SHORTHORN SCOOP JUNIOR
Spring 2025 :: Issue 2 :: Volume 1
WOW! It is hard to believe we are just a few months away from the 2025 NJSS. The countdown is on for us arriving in Grand Island for the best week of the summer. Entries are rolling in with our upcoming entry deadline of May 1 (final entry deadline is May 15). Online contests are due on May 15 as well.
For our second issue of the “Shorthorn Scoop” we hope you enjoy connecting with the junior board
while receiving updates on all things AJSA and National Junior Shorthorn Show. Don’t hesitate to reach out to myself or any junior board members if you have questions. We are so happy to have you as part of the Family Friendly breed!
Be sure to read all about the changes to NJSS this year as well as other details from our great junior board. They serve as amazing leaders of this association.
We will see you soon! The fall issue will include information for the 2026 NJSS as well as any other changes!
- Shelby, Director of Youth Activities
PRESIDENT PREAMBLE
Haylee Ferguson, TN
If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s the fact that time is flying by and before we know it, the 2025 National Junior Shorthorn Show and Youth Conference will be here! The Junior Board is ready to get groovy in Grand Island, and we look forward to spending our favorite week of the year with our favorite people!
With that being said, my time left as a red coat is running out, and before long, I will be handing my jacket off to another junior member who is eager to represent this breed and association. After this, I will be ready to embrace a new role within the industry. While it’s hard coming to terms with the fact that my time as a junior is
nearing its end, I look forward to standing ringside and encouraging and educating the next generation of Shorthorn showmen and breeders.
That is the message I hope to address here: in life, we must all adapt, change, or accept a new position, title, or responsibility at some point in time. While it can be challenging, because making changes is not always comfortable, it’s important to recognize how embracing a new role not only helps you grow but also helps the people around you grow.
When you are presented with an opportunity to embrace a new role on your journey, what actions will you take?
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Haylee Ferguson, President
Brayden DeBorde, Vice-President
Amanda Smee, Secretary
Mackenlee Evans, Public Relations
Hannah Wetzel, Fundraising
Samantha VanVorhis, Director
Audrey Robertson, Director
Jay Allen, Director
Victoria Thompson, Director
As a Junior Board member, I hope the AJSA continues to provide our youth with guidance, direction, and open doors for the future. We are happy to share this newsletter with you all to create a sense of community and transparency to guide our members throughout their time in this industry.
BOARD BULLETIN
Audrey Robertson, PA
Why Becoming a Junior Board Member is a Great Opportunity
As one of the newest members to the board I can say with 100% certainty that joining the Shorthorn Junior Board of Directors is an incredible opportunity for young leaders passionate about the cattle industry. As a Junior Board member, you’ll gain invaluable leadership experience, make lasting connections, and play an active role in shaping the future of AJSA. This role isn’t just a title—it’s a commitment to professionalism, responsibility, and service.
By stepping into this position, you’ll develop skills in communication, teamwork, and event organization, all while representing an organization that values integrity and innovation. You’ll have the chance to travel, network with industry leaders, and make a direct impact on
AJSA members nationwide. Whether it’s helping run major events like Junior Nationals or spearheading fundraisers, your contributions will leave a lasting legacy and it will only allow for you to grow within yourself.
If you’re looking to challenge yourself, grow as a leader, and be part of a progressive and ambitious organization, serving on the AJSA Junior Board is the perfect opportunity!
IGS Youth Summit Leadership Conference
Another very exciting event coming up is the IGS Youth Summit Leadership Conference.This is an exciting summer event designed for youth aged 14-22 who are passionate about the beef industry. This unique conference offers a dynamic mix of leadership development, industry education, and networking opportunities.
Organized by leading junior beef associations—including the American Junior Shorthorn Association, American Junior Simmental Association, American Junior Chianina Association, and the North American Limousin Junior Association— the Summit provides an unparalleled platform to build skills, gain knowledge, and form lasting connections. With all the different associations involved it is a great opportunity to learn from different organizations.
For 2025, the Summit will take place in Philadelphia, PA, promising an enriching experience in a vibrant setting. Registration is now open—don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible opportunity!
Registration is open and can be found at shorthorn.org.
The Shorthorn Youth Development Fund was established in 2020 to provide financial support that will sustain and expand excellent programming to develop Shorthorn youth as cattle producers and responsible, productive citizens.
One example of excellent programming for junior members is the National Junior Shorthorn Show & Youth Conference. Close to 400 young people and their families come together to compete with cattle in the show ring and as individuals and teams in a variety of contests. It’s an action-packed week of learning and fun that develops skills, knowledge, and confidence, along with love for the breed and friendships that last a lifetime. The cost to produce this annual event is more than $350,000, mostly raised through sponsorships and donations.
