster Angus Farms, loves rural America. 

Passionate about agriculture, politics and business, Charles goes “all in” when involved with any endeavor. He learned early in life if you do what you love, invest your time and efforts in what you know and work hard, great things will happen. 

Herbster Angus Farms in Falls City, Nebraska, was homesteaded in 1847 by Charles' great-great-grandfather, William McKendry Maddox. Through the Depression and the Dust Bowl, the Maddox family cared for the land. Charles’ grandmother, Leta Meyers Carico, granddaughter of William Maddox, was an integral part of the farm’s operation from the early 1900s and throughout Charles’ life. Charles’ heritage runs deep in Nebraska agriculture. 

Leta Meyers Carico was Charles’ first teacher and mentor. A savvy businesswoman, she taught Charles the basic economics of agriculture and nurtured his entrepreneurial spirit as well as his faith. Growing up on the family dairy, Charles learned the value of a hard day’s work. He watched Grandma Carico invest countless hours managing the Holstein herd and making the farming operation thrive through both lean and good times.  She demonstrated an incredible work ethic and expected the same from Charles. Her guidance developed his character and his focused mindset. Grandma Carico was a master at strategizing how to maximize the dairy herd and farming operation, thinking “out of the box” to market milk, cream and eggs direct to the community. Charles was at her side from the time he could carry his own little bucket, and her knowledge rubbed off on the impressionable youth. As he grew, his responsibilities did, too. Seeing his passion for cattle emerge, when Charles was 11, his grandmother purchased a herd of 65 registered Angus cows. She knew this investment would to teach him responsibility and the basics of owning and managing his own agricultural business.                       

Carrying on his family tradition, Charles recognizes the need to pass on knowledge and the love of agriculture to future generations.  He has invested in the youth of the cattle industry by donating to the American Angus Foundation. In January 2017, for the fifth year in a row, Herbster Angus farms purchased the Angus Foundation Female at the National Western Stock Show. “Investing in our future leaders is a great way to give back to the agricultural community,” said Charles. “The Angus Foundation is an awesome organization that provides scholarships to kids who will impact the cattle industry in a positive way. I love helping our youth succeed.” 

Furthermore, Charles, like his grandmother before him, is helping raise an Angus protégé in Miranda Raithel, daughter of Ed and Mandy Raithel, who manage Herbster Angus Farms. Like Charles, she was “born and raised” at Herbster Angus Farms, learning hard work, dedication and the building blocks necessary to run a successful cattle enterprise. “It’s refreshing to see such a knowledgeable and dedicated young person like Miranda. She promotes our program by showing our junior cattle. I am proud of her accomplishments, and I am happy to give her the opportunity to shine both in the show ring and in the industry.”

Charles’ initial dream for Herbster Angus Farms was to own 100 of the very best Angus cows in the breed. Achieving this goal would take time and require a great blueprint. He knew exactly what he wanted to achieve, but needed the expertise of someone who shared the same passion with the ability to twist together the best genetics in the industry. Ed Raithel was and still is that man. Charles and Ed have invested their lives in Herbster Angus Farms. They create a dynamic synergy, and they are willing to make bold decisions to continue to move forward with their program.                          

Together, Charles and Ed are the heart of the operation and the masterminds behind every decision, whether it is purchasing the next great Angus bull or making mating choices on the top donors. They believe it is their responsibility to purchase and breed the right genetics, while enabling the Herbster Angus Farms customer base to reach new heights. “It’s apparent we don’t do average,” said Charles. “Countless registered and commercial breeders alike report that our genetics produce superior results. Nothing speaks more loudly or boldly than satisfied customers.”                            

The Herbster Angus customer base also sings the praises of the program. “In January 2017, 24 SAV Seedstock calves were born at McKellar Angus. They were problem-free, vigorous and calved very easily. The Seedstock calves exhibit very correct structure and strong breed character,” shared customer Joseph McKellar, Mt. Pleasant, Texas.                        

After building the basic structure and ideology behind Herbster Angus Farms, Charles began to invest in superior stud-quality bulls. To connect with his clientele and provide the pinnacle of customer service, he chose to market his semen in a breeder-to-breeder fashion. This technique brings another dimension to semen sales. Unlike large semen distributors, Herbster Angus Farms’ customers are asked about the goals of their program. Because Herbster Angus Farms utilizes their bulls in a real-world setting, they can make educated recommendations to breeders on which bull best fits their objectives.

Semen quality and conception rates are discussed, and the clientele are reminded that Herbster Angus Farms’ semen is packaged at 40 million cells per straw and sells for $40. Charles Boyd II, Mays Lick, Ky., said, “We use semen that has been put up at many studs. Without question, the Herbster Angus Farms’ semen, collected at North American Breeders, is the highest-quality semen we have ever used.”                         

Charles states, “Our focus has always been to help fellow cattlemen build better animals and contribute to their overall success. At Herbster Angus Farms, we honestly represent the genetics we market for the future of the Angus breed. Ultimately, we are investing in your success and providing breeders a program; not just selling a few straws of semen.”                         

Charles looks back today and is grateful for the life lessons his grandmother passed on to him, helping him succeed in business as well as the cattle industry. She instilled in him great business sense and demonstrated it to him every day. She had no idea the role that Charles would play in U.S. agriculture: owning Herbster Angus Farms, North American Breeders, the Conklin Company Inc. and serving as the Chairman of the Agricultural and Rural Advisory Committee for President Donald J. Trump. Charles continues to work with the Trump Administration in the Ag Chairman position and, as a farmer and businessman involved in agriculture, he is committed to do his part. Charles said, “When President Trump asked me to serve as the National Chairman of the Agricultural and Rural Advisory Committee, I was honored. I have had the opportunity to work with committee members to represent and serve agricultural communities from coast to coast. Many of these committee members have been elected to solve issues that impact rural America every day. I am proud to stand with these men and women working to ensure that the voice of agriculture will be heard and its interests served.”

Charles stated that the following issues are important for rural America:

* Treating agricultural issues as vitally important to national security and the U.S. economy. Too often, bad policies and needless government mandates harm farmers and make food and farm products costly to produce and more expensive for consumers who purchase those farm products.

* Rolling back devastating regulations such as WOTUS (Waters of the United States).

* Working tirelessly to gain American energy independence.  This means striving to bring all forms of energy into the market where consumers can drive energy decisions.

* Passing tax reform that will significantly benefit farmers and ranchers, especially eliminating the “death tax” that devastates the legacy of the family farm.

* Actively participating in writing the next Farm Bill and encouraging Congress to deliver it on time.

* Implementing and enforcing an immigration policy that will improve jobs, wages and security for all Americans.

Hard work, dedication and stewardship has been Charles’ focus his whole life.  His involvement in the youth of our industry and the current policies in Washington provides a stronghold for agricultural families far into the future.  “James H. Douglas, Jr. once said, ‘Our deep respect for the land and its harvest is the legacy of generations of farmers who put food on our tables, preserved our landscape and inspired us with a powerful work ethic.’ I think this is a powerful statement, and it’s how I would like to leave my legacy,” said Charles.  Throughout his life, Charles has been a champion for the rural lifestyle, its people and its conservative ideologies. 

Stephanie Steck
MN

Every day is an opportunity to make an impact

By Martha Hollida Garrett

She loves what she does and it shows in her creative marketing projects for customers across the country. Stephanie Cronin Steck sees every day as an opportunity to make a positive impact and she has the commitment, passion and talent to do just that.

Stephanie, not only owns her own agricultural marketing and advertising agency, Stephanie Cronin Inc. (SCI), but also co-owns Steck Cattle in Woodstock, Minnesota with her husband, Craig and their 5-year-old son, Keagan.

“Each day, I get up and work as hard as I can for all my clients. When I’m faced with a decision for a SCI or one of our cattle clients, I make it on the basis of how I would want to be treated. I analyze how I can do things not just differently, but with impact,” she described.

Her creativity and desire to incorporate the latest marketing technologies has earned her company an impressive, as well as extensive client list. She is the idea person and marketing arm for Willow Springs Cattle Co. (WSCC), of Prairie Grove, Arkansas. She also developed the initial real-time platform for Sullivan Supply’s Pulse social feed, as well as cutting edge blogging capabilities for Lautner Farms. She designed and set up shopping cart responsive websites for Lautner Farms, Midwest Genetics, Griswold Cattle Co., and Champion Show Stock. Cattlemen and ag businesses across breeds and states market their products through her designs, catalogs, websites, video campaigns and social media formats. Her work is recognized for its eye-catching designs, bold messages and her clients can count on her to bring cutting edge technology possibilities to their campaigns.

