Investing in Our Future, By Shelby Kirton

Investing in Our FutureBy Shelby Kirton Photography By SquareOne AgriMarketing

In the words of E.M. Tiffany, from the opening of the FFA Creed, “I believe in the future of agriculture, with a faith born not of words but of deeds – achievements won by the present and past generations of agriculturalists.” Building on those achievements, the rising generations of agriculturalists play the most crucial role for the future of the industry. With every agriculturalist, stands a mentor or role model who has profoundly impacted their life – and inspired them to make agriculture their calling.

Georgia’s junior livestock shows play a crucial role in mentoring.

Georgia’s roots have run deep in the cattle show industry for decades. And behind those cattle shows stands a group of individuals who have a passion for both the agricultural industry and helping to keep it thriving. They invest their time, energy and even money into the younger generation to ensure that they learn the principles and values behind providing the world’s food and fiber.

Sarah and Jeremy Dyer of Dade County strive to constantly redouble their efforts in the youth livestock realm. Sarah sums up their creed: “We believe in the strength and ability of the Georgia Junior Livestock Program to capture and develop the next generation of agriculturalists.” The Dyers devote countless hours each and every day to helping the youth in their county increase their knowledge of livestock production. They do this, Sarah notes, “whether it be offering educational opportunities through our show goat and show cattle business, or hosting livestock shows in partnership with Dade County UGA Extension and 4-H.”

Both Sarah and Jeremy Dyer have seen firsthand the impacts that junior livestock shows can have on a young agriculturalist’s life. “The junior livestock program has provided immense value to each of our lives, unveiling our passion for the industry and even introducing us to each other,” Sarah recalls.

Just like the Dyers, Dylan Davis – the University of Georgia Extension Youth Livestock Specialist and Livestock Judging Team coach – makes every effort to give back to the program that shaped who he is today. Beginning his show career in seventh grade, Davis was able to acquire mentors who introduced him to livestock judging, eventually leading him to compete at a collegiate level. “My experiences out west were some of the best in my life; but when I was offered the chance to come back to Georgia and give back to the program that shaped me, it was a no-brainer,” Davis says.

Davis works side-by-side with youth livestock programs. Throughout the year, he contributes with numerous livestock educational programs – including the Junior HERD Program, livestock judging contests and camps. He invests his time and tirelessly encourages the younger generation – just as his Ag teacher did for him.

Role models make a lasting mark on your life. They instill the value of giving back to agriculture by equipping the generation coming after you – just as they equipped yours. And they leave lasting memories. Some of Christa Steinkamp’s favorite childhood times were at livestock shows: “specifically, livestock show memories that included Gary Farmer, Billy Moss, CD Brannen, Calvin Alford, and Ed Tolbert. These men were always encouraging in their own way to me as an exhibitor and to our family.” Today, Christa serves as the Curriculum and Technology Director for Georgia Agricultural Education and FFA. Over the years, this role has allowed her to work with the grandchildren of those role models who were influential in her life, ultimately helping her “give back” by equipping the younger generation.

Along with the hard-working mentors who devote their time to the upcoming generation of producers stand the determined young cattlemen and women they are investing in: the future of our industry.

Cora Crews, a high school freshman, has a passion for the beef industry. She travels all across the state participating in the livestock shows produced by the mentors described above. Thanks to all their efforts, Cora has been able to grow as a mature person, as a quality cattle producer, and as an articulate advocate for the industry. “It has helped me develop much-needed public speaking skills and identify areas in which the public may be misinformed. I pray I’ll have the opportunity to continue my endeavors in this wonderful industry,” Cora hopes.

Persevering through challenges, and with a wealth of encouragement and advice from mentors – Maddie Dean, a high school graduating senior, was able to find her pathway in life. “God put me on this path because He knew this was where He needed to use me,” Maddie emphasizes. Through showing livestock, she has been able to develop more confidence in herself and find her purpose in life; this has ultimately helped her choose her future endeavors: judging livestock at the collegiate level, with obtaining a degree focused within the industry. Maddie adds a word of gratitude that should give us all hope: “Because of all the mentors who dedicated their time and efforts to my livestock future, I would like to say thank you. Not just for your guidance – but for showing us exhibitors how to live like Jesus and to guide others wholeheartedly whenever we can.”

Each and every one of these mentors in Georgia deserves so much recognition. They work day-in and day-out to support the next generation and keep the legacy of the agriculture and beef industry vibrant and growing. They are investing in the future – our industry’s future.

They – and the rising generation – play a vital role in what the FFA creed calls “that inspiring task.”

The task of feeding the world.