Juniors exercise their skills at National Junior Shorthorn Show and Conference
Omaha, NE. — Junior Shorthorn enthusiasts gathering from 22 states competed in the 2015 National Junior Shorthorn Show and Conference in Grand Island, Nebraska, June 20 through June 25. Not only did the juniors compete with their animals, but had the opportunity to compete in thirteen individual, team, or state contests including: Arts & Crafts, Beef Cook-Off, Herdsman Quiz Bowl, Livestock Judging, Photography, Promotional Poster, Refurbished Arts & Crafts, Showmanship, Speech, Team Fitting, Team Salesmanship and Overall High Point Individual.
“Besides the exhibition of a great set of Shorthorn cattle by the juniors, this event provides excellent educational and leadership opportunities for members, family and friends,” said Montie Soules, Executive Secretary of the American Shorthorn Association.
Showing off their artistic talents were competitors in the Arts & Crafts Contest. Youth competed in four age divisions. The objective of the contest is to use ‘artistic’ skills, including painting, video, sculpture, music, etc. to promote the Shorthorn breed of cattle. The entries are judged based on craftsmanship, attention to detail, originality and creativity, the promotion of Shorthorns, the difficulty of the medium used, as well as the overall artistic appeal.
Receiving top honors in the Prospector I age division (age 9 and under) was:
1: Hayden Fox, Ind.
2: Haylee Lanham, Kan.
3: Rylee Galemore, Okla.
4: Lauren Brehm, Neb.
5: Reegan Bennett, Mich.
In the Prospector II age division, (10-12 years old) was:
1: Aiden Raab, Ind.
2: Shaylee Sherman, Grand Ledge, Mich.
3: Jaxon Schrag, S.D.
4: Kameron Collier, Mo.
5: Sheridan Fox, Ind.
Intermediate age division, (13 – 16 years) was:
1: Desirae Logsdon, Ohio.
2: Molly Cooksey, Colo.
3: Julia Schmid, Ill.
4: Allyssa Obrecht, Iowa.
5: Emma Bird, Ill.
Senior age division, (17 -21 years) was:
1: Marshall Allison, Pa.
2: Alison Nichols, Ind.
3: David Smith, Colo.
4: Kendra Davis, Minn.
5: Abigail Stier, Ill.
Mouths were watering as groups competed in the Beef Cook-Off Contest. 5 teams of four individuals competed from 10 states. The objective of the contest is for each state group to cook the best Shorthorn beef entrée. Judging criteria is based on the team’s creativity, teamwork and knowledge of the product/industry in their presentation as well as the taste, originality and presentation of the beef product.
Receiving top honors in the Beef Cook-Off was:
1: Indiana
2:Nebraska
3: Iowa
4: Illinois 2
5: Illinois 1
Beef Cook Off Showmanship Award
Showmanship won by Indiana
Winning Recipe
Recipe by Nebraska
2 Tablespoons Chili Powder
2 Tablespoons Salt
1 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
1 Tablespoon Black Pepper
½ Teaspoon Red Pepper
2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
1 Tablespoon Rosemary
4 Lbs. Beef Brisket
1 ½ Cups Beef Stock
2 Cups Red Potatoes
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Make a dry rub by combining all seasonings together. Season the raw brisket on both sides with the rub. Place it in the roasting pan fat side up, uncovered for one hour.
Add the beef stock and enough water to yield about ½ inch of liquid in the roasting pan. Add red potatoes. Lower the oven temperature to 300 degrees. Cover the pan tightly and bake in the oven for 3-4 hours or until fork-tender.
Allow the brisket to cool completely in roasting pan with juices.
Remove the potatoes for later. Remove the brisket and slice thinly across the grain. Simmer the remaining juice to reduce it and use as the sauce
Knowledge is power and competitors in the Herdsman Quiz Bowl Contest were testing just that. Youth competed in state divisions. The objective of the contest is to test the knowledge youth have in the areas of agriculture, beef cattle, and Shorthorns. The quiz consists of multiple choice, matching, and true/false questions and no reference materials could be used.