Stephanie, a self-described “city kid” knew she wanted to be involved in agriculture at a young age.

“I grew up in a single parent home in Omaha, Nebraska. Our neighbors had sheep and cattle outside of town and that influenced me, greatly. I begged or maybe threatened my mom that I was going to raise sheep in our garage,” she recalled.

When she was 12-years-old, her days as a city kid ended and doors opened that would set the trajectory for her career and personal life.

“My mom, Cindy married Mike Pallas, who was the manager for Omaha Home for Boys, which was also home to the Cooper Memorial Farm 4-H Club. They had cattle facilities and used a cattle showing program to help the boys who came from broken homes or had troubled lives. I immediately began to show cattle with the boys and loved it. In addition to setting my foundation for life, I also saw first-hand how lives could be changed with a show calf. It was an incredible thing to see an inner-city kid with problems change when put in this environment. That’s something that will always drive me,” she stated.

“When Cindy and I married, I gave Stephanie an orphan calf to take care of and thought we will see how long her interest lasts. Well, she never grew tired of taking care of it and she absolutely loved working her show cattle. The 4-H facility was behind the house and it had a phone in it. We would have to call her at 11-11:30 p.m. and make her come to the house. She was always washing, blowing, and working with her cattle. From day one she had tremendous work ethic, which continues today with both SCI and their cattle operation. She loves what she does and works hard at everything she does,” said her step-dad. 

Stephanie would not only show cattle locally, but she would become very invested in her show cattle and would show competitively on a national level, as well as serve as an intern for Shorthorn Country. She and Craig met at the National Junior Shorthorn Show held in Sioux City, South Dakota and today they live 45 minutes from that special meeting place. Craig was raised on his family’s farm in west central Illinois and they were active Shorthorn breeders. 

That meeting would lead to a long-distance relationship as Stephanie was working on her graphic arts and visual communications degree at Creighton University in Omaha. Craig was acquiring an animal science degree with nutrition emphasis at the University of Illinois and was on the livestock judging team.

Upon graduating in 2005, Stephanie took an initial position with a show publication and continued SCI on the side. Then she joined an Omaha bank and managed the emerging 

eCommerce division, all the while, SCI was continuing to grow. 

During this time, Craig joined Cargill Pork and moved to Iowa City, Iowa, which put the two a little bit closer together on the map. After three years of tearing up the roads and meeting at cattle sales and shows, Craig relocated to Omaha. They would marry in 2008 and that would also mark the start of Steck Cattle outside of Omaha. While built on love, the marriage merged their talents—his strong suits of mating and feeding of cattle with her marketing abilities and unmatched commitment to youth. 

Stephanie’s marketing prowess and creative designs gained her clients and her business was reaching the point that it was no longer a side business. In 2010, she left her eight to five job at the bank to commit her energies and talents to SCI and Steck Cattle. In 2013, Craig joined the leadership team at New Horizon Farms (NHF), a multi-faceted agricultural business, and the family, SCI and Steck Cattle moved to their current location just south of Woodstock, Minnesota.

The rest is history as they say. She, along with one employee, Jeana Sankey Hurlbut handle all the SCI projects and maintain close contact with their clients, all while looking for the next new thing or avenue to place their clients at the forefront.

 “I want to convey each client’s message, not just advertise for them. I want Jeana and I to serve our customers well and do our best for them. My days start early and are long, as I balance family, SCI with Steck Cattle, but some of my best ideas have hit me while blow drying a heifer,” she said.  

Building a small business is not easy and Jeana shared that Stephanie’s hard work and dedication to her clients is what has led her to build SCI to what it is today. Jeana has seen how great Stephanie is at helping clients put together a marketing plan that will generate success and profit and she said that Stephanie is not afraid to put in late nights, weekends, or whatever it takes to get the plan finished.

“I think her leadership and creative mind has led her to be successful. She has taught me a lot and is a great employer. She is so passionate about her design work, along with raising elite cattle. She pushes herself, her family and employees to always give 110 percent. She’s here to serve her clients and customers to the best of her ability, giving all she has - all the time,” said Jeana emphasizing, “she’s passionate about the cattle industry.”

Craig was quick to add that she is committed to staying ahead of the curve and her drive to be an innovator is always present. “She has the ability to see when or what can happen and identify those avenues for promotion,” he said.

Eric Walker, who owns WSCC is one of SCI’s clients and has embraced Stephanie’s innovative approach to marketing. 

“First and foremost, I use SCI because Stephanie handles it like it’s her own. Everything she does has her personal touch. She invests herself in her customers and always goes the extra mile on every project. Junior customers are a large part of our clientele and Stephanie’s ideas really reach them, as well as our entire customer base. Stephanie is so involved in the industry, as well as their personal cattle operation and that allows her to have her finger on what is happening in the industry and she can visualize what is coming,” he said. 

Steck Cattle was started with some of Stephanie’s retired Shorthorn show heifers, including the famous, Chelsie 269M. Daughters of Chelsie have won the stock shows of Fort Worth, Kansas City, Denver, Louisville, as well as the MaineTainer Junior National and Shorthorn Plus Junior National Shows and they continue to be some of the most sought-after genetics in their “Our Commitment Sale” held annually in October. In addition, they have MaineTainer, Shorthorn Plus, Chianina and Simmental cattle and many trace back to Stephanie’s sister’s show heifers.

Craig and Stephanie outlined the direction of their program early and quantity was never a consideration. Their emphasis from day one and still today, more than a decade later is on quality. When Craig worked for Cargill Pork, he traveled extensively. His position with NHF allows him to be home at night and he and Stephanie handle almost all the cattle responsibilities in addition to their fulltime careers. They are very hands on and only hire outside help as needed throughout the year.

Craig added, “Stephanie and I have built our cattle program to cater to youth and her experiences at the Omaha Home For Boys drives her to help our young customers develop in and out of the show ring and she sees so many teaching opportunities with cattle.”

Steck Cattle is home to 10 donors and 25 recipients with their marketing focus on junior customers.

Through embryo transfer, they stay competitive and cattle produced in the Steck program have won on the major level across breeds. But more importantly, their customers have had success and they have Craig and Stephanie’s total commitment to help them achieve that success.

“We sit down and get to know our juniors and their families. We ask them at what level do you want to compete and what goals do you have for a show heifer from us. Whether a junior wants to win their county fair or junior nationals, then we are right there to guide and help them. We try to be at as many shows as we can. We will clip for them, provide a feeding plan and help them achieve their goals. It’s very gratifying and satisfying to us to be with them every step of the way. We have the opportunity to impact our young customers for good,” noted Stephanie.

“Stephanie’s background drive and commitment, plus her marketing abilities have really set our program apart. She brings a very high level of talent, innovation, perfectionism and perspective to her work,” said Craig.

Craig and Stephanie are very transparent about what they do and why they do it. Their operating principles and slogan is “Right Kind. Right Way. Right People. Our Commitment.” That precedes their decisions, their management style and it is shared with all their juniors and their families.

“Our kids started showing in 2006 and we have purchased many heifers from Craig and Stephanie. Our kids have benefited greatly and want to learn from them. They raise great cattle and the effort and time they give juniors is unmatched. They are Willow Spring’s role model,” stressed Walker.

Not surprising, SCI is also a big supporter of youth and Stephanie routinely donates her and Jeana’s talent to benefit junior cattle associations and like causes. Steck Cattle also offers a scholarship program to their customers and industry leaders, as a way to give back.

Stephanie is quick to point out her favorites aspects of agriculture, which include working with like-minded people, high morals and values and a genuine respect for land and animals. Plus, she notes the fun of travelling to shows, particularly junior nationals and sharing life and the lessons learned. 

“I can’t think of a better way to raise Keegan, as he is beside us daily as we work. I love my life and the opportunities it is affords,” she concluded and it shows in the magazines, websites, videos, and posts across social media daily for her SCI customers and it shows in the success of Steck Cattle and their customers.

