Pictured: The Little Amigos posing for their photo op at the 2018 Grand Fiesta National Junior Heifer Show in Grand Island, Neb. they met, or to each other,” Kaylee says. “I think that’s kind of cool, and it’s a good way to get to know each other and who the board members are.” Mikki Warnock, Urbana, Ind., and her husband Jeremy have three kids – Landree, Annisten and Wade – who have all participated in the Novice Program at the National Junior Show. She says the program has helped each of their kids feel involved and have a purpose, plus they get to show just like the older kids.“The Novice program is what initially drew us to this Junior Nationals. There is no minimum age and there is so much for younger kids to participate in all week long,” Mikki says. The Warnocks travel across the country, seeking this experience for their kids and attend shows of all sizes. “As a family we have been able to spend a week together learning, working, and building relationships with other families that have a passion for the show cattle industry just like us,” Mikki says. “We have seen our children develop a confidence in themselves that can’t be learned or taught anywhere else. Our kids witnessed the kindness and compassion of junior board members and the junior association directors as they helped them
navigate the ring for the first time at a big show.” Landree has advanced to the junior division bracket, but her younger sister Annisten is looking forward to next year’s events in Louisville, Ky. Both girls like doing the crafts with their friends and showing in the big arena. Plus, Annisten is excited for a folder of her own with her name on it with her necessities for the week. The whole family gets involved when it comes to execution of the Novice Activities at the National Junior Show. For Randy, it’s watching the kids grow and engage that is the most rewarding. “My favorite part is watching those really shy, quiet kids come out of their shell when those junior board members come sit at their table to help them with their projects. It’s awesome to just watch them light up and start talking and being engaged within the association,” Randy says. Fourteen years ago, the Millers attended their first National Junior Show in Kansas City, and were not sure what exactly they were getting into. Their friends, Mark and Deb Core from Pleasantville, Iowa encouraged them to attend because of the show’s nearby location. “I was excited the first year, but I didn’t know anything,” Sheila says. “Then, I looked
up and learned more about planning for contests. We’ve spent lots of summers preparing and the contests have changed so much over the years. It was a very good decision to go see for ourselves and attend the show that first year.” Through their own tenacity and dedication to doing well at the National Junior Show, both Kaylee and Kaleb have taken home several contest awards and placed well in the showring. In addition to their time spent on the junior board, they both have made friends with fellow exhibitors from across the country. While the Miller family may have aged out of the AJMAA, their compassion for the next generation of Maine-Anjou families is unmatched. It’s important to the whole family that everyone feels welcome and has a place at the show. “I want them to know that at 1:00 P.M. they get to see all the kids that are novice participants and hang out and have fun,” Kaylee says. “It’s just so cool to see those kids start building relationships. Later they can go back to the barns and play or hang out together.” ###
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2021 15