The Shorthorn Youth Development Fund is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, a financial resource to directly invest in the future of the breed that is your business, your lifestyle and your passion. We have streamlined the donation process to make contributing to youth development more accessible for everyone, especially those whose business directly benefits from junior and family customers.
Are you ready to get Groovy in Grand Island? Don’t forget about all the farout contests you can enter. From my first NJSS, I was encouraged to compete in all the contests or at least try them once. I would encourage you to do the same, you never know what you’re good at unless you give it a try! Only a jive turkey would sit at the stalls all week, join us and compete!
Here is the lowdown on contests that must be submitted by May 15 on shorthorn.org.
PROMO VIDEO- This is brand new this year. The purpose of the Promo Video contest is to allow AJSA members to show their creativity while promoting the Shorthorn breed in a video format. Grab your phones and shoot a 1-minute video highlighting Shorthorns.
GRAPHIC DESIGN- The purpose of the Graphic Design contest is for Intermediate & Senior exhibitors to display their creativity by designing an advertisement promoting specific topics. This contest helps exhibitors learn to use design computer software while promoting the Shorthorn breed.
CINDY’S LIVESTOCK PHOTOS & SHORTHORN COUNTRY DIGITAL PHOTO – ready, set, shoot! The purpose of the Digital Photography contest is to allow AJSA members to show their creativity behind the lens and on the computer. Contestants will enhance or alter and Agriculture picture for judging. This contest varies from the photography contest as it allows any form of digital enhancement like photoshop techniques, color alteration, captioning, etc.
CINDY’S LIVESTOCK PHOTOS & SHORTHORN COUNTRY PHOTOGRAPHY - The purpose of the Photography contest is to allow AJSA members to show their creativity behind the lens while promoting the Shorthorn breed. Any picture featuring a Shorthorn is acceptable, however no enhancements, other than cropping, are allowed.
MCKENZIE RANCH CAREER DEVELOPMENTThe purpose of this contest is to help prepare AJSA members for their future. Through creating a resume, cover letter and interview, participants will gain many skills that can help them in their future career. While interviews take place in person, cover letters and resumes must be submitted online.
JIM & BEV FREED SPEECH CONTEST - The purpose of the Speech Contest is to encourage public speaking in American Junior Shorthorn Association members. This contest can develop speaking skills, character and leadership while promoting the beef industry. ALL speech participants must submit a video
CONTEST CORNER
Victoria Thompson, AL
giving their speech by May 15 via the online submission form. Judges will evaluate the submitted videos for the age divisions with more than 15 participants. The judges will select a top 15 that will compete at junior national for placing. The top 15 will be notified if they have made it to the placing round. The elimination round and placing round will each have a different set of judges.
ARTS & ETC. CONTEST - The purpose of this contest is for AJSA members to display their artistic skills while promoting the Shorthorn breed. Contestants can create a variety of projects including painting, woodwork, metal work and more. There is also a refurbished category where you can bring old items back to life.
FERGUSON
SHORTHORNS CATTLEMEN’S
WRITTEN TEST – The purpose of the Cattlemen’s Written Test is for AJSA members to show their individual knowledge on the Shorthorn breed, the cattle industry and the beef industry. Sharpen your pencils and get ready to be tested on your Shorthorn knowledge!
HILLSIDE FARM LIVESTOCK JUDGING - The main objective of the Livestock Judging Contest is to help youth learn how to evaluate cattle. Marks those cards! We will judge a series of classes and answer questions. You can relax, there will be no reasons to give. You must enter the judging contest online through the NJSS entry process, entries will not be accepted at the event.
PROMOTIONAL POSTER - The purpose of the poster contest is for Prospector I & Prospector II to create a poster promoting the assigned topics. Glue, scissors, paint, show us your creative side!
SULLIVAN SUPPLY SHOWMANSHIP CONTEST
- The purpose of Showmanship is to evaluate youth on their ability to show their animal. You must enter showmanship online through the NJSS entry process, entries will not be accepted at the event.
Gather your friends and get ready for these team events. If you don’t have members in your state to form teams don’t be afraid to reach out or network with others. AJSA has state advisors that are out of sight and dynamite. They are always willing to blend states and help make teams!
TEAM SALESMANSHIP - The purpose of the Team Salesmanship Contest is to give juniors experience in a real-life scenario of selling an animal or product. This contest promotes teamwork, communication, marketing and more. The teams are made of 2 juniors in the
same age division. Each division is given a specific topic.
LEEMON STOCK FARM HERDSMAN QUIZ
BOWL - The purpose of the Herdsman Quiz Bowl is for AJSA members to show their knowledge on the Shorthorn breed, the cattle industry and the beef industry. Contestants will work together as a team of four to compete for Champion Quiz Bowl Team. A team must consist of four participants, including two Prospectors (12 and under), one intermediate, and one senior.