Shane Bedwell
MO

From a young age, cattle have always been my passion and I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to grow up on a cattle ranch near Medicine Lodge, KS. This may come as a shock to some of you but I didn’t grow up showing cattle. Although my family has deep roots in the cattle business, showing cattle was never on my granddads or dads minds and so consequently it wasn’t part of what I was involved with as a youngster. My family’s operation consisted of stocker cattle, a cow-calf operation and raising crops most of which, was feed for our cattle operation.  On top of this my grandad ran the sale barn in Medicine Lodge. I have found memories of working the yards at the sale barn and learning the ins and outs of the cattle marketing business. Along with this, I was very active in my local FFA chapter and this is where I caught the “judging bug”. I really looked up to my Ag teacher as he was a legend in our area and was the same guy that taught my dad and mom, when they were high school. Needless to say, Mr. Poland was a seasoned veteran and a guy that I was eager to learn from. I really enjoyed learning the fundamentals from Mr. Poland and traveling to competitions to see the stock and compete. In between contests I would take what I learned and study the stock we had at home. Between this and Mr. Poland’s coaching I became addicted to livestock judging and set a goal to best that I could be. From day one I wanted to go to college at Kansas State University. Initially as a kid, it was because of their football program and watching wildcat football on TV on Saturdays. But then realizing in high school that they have a livestock judging team and the best coach in the country (Dr. Scott Schaake), I said this is a no brainer. My senior year in high school, at the Kansas Beef Expo livestock judging contest, I was fortunate to get recognized for a high set of reasons, the officials that day were from Butler County and that is where I met Mr. Chris Mullinix. After a recruiting visit and a scholarship offer I decided to take a two-year detour to Manhattan to judge for Mullinix. The saying a small fish in a big pond would describe where I started at Butler and I owe Mullinix a lot for taking the time and believing in my ability from day one. Although, I had competed extensively in high school in the state of Kansas, I was nowhere near the same caliber of my teammates nor had the national experience that they came in with. But with a lot of hard work and correct mentorship from Mullinix I ended up getting cards at every national contest. More importantly though I met some incredible friends during my stay at Butler many of which I still talk and interact with today. Traveling up down the road with a great group people and the memories we created together are the moments that I still cherish today.  Most of us on that that team transferred to KSU to judge for Schaake and we ended up being the reserve national champions. To fulfill a dream of mine by judging for KSU and representing many of the great alumni that had judged at KSU was great honor. After completing my bachelors in Animal Sciences and Industry, I chose to pursue a Master’s at the University of Illinois. Because of the impact that Mullinix and Schaake had on me, I was compelled to try my hand at coaching and was offered the assistant livestock judging coach position at U of I, where I helped coach three teams while completing my Maters in beef cattle nutrition. I was fortunate to coach with Dr. Dan Shike and received great mentorship from Dr. Doug Parrett. My U of I experience was a great one and again the friendships and Industry connections made during my stay were priceless. During my last semester at U of I the coaching positon at Colorado State University became available and as fate would have it I landed the job. I was fortunate to coach eight years at CSU while serving as an Instructor in the Animal Science department. Those eight years along the front range were instrumental in shaping the career I have today.  Again, I had great mentors Dr. Brett Kaysen, Dr. Kevin Pond and Mr. Bill Wailies all of which helped me become a better teacher and coach. As well I’m very thankful to the many RAM alumni and friends of the program that hosted judging workouts and supported the team. I was blessed to coach many successful teams at CSU, but beyond the trophy cases I’m proud to see these young people making a difference in their communities and within the Industry. My greatest accomplishment though in Colorado was marrying my wife Lacey and starting our family together in Fort Collins. Both of our children Cealy Rose and Chisum were born here and I’m very thankful for the many memories that we started along the front range. 

Today our home is in Holt, MO about 30 miles north of Kansas City. I work for the American Hereford Association as the Chief Operating Officer and Director of Breed Improvement.  I’m very blessed to work for a great organization and interact with the greatest breeders in the country raising Hereford Seedstock. It’s truly exciting to see the level of enthusiasm for the breed right now and I look forward to seeing continued growth in the future. 

I’ve had quite a ride and this year at the National Western Stock Show it came full circle for me. I had the opportunity to judge the market steer show with Dr. Clint Rusk and Dr. Dave Duello, two legends in the business. Rusk is from the same county as I in Kansas (Barber County), Mr. Poland also coached him in high school and I took my teams at CSU to practice at Duello’s on a regular basis, which are fond memories. During the grand drive, Duello says in his speech “surround yourself with good people and keep dreaming”. Well the good Lord has certainly looked out for me and surrounded me with some great people to shape my life to what is today and there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t dream about my future goals. •

Smith Family
IA

The moment you pull up to the show barn Headquarters of Smith Cattle Company, you are drawn to the well-manicured facilities and grounds.  That same attention to detail is evident in the cattle management and cattle quality of this Estherville, Iowa operation.  The partnership between Dennis Smith and his son, Brad, has been successfully marketing show cattle from the rolling hills of northwest Iowa for three generations.  Both Dennis and Brad would credit Dennis’ father Ward Smith with establishing the cattle mentality that it takes to be successful and much of Ward’s advice still applies to today’s show cattle industry.  Dennis’ wife, Holle, keeps the Smith crew fed, handles bookkeeping duties and keeps the place looking good.

Today at Smith Cattle Company, much of the genetic decisions fall to Brad.  He credits the familiar path of many cattlemen; 4-H experiences, college work opportunities, University Judging Team, as having a dramatic influence on his cattle skills.  “My sister Jennifer and I showed cattle together all through our 4-H years” Brad noted.  His sister Jennifer is married to Cody Holmes and they have a cattle operation of their own in northwest Iowa.  Those early experiences helped Brad understand how to make cattle better both genetically and by developing fitting skills that have become world class. “My Judging Team experiences at Iowa State were rewarding.  We weren’t the greatest team ever, but the opportunities that I had with my teammates and even the kids I competed against are still in place today,” mentioned Brad.  “In my college years, I also had the privilege to work with great cattle mentors that had a huge imprint on how to breed cattle and have an impact in the show industry,” explains Brad.  “Mark and Deb Core, Wade Rodgers, Faber Show Cattle and Jeff Holmes were part of my college years’ experiences and I am indebted to them for all they taught me.  I learned so much from them and formed business relationships that continue to this day,” commented Brad.

After college graduation, Brad’s cattle passion was the spark for returning to the family farm but the question lingered, would the farm be able to handle the extra income needs?  The Smith’s committed to selling more cattle and being more purposeful in their marketing plan for the cattle produced at their farm.  That extra push helped while Brad quickly built his own herd to enhance the scope of their cattle breeding program.

Just as Brad would credit many people that have helped him over the years, it’s evident to see the passion he has for mentoring the next generation of show enthusiasts.  Several of the 4-Hers that started buying steers from Dennis and Brad have become “clipper help” to prepare sale cattle and some even advanced into partners on some genetics at Smiths’.  Zach Lindsey and Brandon Johansen are key employees of Smith Cattle Company and are equally handy at day to day cow management and sale prep.  Additionally, interns from nearby Iowa Lakes Community College provide much needed extra help during calving and breeding seasons.  Dustin Clement and Kyle Long have come through the ILCC program and contribute to the Smith’s success.

Smith Cattle Company today includes about 300 cows.  Smiths would put in about 125 embryos each spring with the remainder of the cows bred A.I.  Brad explained that “club calves have long been our breeding program” and the Smiths have an impressive list of market cattle winners from across the country at all levels, state, regional and national.

But each year a few more cows are dedicated to registered cattle matings with maternal influence.  “Dad and Grandpa both taught me how important the cow piece of this operation is,” Brad said.  The maternal base is made up of some Angus, Charolais and composites but the main emphasis is turning to Simmy influenced females.  “I have invested in bulls like On the Mark, Loaded Up, Maternal Perfection, No Pressure, Big Pappa, Mr. Misunderstood and Thompson Squared so that our operation continues to get noticed for making good females that will work in all kinds of our customers’ programs from clubbies to purebreds,” Brad notes.  The Smith’s female focus is on display at the First Class Female Sale held the second Saturday of December each year.  This event continues to gain favor with Smith’s customer base due to the outstanding quality and packed pedigrees of the sale heifers.  Brad is quick to recognize his sale partners for working cooperatively to make the sale so successful, Wade Rodgers, Chris Rosa, Reiman Family and Luke Doris Show Cattle.  “We all have a common goal of producing a set of breds that we are proud to offer to our customers, but each of our breeding programs go at that a little differently making the sale offering diverse enough that everybody can find some matings they like,” commented Brad.  He would also credit Steve Bonham and John Griswold for their outside influence on the sale’s success.  The First Class Female Sale is complemented by the First Class Bull Sale each spring with the help of the same partners.  Smiths would have 15-20 maternal influenced bulls as part of the sale group.  Many of the bulls go to customers that have also purchased females from Brad and Dennis. 