Receiving top honors were:
1: Minnesota
2: Pennsylvania/Minnesota
3: Oklahoma
4: Illinois
5: Kansas
One of the most competitive events of the week is the coveted Livestock Judging Contest. With local colleges officiating, providing livestock and helping put on the contest there is no doubt that the juniors receive a quality contest. There are four separate age divisions that compete, using their knowledge and a basic understanding of livestock. The objective of the contest is for a participant to show their ability to evaluate cattle.
Receiving top honors in the Prospector I age division (age 9 years and under) was:
1: Hayden Fox
2: Karlie Kennedy
3: Madeline Berg
4: Addison Obrecht
5: Alexa Lane
Prospector II age division (10 -12 years) was:
1: Aiden Raab
2: Hannah Wetzel
3: McKalynee Helmke
4: Miller Smith
5: Jaxon Schrag
Intermediate age division, (13 – 16 years) was:
1: Desirae Logsdon
2: Tayler Bacon
3: Cole Whisman
4: Mikayla Wetzel
5: Wyatt Hancock
Senior age division, (17 -21 years) was:
1: William Milashoski
2: Cole Thomas
3: Melinda Perkins
4: Sarah Moore
5: Mitchell Smith
The Photography Contest is all about the best ‘Shorthorn picture’. Candid shots, scenic pasture views – any picture featuring a Shorthorn were critiqued and scored.. The entries are judged based on quality of the image, positioning, originality, creativity, emphasis on Shorthorns, as well as the overall appeal. In addition there was a digital photography contest for the intermediate and senior divisions.
Receiving top honors in the Prospector I age division (age 9 and under) was:
1: Keegan Bennet, Mich.
2: Addison Obrecht, Iowa.
3: Josie Heter, Kan.
4: Rylee Galemore, Okla.
5: Shane Carlisle, Okla.
In the Prospector II age division, (10-12 years old) was:
1: Hannah Wetzel, Minn.
2: Allie Loftis, Ohio.
3: Craig Bratcher, Ind.
4: Tyler Loudon, Iowa.
5: Radley Eisenhauer, Neb.
Intermediate age division, (13 – 16 years) was:
1: Megan Ziegenhagen, Texas.
2: Riley Eisenhauer, Neb.
3: Rosemary Thompson, Iowa.
4: Sheridan Hank, Ill.
5: Will Sonderman, Neb.
Senior age division, (17 -21 years) was:
1: Sarah Cooksey, Colo.
2: Abigail Stier, Ill.
3: John Reasor, Ga.
4: Marshall Allison, Pa.
5: Branden Draper, Kan.
Digital Photography Contest
Intermediate age division, (13 – 16 years) was:
1: Molly Coolsey, Colo.
2: Aaron Kerlee, Calif.
3: Landon Allison, Pa.
4: Murray Perkins, Tenn.
5: Riley Eisenhauer, Neb.
Digital Photography Contest
Senior age division, (17 -21 years) was:
1: Sarah Cooksey, Colo.
2: Kendra Davis, Minn.
3: Marshall Allison, Pa.
4: Danielle Thompson, Texas.
5: Megan Dragstrem, Ind.
Competitors in the Promotional Poster/Graphic Design Contest are challenged to gain the general public’s interest in the Shorthorn breed. The objective of the contest is to promote and/or inform about Shorthorn breed. Entries are judged based on eye appeal, neatness of construction, clear message, clever verbiage, and use of space along the overall appeal of the poster.
Receiving top honors in the Poster Prospector I age division (age 9 and under) was:
1: Keegan Bennett, Mich.
2: Rylee Galemore, Okla.
3: Haylee Lanham, Kan.
In the Poster Prospector II age division, (10-12 years old) was:
1: Case Barton, Ohio.
2: Tyler Louden, Iowa.
3: McKalynne Helmke, Ohio.
4: Shaylee Sherman, Mich.
5: Kyle Bird, Ill.
Graphic Design Intermediate age division, (13 – 16 years) was:.
1: Taylor Bacon, Kan.
2: Wyatt Hancock, Okla.
3: Landon Allison, Pa
4: Cameron Carill, Ala.
5: Allison Dragstrem, Ind.
Graphic Design Senior age division, (17 -21 years) was:
1: Marshall Allison, Pa.
2: Melinda Perkins, Tenn.
3: Megan Dragstem, Ind.
4: John Reasor, Ga.
