WELCOME OUR NEW GCA
Organizational Coordinator By Shelby Kirton As a fourth-generation cattle rancher from the small rural town of Okeechobee, Fla., I grew up where you saw more cattle roam the grasslands than the population of our town. I became passionate about the agriculture and beef industries at a young age, through the guidance of my father. I knew at a young age that I wanted to continue the Kirton legacy in these industries. Standing 3 feet tall at age 5, I walked into the show ring with my first show heifer, a Shorthorn named K-Kim Countness – aka Limited Too. Little did I know that this was the start of my love for cattle and the beef industry. From then on, I showed at the local, state and national levels. Wanting to continue the Kirton tradition of Brahman cattle, I purchased my first heifer at 12 years old and began growing my herd. As an adult, I’ve made a serious commitment to the family Brahman cattle breeding program, K Brand Cattle. Throughout my life and involvement in the agricultural industry, I’ve come to realize that the world at large does not understand where the leather on their shoes comes from, the rubber on their tires, or the protein and produce on their dinner plate. This was when I decided that I wanted to continue my education and pursue a career in the industry that has made a significant impact on my life. 36
GEORGIA CATTLEMAN | AUGUST 2022
The motto that I try to live by every day is this: “It’s not how bad you want it; it is about how hard you are willing to work for it.” Graduating in the top five percent of my high school class, as well as completing my AA degree from Indian River State College as a dual enrollment student, started the journey to where I am today. While I was not a Gator fan growing up, I knew that the best option was to attend the University of Florida, due to their outstanding agriculture college. In 2020, I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in animal science and a minor in agribusiness. After graduation, I knew that I wasn’t finished learning – so I packed up my belongings and moved 1,200 miles away to pursue my master’s degree in agricultural communications at Oklahoma State University. Throughout my time at OSU, I was able to grow as a communicator and develop a passion for agricultural policy through my research. I was involved in promoting a five-lesson online curriculum for youth in the 7th to 12th grades; this curriculum was designed to inform and educate students about key milestones of a federal farm bill and how it affects ranchers, farmers and rural families. The impact that the beef industry has had on my life not only influenced me in my career path, but also helped me grow and be shaped into the individual I am today. Being able to serve both the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association and Georgia cattle producers is truly an honor. I am excited to see what this new adventure has in store.