Since 2002 the Club Calf offering is marketed through a September Pasture Sale that is part of the Pro Tour Club Calf group in northern Iowa.  Smiths offer 40 head of their very best steer and market heifer prospects on the Pro Tour with a few breeding heifer candidates added each year.  The Smith’s club calf side of the business has been built around generating steer prospects out of the very elite donors of the industry.  Nearly all the prospects in the Pasture Sale are E.T.s.  Brad and Dennis have recently added a few fall born E.T.s to expand into markets outside of the Midwest.

Attention to detail, a respect for the past and a clear vision for the future has Smith Cattle Company in an elite class in the show cattle industry.

Wade Rodgers
IA

1. What is your background (growing up, family history, showing, sports, etc.)?

1. I'm just a rural Iowa farm boy who grew up in Liberty Center, Iowa.  I grew up helping with the 200 cow/calf, 1500 head feeder pig and 2000 acres of row crop operation that my father still operates.  I always loved showing cattle growing up even though I was never very successful; but I did have reserve at my county fair with a purebred angus steer that we raised. I always had the desire to win which most likely lead me to the business I'm in.

2. When did you get started in the bull business?

2.In March of 2008 I raised a bull called Walks Alone. He will always be my favorite I knew he was special at birth he had parts and pieces that were very unique.  I still think they make good fat steers and are awesome for cows. From there things just Progressed to what we have been blessed with to date.
3. What are your goals for the future?

3. The last 15 years of my life I've been focused on building my business. The next 15 I'm planning on focusing more on my faith and my wife and children.
4. What is the drive behind Rodger's Cattle Company?

4. Never had much success when I showed but always wanted to. I believe any goals are achievable if you’re willing to work for them. Defeat is inevitable but keeping the Want To after you've been beat is what has kept thriving to do better.
5. Are you looking forward to having your kids grow up and become more involved in the industry and business?

5. Only if that's what they want to do. I'm not by any means going to force them to show.  They will learn early that they will have to do the work, Kaylene and I will be there to support and help them but not do it all for them.  I still believe showing cattle is a great tool for life lessons if done properly. 
6. What is your favorite aspect of what you do?

6. Raising show calves. At the age of 20 I took out a loan and bought my first three cows from Kevin Newman. From there I've built them up to 100 head cow/calf operation. We've been fortunate enough to raise several promotion bulls, champion steers at Denver, Iowa state fair, Indiana State fair, and Kansas City.
7. Who are your biggest role models/people that have influenced who you are and what you have accomplished?

7. My mother and father growing up. My dad instilled a great work ethic in me. My mother showed me love for her children which now having them of my own I realize. Several people have influenced what I've accomplished mainly people I've worked for through the years and learning from the best of their qualities. Brad Hook, Tracy Goretska, Mark Copus, Kevin Newman and Bob May.
8. What makes Rodger's Bulls different than the rest?

8. I'm a huge believer in the cow that the bull is out of to me that's what makes the bull breed good.

I'm not a fan of publicly running someone else's bulls down to make mine look better. We try to focus on improving our sires every year no matter the breed or breeding in them. Semen quality is another thing we focus on having cows ourselves we realize how important it is

9. Anything else you would like to share/include.

9. John 3:16 The most important thing you can ever hear

Special Thank you to my wife Kaylene she is the tie that keeps everything together!!

Also, would like to thank everyone who has helped Rodgers Cattle Company over the years!!  Dustin Smith, JR Spear, Clint Thompson, Nolan Ferguson, Stretch, Colton Otto

Amy Cowan
MO

Oh, the Places You’ll Go

Reflecting on my career at the American Hereford Association (AHA) and the places it has taken me, I can’t help but remember high school graduation day and sitting down to read a book I received from a dear friend. The message in Dr. Seuss’s inspirational piece, Oh, the Places You’ll Go, struck a chord with me that day and has motivated me many times since.  “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” 

I’ve watched countless young Hereford exhibitors walk into the showring for the first time at the age of seven and I have watched them grow up and pass down their maroon jackets as they give their retiring addresses and complete their terms on the junior board. With each graduating class, I so enjoy seeing members of the National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) and other industry friends achieve these special milestones in their young lives. As the director of youth activities and foundation for the AHA my days are spent building programs, organizing events, mentoring the junior members of the Hereford breed, and in the end creating opportunities for them to become future leaders of this great industry we all grew up in. 

I often talk to high school students and even college students who are undecided about what their future holds. For many years I was going to follow my mom’s footsteps in the dental field and be a hygienist. And right up until the end of my senior year, I was positive I wanted to be a nurse. Isn’t it funny how our past experiences, coupled with the people we meet along the way, quickly change one’s mind as to what the future holds and the places we will go.

As a youth, I had a very similar path as many of you. I grew up on my family’s farm in Northwest Iowa. We raised everything from corn and soybeans, to cattle, pigs and sheep. My high school did not have a FFA program, but I grew up in 4-H and am so thankful for all the places 4-H took me. “Ferd” was the first steer I ever showed and how ironic that he was a Hereford from my Grandpa Clow. I spent my summers helping on the farm, riding horses and working on my 4-H projects in preparation for the county and state fairs. My brother and I were the third generation of the Cowan family to raise Shorthorns and Cowan Cattle Company gave me the first taste of this industry that I love, took me many places over the years and introduced me to some of my very best of friends.

I graduated from high school in 1993 and from there I was off to South Dakota State University (SDSU). It was at the freshman orientation career fair that I met the SDSU livestock judging team coach at the time and had a chance to visit with her about opportunities in the college of agriculture. I remember rehashing the day’s events with Dad on our way home from Brookings, and the fact that I could take my love for agriculture and turn it into a career path seemed too good to be true. That day, Dad encouraged me to follow my heart and it didn’t take me long to realize that SDSU was the place for me and just like that I had decided to major in ag journalism and animal science.

College days were some of the best years of my life, and still today, when fall rolls around, there is a part of me that would like to be headed back to Brookings to catch up with the crew. I was involved in a variety of clubs and activities at SDSU and as part of my work-study program worked in the meat lab, giving me hands on experience in that part of the industry and customer service. I was very active in Block and Bridle, Little International and the Rodeo Club, where I served as the business manager for the Jack Rabbit Stampede. These activities exposed me to all kinds of event planning and fundraising scenarios and from these experiences I developed a passion for marketing and orchestrating events. 

My junior and senior years I took the opportunity presented to me and competed on the livestock judging team. Not having had any judging experience other than placing a few classes at the county fair, I will never forget how nervous I was to give my first set of reasons and how out of my league I knew I was. But, I stepped out of my comfort zone and had a huge mountain to climb. Judging was definitely the highlight for me at SDSU and I truly believe it is what opened up my career door and taught me a whole lot about not only livestock, but, life in general. There is not a week that goes by that I don’t use a skill set I acquired from competing on the judging team, not to mention the friendships and networks I built that led me to the next places.

I was fortunate enough to land an internship at the American Shorthorn Association (ASA) between my junior and senior year and that was an awesome learning experience for me getting to work and learn alongside ASA and Shorthorn Country staff members. After a summer at the ASA headquarters and playing a big part in that year’s national junior show and helping to pull together the pages of the magazine, I realized I was doing what I loved.

In the spring of my senior year, a door opened for me at the American Hereford Association and one phone interview later I had the job and was moving to Kansas City. Time flies when you are having fun, and it is hard for me to believe that June 1^st will mark my 19^th year working for the association and serving our membership. While I have had a wide variety of job titles and responsibilities through out my Hereford timeline, none have been more fulfilling than my current duties and serving as the director of youth activities and my involvement with the Hereford Youth Foundation of America. 

Tonight as I finish this article, we are wrapping up the early bird entry deadline for the upcoming Junior National Hereford Expo that will take place in Louisville. As I watch the entries roll in on my computer screen and experience the excitement that surrounds getting ready for the junior national for exhibitors and their families from across the country, it definitely makes the years of planning, all the fundraising and all the efforts that go into an event of this magnitude so worth my while.  

None of the places I have been would be near the same without the people I have encountered and worked with along the way. Day in and day out I am in complete awe of the support that my Hereford family and livestock industry have for our Hereford youth programs. Together we have worked hard to provide more scholarship opportunities, to create more effective leadership programs and to build the Junior National Hereford Expo into one of the best in the world. All this, so the next generation can continue to move mountains. 

