FALL 2011
Breaking New Ground—The First Summit! By Koty Allen
With everything from regionals to nationals and state fairs to jackpot shows, this past summer has been full of excitement for AJSA members. It certainly was a fun summer for me, but I would have to say that the most fun I had was at the first American Junior Simmental leadership conference, The Summit. The three-day conference, held a week after the National Classic in Kansas City, was a great time to gather with fellow AJSA members without cattle for a change. We heard excellent speakers, enjoyed ice-breaker games, toured the American Hereford Association headquarters, and traveled to Sanders Ranch plus Shoal Creek Land and Cattle for memorable ranch tours. Throughout the conference we had the opportunity to interact with numerous guest speakers. Nationally renowned keynote speaker, Andrew McCrea, demonstrated different ways to develop our leadership skills and make our mark in whatever path we may choose. Industry-leading livestock marketing representatives spoke as a panel on the opportunities for future agricultural endeavors in the cattle industry. Marty Ropp and Dr. Bob Weaber captivated us as they discussed a range of current cattle industry topics and trends. Lots of laughs were to be had as Holli Hatmaker’s “Captain’s Ship Game” had all of us rolling on the ground and barking like walruses. Although we were attending a leadership conference, we did not forget what brought us all together-- Simmental cattle. While visiting the green pastures of Shoal Creek Land and Cattle, we caught a glimpse of their elite donor cows and a few of their new and upcoming Red Angus genetics. At the Sanders Ranch we had the chance to view their sale cattle and their 90% junior bred donor herd. We certainly didn’t forget to have fun during the conference. There was a pool party one evening, we went to a Kansas City Royals game and witnessed one of their winning games the next, and we rounded out the conference by dancing the night away in the Sander’s sale barn. The first Summit was an incredible three days, full of making lifelong friends, hearing about interesting opportunities in the industry and looking at exquisite genetics. We hope to see more of the AJSA members at our next Summit Conference in 2013.
A Great Flush Opportunity for a Great Cause page three
NATIONALS
RECAP page seven
Meet the members of the AJSA board of Trustees page five
DEADLINES
Dates you need to remember. page two