AJCA Board of Directors Update

AJCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tatum Miller, President At Large • Texas • Term expires 2022 432.230.1178 • tmiller1883@gmail.com

Berren Strope, Vice President At Large • Nebraska • Term expires 2023 402.340.7188 • berrenstrope@oneillschools.org

Jillian Bryant, Secretary/Treasurer At Large • Missouri • Term expires 2023 573.489.4732 • jillian.bryant.business@gmail.com

Taylor Pinkerton, Public Relations Northeast Region • Indiana • Term expires 2022 765.580.9681 • tapinkerton12@gmail.com

Morgan Baker At Large • Texas • Term expires 2024 940.329.1774 • morgandockann@gmail.com

Ray Beneker At Large • Ohio • Term expires 2024 513.907.3985• crbeneker@aol.com

Madeline Sonnenfeld Northwest Region • Nebraska • Term expires 2024 308.832.7215 • madeline.sonnenfeld@gmail.com

Courtney Bockman At Large • Nebraska • Term expires 2022 402.637.6353 • cbockman20@wwindians.org

Trace Helser At Large (SW) • Nebraska • Term expires 2022 308.883.3875 • showsteer380@gmail.com

Hannah Smith Southeast Region • NC • Term expires 2023 828.371.8726 • hannah.smith@students. macon.k12.nc.us

Maddie Smith At Large • Texas • Term expires 2024 903.904.1598 • 24maddies@eustaceisd.net

Shea Whaley At Large • Iowa • Term expires 2023 515.851.9206 • sheawhaley22@gmail.com

Ready Or Not!

by Berren Strope, Vice President & At Large Director

Wow time has flown! Seems like yesterday we were in Kansas City for the American Royal or Denver for the National Western. Now we are just over a month from junior nationals. I hope everyone is as excited as myself and the rest of the Junior Board is to get everyone in Louisville for the Great Kentucky Campout!

We have so many great events planned for junior nationals but for sure everyone’s favorite: Kickball. Also, the Low Percentage Chi show will continue, giving our Juniors another opportunity to exhibit their Chianina cattle.

No matter if your trip to Louisville is 2 hours or 17, the excitement is contagious! I can speak for the rest of the board when I say we are all excited to have everybody there for Junior Nationals! Safe travels to all!

Be an Advocate

by Raymond Beneker, At Large Director

My name is Raymond Beneker IV and I’m from Ross, Ohio. I’m currently serving as one of your At-Large directors. Just a little background about myself – I am a first generation show cattle breeder and instantly gravitated to the Chi breed. After high school I would like to go to college, compete on a judging team and study to be a veterinarian.

Some of my favorite memories with the Chi association have been getting 4th place in showmanship at Junior Nationals and attending YBIC in College Station, Texas. I am grateful for the connections I have made and the opportunities that I’ve been given. In recent months I have made efforts to promote the Chi and Chiangus breeds in my home state. Despite the fact that Ohio is a hotspot for Chi and Maine influenced cattle; there isn’t a Chiangus or Maine-Angus show at the Ohio State Fair. I began to talk with exhibitors, breeders and other industry leaders to create a proposal for the Ohio State Fair Board and the beef department. After consideration, the OSF board will allow these new breeds and more for consideration at the 2023 Ohio State Fair (If there are 20 or more entries).

I would encourage members throughout the association to try and advocate for our great breed throughout their county, state, region, country and world! Please reach out to myself or any of the great association staff with any questions or ideas.

I look forward to seeing familiar faces and making new friends at Junior Nationals in Louisville this summer! Please introduce yourself, I would love to hear your story!