The youth of the livestock industry are definitely going places and I consider myself lucky to get to be just a small part on some of your journeys. My Dad taught me at a young age to follow my dreams and I think he would be proud of the places those dreams are taking me. My advice to you as your life happens… look ONWARD and look UPWARD and like all of us in American agriculture strive to do each day, work hard to leave your space in a better place than you found it. I look forward to seeing you all down the road and at the next place.

 “Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So...get on your way!”  Dr. Seuss

Lindsey Broek
MO

Lindsey Broek is an All-Star when it comes to working with youth and running the Best of the Barns winning Maine-Anjou Junior National; not to mention the work she does day-in and day-out for the American Maine-Anjou Association outside of their big Summer show.  Lindsey is always game to volunteer her time and talents to help friends with their endeavors including the Junior National Hereford Expo and the Blackout!  The number of people she has a positive impact on on a daily basis is noteworthy.  We are excited to introduce her as one of our newest Hall of Fame inductees.

Loren & Maureen
CO

Loren and Maureen graduated high school together. Mom pursued a degree as a RN. Dad started vet school at Iowa State and then enlisted in the Army during WW II and spent his service time in Germany as a MP. Following the war he married mom and they just celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary February 2. They started a purebred Hereford herd and proudly sold bulls. In fact, they raised an Iowa State Fair Champion Steer! Mom and Dad were both accomplished horsemen and began competing at a national level showing horses as well as cattle.

They were both very involved with raising horses and cattle up until the past ten years. Mom quit showing to support her kids in their show dreams. During her career she was a RN, Director of Nurses and a Hospital Administrator.

Dad has judged horses nationally and shown horses and cattle throughout the US including Chicago, Cow Palace, Houston, Kansas City and Denver. At the NWSS he has shown cattle (hill and yards) and horses. He has also judged horses at the National Western Stock Show. After dad finished judging, he and mom would sit and discuss the day and mom would let him know when he made a mistake and what she saw that he missed.

Their true love is supporting kids. They have driven all over the US to cheer on not only their own kids, but grand kids and great grand kids. They even cheer on their many “grand kids” that they have watched grow up from the inside of their Choice of Champions trailer.

When mom retired from the Hospital industry, they became Sullivan Supply dealers. They truly loved this time - always around kids showing livestock. Both of their true loves - animals and kids. I truly believe they would do anything to help a kid showing livestock.

Over the years they have had great success with cattle and horses in the show ring. Dad has also won the Houston Stock Show herdsman award twice. They have received numerous awards and accolades from the show. horse and cattle industry throughout their lifetime. Mom received several awards during her RN career.

Dad’s love of horses to ride and compete on - cutters, Mom’s love - trotters and pacers. Her dad raced them and she was very involved. She can ride Western or English, and is really good. Mom will celebrate her 94th birthday March 5th, and dad his 94th August 15th. • 

Laurie, Lisa and I have many great memories of showing livestock. Loren and Maureen were “Sullivans” to us when we were showing. Instead of ordering our show supplies online, we would buy our supplies from them at the shows. We would always visit with them before, during and after the shows in Riverton, Billings, Kersey, the Colorado State Fair and numerous other jackpots. Our favorite part of hosting the Blackout Jackpot each year has been to have them both involved with our show, since they mean so much to us. Loren helps work the ring and Maureen hands out prizes to each exhibitor.         

Fame! Thanks for all you do! We love you both!              

- The Reid Family 

Terri Barber
TX

What is the makeup and history of Barber Ranch? 

Barber Ranch is an honoree of the Texas Family Land Heritage Program for 100+ years of continuous land ownership and agriculture production by the same family. The ranch has been family owned for 113 years. My parents, Dale and Mary, have devoted their entire lives to raising top notch Hereford genetics in the panhandle of Texas, and are two of the most respected and recognized people in the cattle industry. They have four children who are all involved in the ranch today: Justin Barber lives on the ranch and is involved with all facets of ranch activities. Justin’s wife Jenna is a veterinarian for Swann Animal Clinic in Amarillo and they have twin 2 year old girls: Henley and Beckett. Brett Barber and wife Reagan, also live and work on the ranch and have five children: Rylee, Bryden, Tanner, Tyler and Aidyn. Terri Barber is a southwest territory manager for Elanco Animal Health and currently resides in New Mexico. Jason, Jaci and Bode Barber live in Fort Worth where Jason manages the Purebred Division of Superior Livestock and is also a partner/co-founder of SmartAuctions.

What is your personal involvement in the operation?

My personal involvement in Barber Ranch focuses primarily on marketing and promotion with a shared interest in day to day operations when my schedule allows. With my involvement in the animal health industry I enjoy being able to network and learn through the dynamic opportunities afforded through an outside the box view of agriculture and the beef business. Helping my family actively market and promote our genetics to best suit the needs of our customers is what I find most fulfilling to me. Whether it’s helping a progressive commercial cattle operation find their next great herd sires or assisting a junior member in leadership opportunities or committing the time and resources to serve on Boards – these all encompass my current involvement with our operation.

What do you feel has made Barber Ranch successful?

Success is measured in a multitude of ways I believe. Certainly persistence and tenacity to always improve and continue to make breed-leading and industry strides has been our navigation tool. Being passionate, patient and diligent in everything we do continues to make us better. Above all, acting with integrity to earn our breed and industry’s trust and the privilege to be in – and stay in – this business is a major key to our success. I believe each of us has the inherent responsibility of carrying our principles forward to successive generations while taking what we find here and making it better and better.

What experiences in your life shaped you into the cattle producer that you are today?

I’ve been very fortunate to have enjoyed a career path that has always centered around beef cattle and agriculture in general. My roots are steeped in Hereford genes from the start having grown up on our ranch in the Texas Panhandle in a renowned area made famous by such ranching legends including the XIT, the LIT, Charles Goodnight among many others. Just being able to survive and thrive in a rather raw climate that this extreme part of the state provides certainly thickens one’s skin and shapes your core values of living. Being actively involved in 4-H and livestock and meats judging competitions from an early age helped develop my evaluation skills that have created numerous judging opportunities well past college. Growing up with parents who had a natural eye for great cattle certainly didn’t hurt either. Having the privilege of judging the North American International Livestock Exposition alongside my mother a few years ago would have to rank as one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve enjoyed. After two summer internships with the American Hereford Association and the International Brangus Breeders Association my goal was to stay involved in the beef industry providing exceptional customer service to members and their families. As such I served as the director for youth, shows and promotion for IBBA for seven and a half years before having the opportunity to experience the government side of the industry. For the following six years I served under then Agriculture Commissioner Susan Combs as the director for livestock marketing for the state of Texas, an opportunity that allowed me to travel the world extensively promoting Texas livestock and genetics. What was extra special was the fact that both Susan and I were first females in these roles. When she was elected to Comptroller of Public Accounts for the state on her next mission, another door opened for me to join Elanco Animal Health – first as a branded beef consultant which led to roles within our food industry and consumer affairs group before joining the field sales staff a few years later. 

Who has most inspired or encouraged you as a cattle producer over the years?

Most definitely my parents have inspired and encouraged me as well as some of our closest and most loyal cattle partners some of whom are located coast to coast. Also, some of the breed’s most well-known and respected cattlemen and women were also on my most-admired list including the late Wayne Haygood and Weldon Edwards, John Dudley and Minnie Lou Bradley of Bradley’s B3R Ranch, the American Angus Association’s first female president and another Texas Panhandle native who my Mom also had the privilege of interning under as a teenager. The Hereford employees from my youth were very uplifting and supportive as well. Among this list would be the great, late B.C. “Bud” Snidow, Jim Boyd, Jack Chastain and of course my youth leaders on a state and national level including Diane Johnson at Texas Hereford and Bonnie Coley-Malir at AHA. Our competitors would also be on this distinguished list as they have constantly kept us on top of our game.

What qualities do you think make cattle producers different than everyday Americans?

Cattle producers live and operate on a level high above most everyday Americans because they understand and do what it takes to provide for everyone regardless of their status. They have an inherent ability to withstand the ups and downs of market cycles, Mother Nature and the economy in general. They can perform at the highest level when everything around them seems in disarray. And they get up each day knowing this and persisting as it’s their life passion and goal. 

What is your history with the AHA and the Hereford breed?