5: Kendra Davis, Minn.
Showing off their artistic talents were competitors in the Arts & Crafts Contest. Youth competed in four age divisions. The objective of the contest is to use ‘artistic’ skills, including painting, video, sculpture, music, etc. to promote the Shorthorn breed of cattle. The entries are judged based on craftsmanship, attention to detail, originality and creativity, the promotion of Shorthorns, the difficulty of the medium used, as well as the overall artistic appeal.
Receiving top honors in the Refurbished Arts and Etc. was:
1: Sarah Moore
2: Tayler Bacon
3: Leah Horton
4: Ryleigh Obrecht
5: Emily Dahse
The objective of the Showmanship Contest is about the junior’s ability to show off their skills by exhibiting their calf. Showmanship is one of the most prestigious competitions at the National Junior Shorthorn Show and Youth Conference.
Receiving top honors in the Prospector I age division (age 9 and under) was:
1: Karlie Kennedy, Ohio.
2: Alexandria Rabb, Ind.
3: Hayden Fox, Ind.
4: Dalton Shanks, Iowa.
5: Dayson Cash, Okla.
In the Prospector II age division, (10-12 years old) was:
1: Sara Sullivan, Iowa.
2: Fulton Kennedy, Ohio.
3: Sheridan Fox, Ind.
4: Miller Smith, Ind.
5: Madison McCormick, Iowa.
Intermediate age division, (13 – 16 years) was:
1: Taylor Nikkel, Kan.
2: Samantha Schrag, S.D.
3: Harley Sargent, Texas.
4: Kane Aegeter, Neb.
5: Payton Vogel, Iowa.
Senior age division, (17 -21 years) was:
1: Landon Bolin, Iowa.
2: Jacob Nikkel, Kan.
3: Clayton Boyert, Ohio.
4: Landon Richards, Ohio.
5: John Reasor, Ga.
Exercising their public speaking skills were contestants in the Speech Contest. The objective of the contest is to give a prepared or extemporaneous speech based on the topic of Shorthorns or the cattle industry. The speeches are judged based on organization, presentation, language usage, poise and eye contact, time and the quality of answer provided when the judges have the opportunity to ask questions.
Receiving top honors in the Prospector I age division (age 9 and under) was:
1: Rylee Galemore, Okla.
2: Rylan Jester, Ind.
3: Keegan Bennett, Mich.
4: Dayson Cash, Okla.
5: Hayden Fox, Ind.
In the Prospector II age division, (10-12 years old) was:
1: Berren Strope, Neb.
2: McKalynne Helmke, Ohio.
3: Zaiden Annen, Colo.
4: Miller Smith, Ind.
5: Wyatt Obrecht, Iowa.
Intermediate age division, (13 – 16 years) was:
1: Wyatt Hancock, Okla.
2: Kane Aegerter, Neb.
3: Allyssa Obrecht, Iowa.
4: Murray Perkins, Tenn.
5: Taylor Bacon, Kan.
Senior age division, (17 -21 years) was:
1: Kendra Davis, Minn.
2: Melinda Perkins, Tenn.
3: Jacob Nikkel, Kan.
4: Annie Blassinger, Okla.
5: Clayton Boyert, Ohio.
Senior Extemporaneous Speech age division, (17 -21 years) was:
1: Tyler Pearsonm Minn.
2: John Reasor, Ga.
3. Mitchell Smith, Ind.
4: Sarah Moore, Ill.
5: Zach Fanning, Ill.
One of the most competitive events of the week is the Team Fitting Contest. The objective of the contest is for each group to showcase their ability to fit and present an animal using teamwork, technique, and skills in a 20 minute time limit. Judging criteria is based on both fitting techniques, teamwork and end presentation.
Receiving top honors in the Prospector age division (age 12 and under) was:
1: Wyatt Obrecht, Iowa., Joshua Darbyshire, Iowa., Allie Loftus, Ohio.
2: Miller Smith, Ind., Aiden Raab, Ind., Allie Raab, Ind.
3: Sara Sullivan, Iowa., Madison McCormick, Iowa., Jaxon Schrag, S.D.
4: Kameron Collier, Mo., Katie Bushwell, Mo., Kylie Dameron, Mo.
