SHORTHORN SCOOP JUNIOR
The first issue of the “Shorthorn Scoop” is for all American Junior Shorthorn Association members. We hope you enjoy connecting with the junior board while receiving updates on all things AJSA and National Junior Shorthorn Show. We plan to publish two issues a year - spring and fall. Be on the lookout in Spring for even more updates for the NJSS as we prepare to get ‘Groovy in Grand Island.’ 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!
This issue also features the new AJSA logo and several of our new branding pieces. We are excited for this new branding of the AJSA and can’t wait to see how we continue to grow. We have a great set of leaders that are ready to work with our junior members this next year! Be sure to meet them at your Super National Shows and find out more about the NJSS.
- Shelby, Director of Youth Activities
PRESIDENT PREAMBLE
Haylee Ferguson, TN
Welcome to the first edition of the “Shorthorn Scoop”! The Junior Board is so excited to share this newsletter with you all! We hope to update AJSA members on current activities, encourage growth for our future, and provide information on what it’s like to serve on the AJSA Board of Directors.
Within our industry, a major component of success at any age is determined by the connections you make. By creating the “Shorthorn Scoop”, we hope junior members can reach the same state of mind when it comes to reaching new heights as a breed association. Not only will this newsletter allow you to discuss topics of interest with peers, but also gain some words of wisdom and advice from professionals. For example, as a Junior
Board, my peers and I look forward to planning the NJSS every year and continue to discover new ways to improve the event for everyone involved. Through the “Contest Corner” portion of the “Shorthorn Scoop”, we hope to provide insight into various contests that are offered throughout junior nationals!
The Junior Board loves sharing our story and experiences we have all had and promoting the board to Shorthorn youth. Through the “Red Coat Recap” portion of this newsletter, different board members will provide in-depth information on what it is like to represent the AJSA as a red coat!
As the Family Friendly Breed, I hope you are striving to positively impact this association and uplift peers. It is our goal
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
that you all will look forward to receiving the “Shorthorn Scoop” with the intent of connecting with other members in various ways! I encourage you to take advantage of this newsletter and see what your peers want to share when it comes to all things Shorthorn! You never know what you might learn, the perspective you might share with someone, or gain a viewpoint that may open your eyes to something brand new! Once again, welcome! Thanks for being here and sharing this space with us!
BOARD BULLETIN
Jay Allen, PA
Sponsorship plays a pivotal role in the success and growth of the American Junior Shorthorn Association (AJSA) and its members. As a newly elected director of the AJSA Junior Board, I’ve come to appreciate our sponsors and all they do for our organization.
First and foremost, I want to thank all our sponsors for their contribution to our goals and mission. Through sponsorship, we can host high-quality events that provide juniors with invaluable experiences in livestock management, leadership, and competition. These opportunities not only enhance their skills but also help create friendships and connections that last a lifetime. The annual junior national show is a highlight for many members, allowing them to showcase their hard work and dedication.
Sponsorship is essential in fostering relationships between our juniors
and helping them grow into successful, productive individuals. Without the support of sponsors, the connections formed at junior nationals and other AJSA events wouldn’t be possible. At the end of the day, what truly matters is shaping well-rounded young people who will make a positive impact on the world. Equally important are the lasting friendships they form along the way, creating bonds that will stay with them for a lifetime. These opportunities to bond and grow start with our sponsors.
Sponsoring organizations contribute to the sustainability of the Shorthorn breed and the broader livestock industry. By supporting the AJSA, sponsors play a crucial role in preserving the future of the Shorthorn breed and its juniors. Their contributions help ensure that young Shorthorn breeders have the resources and opportunities to grow into the next
generation of leaders within the breed. Lastly, to my fellow juniors, it’s important to remember that our sponsors make everything we enjoy possible. If you see a sponsor, take a moment to thank them and let them know how much their support means. A simple “thank you” goes a long way in showing our appreciation for all they do to ensure we have the best experiences and opportunities.
In conclusion, sponsorship is not just about financial support; it’s about building a solid organization that uplifts young leaders in the Shorthorn breed. If you genuinely believe in the mission of the Shorthorn breed and love the breed wholeheartedly don’t wait. Every dollar counts, and we greatly appreciate all the support we can get. Together, we can ensure a bright future for the Shorthorn breed and its juniors.
Welcome to the Contest Corner, where we discuss all things contests! There are so many new and exciting updates to the contests we know and love, plus the addition of a brand-new one.
First is the introduction of our brandnew Promotional Video Contest. Each participant will make a video that promotes the Shorthorn breed in 60 seconds or less. The purpose of the video is to give each exhibitor a chance to highlight their creative talents in another way while promoting the breed!