I have been a member of the AHA and Junior Hereford Association since I was old enough to join. Growing up with Hereford cattle my entire life afforded me leadership and showing opportunities on a state and national level that I thoroughly enjoyed partaking of. Attending national conferences, annual meetings and participating in all levels of leadership activities and scholarship opportunities have been my focus growing up in the breed. Since running for the AHA Board in 2013 as well as serving as a Vice President for the Texas Hereford Association and past member of the Texas Hereford Auxiliary I been heavily involved in the decision making process that continues to govern our Associations and staffs. Any and all opportunities to promote and support the Hereford breed have been my top priority throughout my career and in my travels both domestically and abroad. I very much enjoy working with our youth and helping create as many opportunities as possible to keep them involved and interested in our breed’s future. Barber Ranch is honored to have had the opportunity to help our youth organization reach their “Growing a Lasting Legacy” through donating this year’s HYFA Foundation Female that recently sold in Denver. We are also donating her full sister to be sold this Sunday in the Cowtown Invitational Sale held during our annual Texas Hereford events in Fort Worth. This will be the first animal donated for proceeds to benefit the newly created Texas Youth Foundation to help award leadership opportunities and scholarships for our youth in Texas.

Why did you want to lead the AHA?

I wanted to lead the AHA because I felt it was an incredible opportunity as a breeder and lifetime member to have the support of my state and southwest region to nominate me for the Board and also to have the time and experience needed to take on this leadership role. I wanted to be involved on an integral level that would allow me to best serve our membership while learning the intricate details of what is involved in the day to day operation and strategic planning for our futures. This was a dream I have had since I was a young member wanting to be more involved and more knowledgeable about our breed and association.

What do you think makes a good leader?

First and foremost to being a good leader is being a good listener. If you cannot understand or know what direction an organization needs to go you cannot be effective at leading them. Staying on top of current industry and global news along with anticipating our next steps and strategic goals is critical to being able to make informed, guided decisions. Having the trust and confidence of your members and colleagues is vital to operating as an effective team. Honesty, integrity and optimal ethical behavior are fundamental to leadership. With over ten committees on our AHA board, delegating is very important along with good communication. An effective team starts at the top and surrounding yourself with capable, creative people is something Jack Ward, AHA CEO, has certainly done. We are very blessed to have what I would deem as the industry’s very best creative minds working on our behalf.

What does your role as president of the AHA entail?

As president my role is to act as Chairman of the Board and preside at all meetings of the membership, the Board of Directors and the executive committee. As such I serve as the ex-officio member of every other standing or temporary committee and select our various committee appointments. Working with AHA staff, we set our spring and summer meetings as well as help plan our annual membership meeting. We are currently updating our strategic plan so working with various individuals on this important task allows me to interact with various industry segments and influencers in and out of our breed. 

As one of the only women to serve on the AHA board and the first female president, do you approach issues or problems differently?

I don’t know that I approach issues or problems differently since I really have nothing to compare that to being the first female president; however, I do think a female’s perspective can be a great attribute to a board room and one that I hope is both appreciated and respected. My goal is to effectively and cooperatively find solutions to any issues or problems that arise with empathy and compassion. 

What changes and/or advances do you hope to see the AHA make during the next year of your term?

We are being very progressive in our genetic testing and genomic enhancements. I am confident we will continue focusing on programs that will help our members produce genetics that will benefit from economically relevant traits highly sought in all industry segments. Our priority in identifying genetics that can build profitability will remain center plate as well as providing our staff and allied leaders the resources to maintain efficiency of member services. Marketing value based programs will also be a key component to ensuring Herefords are committed to industry demands whereby growing our CHB brand. It will be a great asset to have more feeders and packers aligned with our CHB goals and we have a phenomenal staff in place to achieve this. Equally important is continuing our support of NJHA, HYFA and NHW affiliates and their unparalleled growth in ensuring the next generation stays committed and successful.

Where do you see the Hereford breed going in future years?

With a staff second to none and progressive breeders raising the bar, I see the Hereford breed poised to continue our progress and growth in all areas including membership, registrations and transfers as well as market share in the beef industry through more aggressive Certified Hereford Beef marketing opportunities for our customers. In order to maintain our breed integrity, producers need to be mindful of their mating decisions and utilize all tools at hand including structural and breeding soundness evaluations. We can manage what we measure so the more valuable our tools are the more valuable our breed will be. It is with great gratitude and respect that I thank those who have served on this AHA Board and staff for allowing me, my family and all of us in this rewarding business today to enjoy our livelihoods. I look forward to contributing to future growth, profitability and success for all entities involved!

Travis & Jill Otterstad
OK

Travis and Jill Otterstad have been a huge part of the livestock industry their entire life.  A good part of that has been spent behind the scenes.

They have raised champions, including the 2012 champion steer at Ft. Worth. Travis has clipped and fit more champions than most have ever seen. Too many to mention individually.  He has mentored others in this industry who have gone on to be successful as well.  His eye for good cattle is second to none.

Jill is known for her quality graphic design.  Those that have worked with her have many good things to say. Not only does she design catalogs, but is a leading force in the barn heat checking, up all night calving, daily care, not to mention her knowledge of cattle is instrumental at the shows getting the cattle at 12 oclock. • 

Steve Gabel
CO

You can tell a lot about a person  by what they have accomplished, how they are respected, and how they give back.  Steve Gabel of Eaton, Colorado has dedicated his entire life to not only the livestock industry, but the people that make it up.  From opening a well reputed feedyard and serving on multiple agriculture based boards and associations; to coaching a highly successful judging team and raising a family deeply rooted in agriculture, Steve is the epitome of a person who has jumped at the vast opportunities the livestock industry presents and making the most of them.  Leading others to follow in his footsteps along the way.       

Steve is a man of many talents.  From the time he was young, he has always strived for excellence.  A “perfectionist” some say.  Whether it was being a jockey at the county fair horse races (“Busch Track”) or playing football and wrestling in High School, he never settled for anything less than his best.  In fact, after graduating High School, he was the youngest referee to ever ref the State Wrestling Tournament.     

Alan Miller
IL

Agriculture has always been a mainstay in Alan Miller's life.  Starting with a base of Angus cattle his grandfather, Adam Schlipf, started in the 1940s (that his father revitalized after his family's focus geared more towards crops in the 1960s),  Adam has  dedicated his life to the Angus breed and livestock industry as a whole.  His passion for Angus started as a junior exhibitor where he established a love for competition and the Junior programs.  During his Junior show career, he served on the National Junior Angus Association board of directors.

Prairie View Farms was Alan's opportunity to drive on into the industry that he loved.  After his last Junior shows in 1994, at the age of 21, Alan invested in Davis Proven Queen 3026 - the foundation donor for Prairie View Farms. 

After graduating from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (U of I), the sky was the limit for PVF.  Throughout the years, Alan's operation has produced high quality Angus cattle that have found great success in the show ring.  

Today, Alan along with his wife Theresa and children Amelia, Adam and Will continue on with the legacy that is Prairie View Farms. 

Like many others in the industry, Alan has made an impact through the combination of hard work and ambition.  According to Alan, "The neat thing about the cattle business in my experience is that it provides opportunities where the only limiting factor is yourself."

Alan has judged numerous state and national livestock shows, and has been active in the Illinois Angus Association as sale chairman.  On a daily basis, he continues to give back to the industry that we all call home. •

Cindy Cagwin-Johnston
IL

…Passion with Purpose exemplified in life…

by: Larry Wilson

IF one has spent any time with Cindy Cagwin-Johnston, it becomes apparent that she focuses on her passion through the lens of a camera. If one has spent any time with Cindy Cagwin-Johnston you know her “YOUR front foot back…just a tic”; “circle”; May as well take another circle”, and you also know her “Happy Dance” when she gets that perfect pose and is delighted with her quick review. Cindy works her cameras like she works her audience…with Passion and Purpose!

To many she is “the Picture Lady”, to others she is Cindy; and to the Illinois State Fair, she is our “official” Junior Beef Show Photographer! Cindy is sought out by many to capture preview shows, Winter Expos; along with NAILE; the National Western! Junior Nationals; picture pens; Graduation; Prom; Senior photos; not to leave out the candid’s that she catches with her eagle eye that cause some to laugh; some to cry; and even some to pledge “to get even”. Ha.

Cindy’s passion starts LONG before the show in making sure she has the RIGHT Backdrop that “Pops” in the photo without interfering with the subjects. The right backdrop that highlights the cattle and people in the photo.  The right backdrop that is neither too big, too small, or too overpowering.  Batteries are charged; photo storage is formatted and counted; Lens are cleaned and packed. In most cases Brook Cagwin is co-pilot and recorder; the “ear getter” is on board; her vehicle fueled.