KRUSE RANCH BEEF COOK-OFF - Can you smell the sizzle of Shorthorn Beef? The objective of this contest is to encourage creativity and teamwork in the presentation as well as teach AJSA members about the beef industry. A team shall consist of 4 people. Each team must include one Prospector (12 and under).
SULLIVAN SUPPLY TEAM FITTING CONTEST – There have been changes for this year, please review the new rules. Teams will consist of FOUR members of any state combination- two prospectors, one intermediate, and one senior. The purpose of the Team Fitting contest is to encourage AJSA members to work as a team while fitting an animal for the show ring.
We also want to see some stellar state spirit! Showcase your state in the following contests.
STATE BASKET – Not only does this contest highlight your state it is a fundraiser. Each basket will be auctioned off in a silent auction. ½ of the proceeds will be given to the state that created the basket the other ½ will be given to the AJSA. The theme should be based on the current NJSS theme but don’t be afraid to think outside of the box and find some appealing items!
TAILGATE PARTY/STATE COOKOFF – Shake your groove thing at the tailgate! Each state should provide 700 samples of a food that represents your state. Exhibitors and those who purchased meal packets will be given a ticket. Once they have tried samples, they will vote for their favorite food by placing the ticket in the states jar. The states will be given points toward outstanding state based on the number of tickets in their jar. Don’t forget the cornhole boards for the tournament too!
Can you dig these contests? We wish you good vibes to the max as you prepare for NJSS 2025.
Catch you on the flip side in the GI, Victoria Thompson
shorthorn.org :: 816.599.7777 :: shelby@shorthorn.org
NJSS NOTEWORTHY NEWS
Mackenlee Evans, TX
The countdown continues as we get closer to Junior Nationals. I know the Junior board is excited for the changes that we have made for this year. As announced in the last newsletter we are replacing Old Pro Showmanship with a new fundraiser… we have decided to do a dunk tank this year! The Junior Board is excited to be able to participate in this fundraiser. Be sure to watch Facebook for all the details
coming soon.
We have also excited to announce a few other changes including a change to our community service project. We will be collecting school supplies instead of socks. The same rules will apply and the state that brings the most school supplies will be announced at the banquet.
We have added a new class for the livestock judging contest for intermediate and seniors. This will help educate our junior members on Performance Data and cattle selection. They will be provided a scenario and EPDs that they will use along with
As my three-year term on the American Junior Shorthorn Board comes to an end, I find myself reflecting on what an incredible experience it has been. Serving on the board has not only been an honor, but it has also allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. Here I have made lasting memories and contributed to an organization that continues to keep Shorthorns “Groovy”.
From the very beginning, I was struck by the sense of community and commitment that exists within the American Junior Shorthorn Board. The board consists of passionate individuals who share a deep love for the Shorthorn breed and are dedicated to fostering the next generation of leaders in the industry. As a board member, I was able to contribute my ideas and help make decisions that would impact junior members across the nation.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my time on the board was helping to
organize and execute the events for junior Shorthorn enthusiasts. Whether it was Junior Nationals or various leadership events, I had the privilege of working with an amazing team of individuals to create memorable experiences for juniors who are just as passionate about Shorthorns as I am. From planning and coordinating events to providing support during the events themselves, I gained invaluable skills in teamwork, event management, and leadership.
The Junior National Shorthorn Show stands out as one of the highlights of my term. The opportunity to witness the enthusiasm, dedication, and hard work of the youth in the Shorthorn industry is truly inspiring. Every year, the event brings together juniors from across the country, offering them the chance to showcase their animals, share knowledge, and build friendships that will last a lifetime. Being part of the team that helped bring this event to life has been an incredibly
phenotype to make their placing of the class. We will then provide some education about EPDs.
The schedule is available on the new ASA website. You can also find the EDGE Newsletter online.
Be sure to follow AJSA on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to stay up to date on all information! We are beyond excited to see all of the Juniors and have a fantastic week!
RED COAT RECAP
Brayden DeBorde,
TX
fulfilling experience.
As I prepare to step down from my role on the board, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude for the experiences, knowledge, and relationships I’ve gained throughout these three years. It has been a privilege to serve my fellow juniors and contribute to the success of the American Junior Shorthorn Association. I look forward to continuing my involvement in the Shorthorn community and supporting the next generation of junior leaders in whatever way I can.
Thank you to everyone who made this journey so memorable. I am excited to see what the future holds for the Shorthorn breed, and I am proud to have been part of its continued success.
“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” — Albert Schweitzer