In addition to our new contest, there have
SPEECH TOPICS
CONTEST CORNER
Samantha
been several changes to already existing contests. Starting with the Team Fitting contest, instead of each team consisting of the same age members and competing with one age group, teams will now consist of all age groups: 2 Prospector I and/or Prospector II Team Members, 1 Intermediate Team Member, and 1 Senior Team Member.
Next up on the changed list is the format of Senior Showmanship. A fitting portion will no longer accompany the judging of the Top 10 Sr. Showman; it will just be strictly showmanship for finals.
PI Topic: What makes the Shorthorn breed ‘Groovy’?
PII Topic: Why should agriculture be incorporated into all school curriculum (core subject)?
VanVorhis, OH
The last change to include in this issue’s contest corner are the ones that change each year - speech and beef cook-off. The speech contest topics are listed below.
Finally, there will be a beef cook-off, where teams will be asked to make their dish with brisket as their meat cut this year.
We encourage you to brush up on all of the new (and old) contest rules online at our website. Stay tuned for any additional updates on our social media. We look forward to next year with groovy times in Grand Island, NE.
Intermediate Topic: How can social media positively or negatively impact the cattle industry?
Senior Topic: How does performance data impact the cattle industry as a whole?
NJSS NOTEWORTHY NEWS
Hannah Wetzel, MN
Exciting updates for the 2025 Shorthorn Junior Nationals are here! We’re replacing Old Pro Showmanship with a new fundraiser—stay tuned for more details!
We’re also thrilled to introduce an E.D.G.E. show to our lineup, featuring both genotype and phenotype evaluations. The genotype evaluation will be conducted prior to show day and will only include Purebred females. There will be five divisions, which won’t be broken or combined regardless of the number of entries:
• Division 1: Jan-Mar 25
• Division 2: Sep-Dec 24
• Division 3: May-Aug 24
• Division 4: Jan-Apr 24
• Division 5: Sep-Dec 23
Please note that all females entered in the E.D.G.E. show must have a 100K
Genomic Test Sample submitted and received by the lab by May 1st, 2025. Additionally, we’ve made some updates to the female show classifications, these will not be combined or broken, regardless of the number of entries:
• Div 1: Jan – Mar 25
• Div 2: Nov – Dec 24
• Div 3: Sep – Oct 24
• Div 4: May – Aug 24
• Div 5: Apr 24
• Div 6: Mar 24
• Div 7: Feb 24
• Div 8: Jan 24
• Div 9: Sep – Dec 24
• Div 10: Aug 23 and older
With the changes throughout the week, the schedule has been slightly adjusted. The Beef Cook off will be on
Tuesday at 1 p.m., followed by the Speech contest at 2:30 and Quiz bowl will now take place on Wednesday at 3:30. We’re excited to welcome all Juniors to the first Youth Conference again on Monday at 10:45 AM. This will be a great opportunity to meet the Junior Board, Board Candidates, and connect with fellow exhibitors.
Stay tuned for more information on hotel accommodations coming soon! We can’t wait to see everyone there and make this another unforgettable year!
juniorshorthorn.org :: 816.599.7777 :: shelby@shorthorn.org
Greetings Junior Members,
I hope you’re as excited as I am about the upcoming opportunity to run for the junior board! It may seem a little early to start thinking about it, but trust me, it’s never too early. May will be here before we know it, and now is a great time to start preparing.
The best way to learn about the junior board is to reach out and talk to us. We will be at all the national shows, helping
with check-in, working the rings, and everywhere in between. My fellow board members and I love connecting with our junior members and sharing our experiences and expectations. When I first considered running for the board, I watched the red coat members in the ring at national shows, attended junior meetings, and started engaging with the current board members. When the opportunity to apply finally came, I was so excited! I began thinking about how I could introduce myself to other junior members and build those connections. Getting to know the current board members and asking them questions really helped me feel prepared.
The anticipation that Friday night in the arena in Kansas City, Missouri, was incredible. As one red coat was being
RED COAT RECAP
Amanda
Smee, TX
retired, I was honored to carry on that tradition and receive my red coat. I’ve always believed in doing my best and creating lasting memories, and that night was definitely one I will cherish forever. The friendships I’ve formed through this experience are invaluable.
So, remember, when you’re involved and wearing that red coat, you’re not just making memories for yourself; you’re helping others create their own as well. To learn more about the requirements for joining the junior board, visit https://juniorshorthorn.org/leadership/ junior-board. The application will be available in January, and I encourage everyone to consider running! Don’t miss this chance to make a difference and grow as a leader.