It’s not possible to estimate the number of miles Cindy puts on each year as she travels across the nation making memories for families and friends. Working calmly and diligently with the “first timers” at the backdrop; to directing those experienced showmen and women, Cindy knows intuitively what will make the best photo, capturing that moment in time and forever.  WORD TO THE WISE… if Cindy ever invites you into a backdrop photo…there IS a reason….and you may as well jump in! You may never know the exact reason, however Cindy does!

Once the photos are captured, Cindy’s work is just starting as she spends countless hours organizing, sending proofs and delivering the highest quality photos and memories to exhibitors and event sponsors along with posting to facebook for all to enjoy, tag and share…all with a smile on her face and a lump of joy in her throat as people “oh and awe” over the finished product!! Cindy pours her all not only into her photography, but also into her friendships that she has created over the years at the backdrop; around the ring; and across the nation. It is her passion for livestock and people that actually create the persona that we know as Cindy. 

Don’t think this is possible? Try showing up to an event that Cindy has shot in the past but for whatever reason could not make it That day…some people just flat refuse to go to the backdrop, ”No, if Cindy is not here, we are not taking a picture.” That plain. That Simple. It’s just not official without “Cindy” on the photo!” 

Jarrod Arthur
OK

Jerrod Artur is the owner of Lucky Strike Show Cattle in Stillwater, OK. In addition to selling high quality show cattle that have been successful across the country, he also gives back by hosting the Lucky Strike Cattle Camp! 

Maddy Udell
IA

The Handshake is the moment we all live for. I think we can all agree that when that judge comes to shake your hand and tells you that you won the show it truly is one of the best feelings in the world. Well I certainly think so anyway, which is why showing cattle has become such an enormous pert of my life. From the first time I lead a feeder calf in the ring at the Plymouth County Fair when I was four years old, I was hooked. Ever since my life has truly revolved around it, from early mornings at the show to late nights in the barn if it involves show cattle, count me in. My hobbies outside of show cattle include photography, helping with our sale, and spending time with family and friends. 

I fell in love with show cattle at an early age. I started showing feeder calves when I was about four years old and have since competed at local, state, and national levels. Even though I have had a lot of success in the show ring it will never compare to the friends and memories I have made in the livestock industry. The things I have learned from the livestock industry will definitely last a lifetime. When I started showing I would never have imagined I would accomplish some of the things I have.

Showing has also changed me as a person. When I first started showing I was a very shy little girl who wouldn’t talk to most people. The livestock industry has taught me how to go up to almost anyone and have a conversation with them. The livestock industry has also taught me other things like hard work, dedication, and the pride in a job well done, because when that judge shakes your hand you know that it was all worth it and you can’t wait to start over for the next show or the next year of shows. 

Showing cattle is an enormous magnificent part of my life and it always will be. The friends I have made will last a lifetime and I don’t know what I would do with out them. From being in the ring to standing on the sidelines taking pictures there truly is nothing better than life at a stock show. •

Kendall Bremer
IA

Bremer Show Cattle got its official start in 2003, after Kendall Graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor’s  Degree in Agricultural Business.  Even though Bremer Show Cattle took off in 2003,  Kendall’s  start in the show cattle world began at birth.   His family has been raising elite Maine-Anjou seed-stock since the 70’s.  He got his first taste of “Major” success in 1992, showing K & A Chelsea,  a black Maine-Anjou female with white legs,  to the Grand Champion spot at the North American.  Ever since  his  first  big  taste of success,  he has been hooked on Freedom Hall and the feeling of Victory when showing cattle at the most elite and competitive show in the Country.   Since that start, Bremer Show Cattle has had a hand in over 100 Grand or  Reserve Grands at the 3 Major Shows: i.e.. the  American Royal in Kansas City, the NAILE in Louisville, and the National Western in Denver. 

Right out of college, he started working for K and A,  in addition to  buying and reselling a few other females.  This was to make a little extra money and the business took off from there.  At that time, they were selling around 30 females a year with the majority being Maine-Anjou and Maintainer cattle.    Several years ago Kendall realized  that  if they were going to stay successful,  two major things were going to need to happen :  1)  They would scour the country side for elite females that could be brought home to  satisfy  the clienteles’ demand for success and  2)  diversification  would be  key to growing the program. Everybody  likes  to win,  but not everybody can.  This is true especially if all the cattle sold are showing in the same division.  The Bremer program has now been selling over 100 head a year with over 10 breeds being represented.

 The cow herd has  become diversified as well.  They run 120 cows, with  more than half being recipient cows that are utilized in an extensive  embryo program.    He believes that  sexed and  sexing of  semen is the future of raising elite show cattle.  Currently about half of the matings are for  show steers  and the other half are for seed stock.  The impact  from the  majority of  cattle being  produced for a  the targeted sex will have a huge economic impact on the whole industry.

“My favorite part about this whole business is watching the youth of the country grow up and get ready for the real world showing cattle” Kendall says, “No other activity will teach a youngster life lessons like showing a calf. "   Selling 100 head of show heifers a year is going to slow down in the future as Kendall transitions into the family life.  By the time this article is printed, a wedding will have taken place, and Kendall will have married Jessica Street.  Bremer Show Cattle will gain some long term members, and Kendall can’t wait to watch the children grow up showing livestock. 

Kendall would like to add another 80 cows to the program in  the future and looks to start a bred heifer sale with RJ Cattle Company from South Dakota.  Look for the sale to be in Dunlap, Iowa around the first of December.   He will have at least 2 online sales this fall and one next spring with a few of the show heifers being offered on afirst come basis.

eWhen asked what his favorite win is he couldn’t come up with one.  “There are several big wins and they all hold a special place in my heart. The biggest win is no question Supreme Female in the Junior Show at the North American last fall.  Now we just need to do it with one we raise.”

Kendall attributes his success to the guidance and work ethic of his father.  “Dad is a major part of this and he makes everything go.  It doesn’t matter if we are talking about breeding decisions or jumping in the pickup to go look at one that’s going to cost too  much,  we do it all together.  The business I grew up in was a family business and this will continue be just that.”

He would like to thank all of his many customers that put their faith in him for calf selection and guidance over the years.  “I’m pretty lucky to have had the customer base we do.    No question, I get to work with the best kids and families in the business. Thanks will never be enough for all they do for me.  When you sign up at Bremer Show Cattle you buy more than a calf, you join a family!”

Stewart Family
KS

In today's society, many people downplay the notion of working with their family.  Contrary to the belief that it is better to cut family ties in business, the agriculture industry has insight to the fact that the harmony of a family working together can produce a successful and strong business unmatched by anything else.  Mid Continent Farms is a fifth generation farm family located in Washington, Kansas.  The MCF partnership raises and sells show steers and breeding stock across the United States.  The entire operation is a family effort composed of Gregg and Debbie Stewart along with their three boys, Garrett, Brigham, and Tucker; Conrad and Deanna Stewart; and brother, Kent Stewart, with his children Derek and Devon.  Each member contributes in their own way to help make MCF the operation it is today.

Mid Continent Farms is more than a cattle ranch.  With roots dating back to the 1950's when Gregg and Kent were traveling as members of the Colby Community College and Kansas State University livestock judging teams, they networked with cattle producers across the country during judging practice to get their cattle business started.  From A.I. work to purchasing cattle, the Stewarts operation was well under way when Gregg and Kent were only seventeen and nineteen years old.  Being centrally located, the name "Mid Continent Chianina" was coined by their Colby Community College teammate Dennis Aherin, but was later changed to Mid Continent Farms as the Stewarts expanded their business to include multiple breeds.  MCF received business from coast to coast and from Canada to Central America. Now, over half a century later, Mid Continent Farms still offers the quality and service that it was first founded on.  For the Stewart family, it is more than just selling cattle; it is supporting their show families with everything from show day preparation to feed management.  It is working together as a team to be the best possible.

If you are ever in Eastern Kansas or run into one of the Stewarts at a livestock event, it is obvious that there is a passion and dedication to what they do - whether it is in the show ring, promoting a bull in the yards at Denver, working at the ranch, or supporting a customer.  Michael J. Fox once said, "Family is not an important thing.  It's everything."  Mid Continent Farms and the Stewart Family have based their lives on this statement, combined it with the breeding and promotion of cattle, and, as a result, impacted the livestock industry as a whole with their genetics and expertise.   

"We register Maine-Anjou, Shorthorn, Charolais, Simmental, Angus, and Chianina, plus a handful of Herefords.  MCF owns 1,500 head of cattle representing various composites of the breeds and farms 1,500 acres of tillable ground. Our focus is on cattle but farming is in our blood. 