5: Lane Blankenship, Okla., Brant Krebs., Ryan Lane, Okla.
Intermediate age division, (13 – 16 years) was:
1: Payton Vogel, Iowa., Cole Whisman, Ill., Keaton Otto, Iowa.
2: Allison Dragstrem, Ind., Hayden Barenda, Ind., Jake Brandt, Iowa.
3: Samantha Schrag, S.D., Kane Aegeter, Neb., Harley Sargent, Texas.
4: Riley Johnson, Minn., Lexi Wetzel, Minn., Mikayla Wetzel, Minn.
5: Tejlor Strope, Neb., Desirae Logsclon, Ohio., Landon Helmke, Ohio.
Senior age division, (17 -21 years) was:
1: Travis Hofer, S.D., Christen Morris, Minn., Patrick O’Sullivan, Minn.
2: Clayton Boyert, Ohio., John Reasor, Ga., Ben Harner, Ohio.
3: Jacob Nikkel, Kan., Taylor Nikkel, Kan., Ben Nikkel, Kan.
4: Dustin Smith, Iowa., Mitchell Smith, Ind., James Johnson, Ill.
5: Jacob Darbyshire, Iowa., Colin Lyndorff, Minn., Cal Dewitt, Wis.
Convincing prospective buyers (the judges) to purchase their animal is a glimpse of what the Team Salesmanship Contest looks like. Teams consisting of two individuals competed from 22 states, in four age divisions. In the senior division, the exhibitors were given a scenario where they had to choose a bull based on pedigrees and buyers needs when selling to a panel of judges. The Intermediate division was given antibiotic to sell to a panel of judges. Prospector I and II divisions had the objective to sell an animal they had brought to the show. Judging was based on speaking participation of both team members, poise/skill in the presentation, teamwork, appearance of the animal and overall impact of the sell.
Receiving top honors in the Prospector I age division (age 9 and under) was:
1: Allie Raab & Hayden Fox
2: Kade Lott & Keagan Bennet
3: Alexa Lane & Riley Lane
In the Prospector II age division, (10-12 years old) was:
1: Dalton Shanks & Braden Gabridson
2: Miller Smith & Aiden Raab
3: Isabel Bird & Kyle Bird
4: Radley Eisenhauer & Abbey Stallbauner
5: Kameron Collier & Kylee Dameron
Intermediate age division, (13 – 16 years) was:
1: Skylee Sherman & Shaylee Sherman
2: Sara Sullivan & Allyssa Obrecht
3: Faye Smith & Taylor Bacon
4: Riley Schleichter & Anaya McCune
5: Emma Bird & Clayton Poppe
Senior age division, (17 -21 years) was:
1: Clayton Boyert & John Reasor
2: Cameron Catrett & James Parnell
3: Jake Nikkel & Taylor Nikkel
4: Murray Perkins & Melinda Perkins
5: Wyatt Hancock & Lane Williams
Throughout the week juniors exhibited their animals and competed in individual contests. Contests included photography, promotional poster, arts, speech, livestock judging and showmanship. In addition to the individual contests there were team contests, such as team sales, team fitting, state herdsmanship, quiz bowl and beef cook-off. Juniors accumulated points for participating and placing in these events. A grand total is compiled from these contests and then five High Point individuals are recognized based on their age divisions.
Receiving top honors in the Prospector I age division (age 9 and under) was:
1: Hayden Fox
2: Keegan Bennet
3: Rylee Galemore
4: Alexandria Raab
5: Karlie Kennedy
In the Prospector II age division, (10-12 years old) was:
1: Aiden Raab
2: Miller Smith
3: Sara Sullivan
4: Shaylee Sherman
5: Mckalynne Helke
Intermediate age division, (13 – 16 years) was:
1: Taylor Bacon
2: Wyatt Hancock
3: Taylor Nikkel
4: Desirae Logsdon
5: Molly Cooksey
Senior age division, (17 -21 years) was:
1: John Reasor
2: Marshall Allison
3: Clayton Boyert
4: Melinda Perkins
5: Jacob Nikkel
For more information and a complete list of activities, sponsors, contests, and winners, visit www.shorthorn.org or contact the ASA at 1-402-393-7200 or gwen@shorthorn.org.