Association Reports Association Reports

P.O. Box 27990

Macon, GA 31221

478-474-6560 http://www.gabeef.org

Update

By Bryson Smith

Hey y’all! I hope this finds everyone doing well. This time of year can be a real grind for a lot of people – between calving season and weather; but the days are starting to get longer, and spring can’t be too far away!

I am thankful for the privilege to have served as the President of the Georgia Junior Cattlemen’s Association this past year. It has provided me with so many pathways to continue to grow and learn, along with building a strong network with producers from all around the state. Because of GJCA and GCA, I have been able to represent both organizations at a variety of events – such as Cattlemen’s Connection Quarterly Meetings, the Georgia National Fair Livestock Beef Shows, the Sunbelt Ag Exposition, the Calhoun Bull Test Sale, and one of the Top Hand Stockman and Stewardship Contests. There are so many rewarding opportunities for our junior members to be active in both GJCA and GCA.

The Georgia Cattlemen’s Association annual convention is coming up fast! This year, it will be held in Columbus, Ga., from March 8-10. It is really exciting to see the new activities added to the agenda for junior members. Junior contests have been added in Photography, Public Speaking, and a Junior Cattlemen’s Beef Quiz Bowl. All contests are open to juniors aged 12-21 and will be divided into three divisions: Juniors, Intermediates and Seniors. These contests will take place on the morning of Wednesday, March 8, and the awards will be presented at the Awards Luncheon at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 9, 2023. Rules and entry forms are located on the GCA website. Many of us have lobbied for several years to add more activities for juniors at the convention, so please support these contests. We would love to have you participate! Help spread the word – and invite your friends from 4-H and FFA to join GJCA and enjoy the fun.

Other junior events coming up that you may be interested in include the 2023 Top Hand Stockmanship and Stewardship Contests (including a field day if you are looking for a practice opportunity or to learn more about the contest). You can find out more information at the UGA Beef website (https://beef.caes.uga.edu/) under the Educational Programs section of the Programs tab. The Junior Herd Builder program is currently in progress, and those participants (grades 8-12) will wrap up that contest in late May. More information about The Junior Herd Builder program can also be found on the same website.

In addition to the co-sponsored competition and live-animal programs, GJCA also offers several of their own award and scholarship programs. The Heifer Allotment Youth program (HAY), the Junior Cattleman of the Year Award, and several scholarship opportunities are all programs available to Junior members. More information about these programs and awards can be found on the GCA website under the Programs tab and then the Georgia Junior Cattlemen’s Association tab. I would encourage you to take advantage of all these excellent opportunities.

Joining GJCA is super-easy! Students 21 years of age and younger, as well as current college students, can become members of GJCA. Dues are only $15.00 per year! You will get a digital copy of the monthly magazine and many avenues to participate in exciting events and make new friends from all across the state.

I am still attending ABAC in Tifton and working at the UGA Bull Evaluation Center in Irwinville. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if I can help you in any way; you can reach me at 706-767-1533 or at b40cattleco@outlook.com.

GJCA Mission Statement: The mission of the Georgia Junior Cattlemen’s Association is to prepare the members of the junior association for membership and leadership in the Young Cattlemen’s Council and Georgia Cattlemen’s Association, and to offer education opportunities to prepare them to become industry leaders.

2022-2023 GJCA Officers

Bryson Smith President Maddie Dean

Vice President Cora Crews

Secretary

Like us on Facebook! Georgia Junior Cattlemen’s Association