We have always taken a practical approach to raising show steers We are a little more mainstream than the show industry! We utilize Embryo Transfer to raise most of our show steers but with the flip of a switch and use of a different sire those same donors will produce our outstanding females and show heifers. we focus on the main cow herd to continue bettering our genetic base and producing good cattle and have always been a go to place to find the kind of females that are easily mated to the bulls of today. If you come to our sale there may be a few sires that you haven't heard of but within a couple years those are the females that raise our cattle. 

We have recently moved our entire Angus herd (250 + cows) from Western Nebraska to Washington; and that was quite an undertaking.  This move will allow us to focus a little more on that side of our business and be able to make better breeding decisions because we are more involved with them. They are still owned with Ron Jones of Benkelman, Nebraska and we will continue to have our bull sale there. He will grow the cattle and get the heifers up to breeding age from this time on and we will calve and handle the breeding and marketing. We have a lineup of bulls from the past and now that make our Angus herd cutting edge and a perfect outcross to most of the Angus cattle out there including: OCC Doctor, Hot Rod, JSAR Rodman, Journey, JSAR Titan, and Opportunity.  You will no doubt see more from these great sires in the future of our operation.

We have been in the hunt or won nearly every major show in America in the last 20 odd years and have a lineup of cattle that will be for sale this fall that proves we are still in the game and strive to produce high quality cattle. We can't wait to preview them to you this fall."

Debbie Stewart is the grease that keeps MCF running.  She handles all of the bookwork and toughest jobs including registrations, accounting, paperwork and keeping the boys in line.  People that know her will confirm that the ranch would not be here today without her.  When she is not working, she loves watch the Voice, hanging out with her family, and is an excellent cook.

Gregg Stewart is the backbone of the operation.  He is the major decision maker, handles all the business transactions, and is an integral part of getting stuff done and making the business grow and continue to get better.  

Horn Family
TX

The Brandon Horn family has a long connection with raising cattle and showing livestock.  Even though Jagger Horn began showing steers in 2010, the tradition goes much farther back than that.  Two of Jagger’s great-grandfathers and both of Jagger’s grandfathers were heavily involved in the raising of cattle and livestock showing.  Now, Jagger, his father and the rest of the family are carrying on the family tradition.

In February of 2015, Jagger and “The General” received the Grand Champion award at San Angelo Livestock Show and Rodeo.  Then, within the next week, Jagger and “White Hammer” won San Antonio Livestock Show.  The excitement continued in January of 2016 when Jagger and his calf “Moses” were selected as the Reserve Grand Champion at the National Western in Denver, Colorado. Most recently, Jagger and “Big Boy” won the Grand Champion honors at the Fort Worth Stock Show.  

Winning is always exciting, but some wins hold a special meaning.  This was the case at the National Western in January.  It had been exactly 30 years since Brandon Horn and his calf “Spot” had won Grand Champion at the National Western.  This year’s win for Jagger brought back some precious and painful memories for the Horn family.  The Denver show win in 1986 for Brandon came less than a year after his father and mentor, Larry, unexpectedly passed away at the Oklahoma Youth Expo.  So the National Western has always had a special place in the Horn family history.  Jagger getting to follow in his father’s footsteps was very special for both he and his father.  

Brandon, Brek, Jagger (14) and Aven (10) continue the family tradition by owning and operating Horn Livestock.  Both Brandon’s, father, Larry Horn and Brek’s father, Bill Binder were agriculture science teachers.  Brek and Brandon raised and showed cattle while growing up.  They even competed against each other before they knew each other.  After they were grown, they met each other at a stock show.  Jagger has a banner in his room that he inherited from his great- grandfather, Lawrence Binder, from the 1940 Fort Worth Fat Stock Show.  Times may have changed but the family has not.  They are still very heavily rooted in agriculture. 

Horn Livestock, just south of Anson, Texas is truly a family business.  Brandon keeps busy with around 250 cows.  Brek does the bookkeeping and financial end of the business when not working at the barn.  The kids work with their cattle daily and are involved in sports and church activities.

Both children have college in their future.  Jagger already owns some cows and wants to continue the family business.  Aven is not as sure with her goals for the future yet.  However, both college degrees will more than likely be agriculture related.  

Even though the work is long and hard, Jagger and Aven both enjoy showing cattle and are looking forward to continuing the family tradition.   

PHOTO CAPTIONS

Here are a few pictures that I have from Brandon's win in Denver 1986.  In the last attachment, the guys are Bob May, the late, great Wes Stover (Brandon's ag teacher), Mark Copus, and Colby Horn.  

I thought the second picture, the one where he is walking his steer, might look cool beside the one yall have of Jagger walking his steer.

Also - Heidi Anderson took a ton of pictures of us this year at Denver.  I tried to find them online to purchase and wasn't able to...maybe you can help me on where to go to purchase those.  

I'm still working on the article...it's not very long, but I figure that is better...I included the Ft. Worth win for us...hope that is ok!

Jansen Family
KS

Amy Cowan -

I have so enjoyed working with the Jensen family and watching Brady, Brooke and Ben grow up through the National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA). I remember when each of them entered the show ring for the first time at the Junior National Hereford Expo and now I have had the opportunity to work with them on the leadership level.  As well with Brady leading the NJHA as chairman in 2014, Brooke being elected to the NJHA board last summer and with Ben attending his first Faces of Leadership Conference in Colorado last summer. It is really neat to see the junior members and board members you work so closely with grow into leaders and continue to be leaders after their year’s of service to the NJHA are over. Brady Jensen has done just that as he retired from the board in July and already had his leadership role at K-State in place as he helped coach the successful livestock judging team this fall. I have no doubt this will not be the last leadership success story we will hear from the Brady as he works to complete his master’s degree in genetics. 

One thing that sticks out in my mind when talking about the Jensen family is just that, they are a close knit family.  Their family has accomplished so much by working together as team. The Jensen family takes a great deal of PRIDE in everything they do.  It was so neat last summer to watch Brady step down from the podium after his retiring remarks on the NJHA board and walk out into the audience to hand off his maroon jacket to his little sister and congratulate her on being elected to the board. Already, in Brooke’s short tenure on the NJHA board the Pride she has in the Hereford breed and our junior program is very evident and she takes her job as an NJHA Board member very seriously. Although Brady’s group left big shoes to fill, I am confident Brooke and the newly elected group will do great things throughout their 3-year term. 

Each year, the Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA) highlights the Denver sale with the Lot 1 female and the proceeds from this sale support the future of the Hereford breed and our young leaders. I can’t think of a more fitting scenario than to sell a female from the heart of the Jensen family program. From a family that has given so much to the NJHA and the American Hereford Association over the years, it makes this year’s lot extra special and is such a great example of what the foundation stands for. Building leaders is what the NJHA and foundation is all about and Brady, Brooke and Ben Jensen are taking a lifetime involvement in the NJHA and the Hereford breed to define leadership become the best young leaders they can be.

Jack Ward - 

Loyal, enthusiastic, dedicated, competitive, hard working and deep rooted in the livestock industry are all words that describe the Jensen family.  Kevin, Sheila, Brady, Brooke and Ben have a family pedigree that is built by generations of great minds and visionaries for the beef cattle industry, and Kevin and Sheila have been able to keep their family active in all parts of the industry.  It starts at the ranch where this family’s operation is home to one of the strongest set of Hereford cows that are capable of producing a national champion, but more importantly, are focused on economically relevant traits that will make their commercial customers profitable.

From a genetics standpoint, the Jensen family keeps an eye on details and uses all tools available to make breeding decisions including EPD, genomics and type to produce cattle that work for their customers.  They are clear thinkers and keep a balanced approach to their selections.

Kevin and Sheila have both served as judges across the US and internationally and it is exciting to see Brady following in the footsteps as one of the exciting young judges.  This family is dedicated to junior programs and they have certainly been loyal to the Hereford breed.  Brady has served as a past chairman of the National Junior Hereford board of directors and Brooke is currently serving as on the board.  Kevin and Sheila have been huge supporters of the program as they have seen the benefits it has given their children and this year, they along with Dylan and Chelsea Evans will donate the Hereford Youth of America Foundation heifer that will be sold in the Mile High Sale, Denver, to help support Hereford youth and events for years to come.

Kevin and his family are friends and I consider them great assets to the industry.  They collectively have been great spokesmen, mentors and leaders to all parts of agriculture and youth programs.