Reflections from the Ring

FROM THE RING Reflections Reflections

Illinois Junior Beef Association member, Ashtin Guyer, looks back on her success in the ring.

by Jaclyn Krymowski

Ashtin Guyer of Robinson, Ill., was only five years old when she showed her first heifer at the 2008 North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) in Louisville, Ky. That childhood experience kickstarted a lifelong love of cattle showing – one that would take her to the regional, state and even national levels – studded with memories that can only be described as being once-in-a-lifetime.

Next year will be the now-20 year old’s last in the ring as an IJBA junior member. She is both humbled and proud looking back on the journey that has played such a large part in her life.

“A lot of relations and connections come with this industry,” says Ashtin. “It’s also taught me how to communicate with others on a professional level and using that to move forward.”

Ashtin stands as a testament to the success of the many youths blessed with the ability to grow up in the stock show world. Looking back now is a bittersweet thing, she reflects, but it is certainly not the end as she assumes a new role mentoring to the next generation.

The Long Road to Success

For the Guyers, the cattle itch just runs in the family. Ashtin’s parents Lucy and Dave also grew up showing livestock and continued that love through the family business, Guyer Cattle Company, where they market elite animals across the nation.

When Ashtin and her younger sister, Nalaney, were first introduced to the sport, the two immediately fell in love. The two girls took it upon themselves to go all into the game, competitively showing both pigs and cattle. A veteran in the livestock business, Dave says that it’s always the kids’ commitment to their projects that makes all the difference.

“In the livestock world, if they’re not 100% bought in and dedicated it’s just not going to be a successful project,” he says. “ Both of our girls have taken upon themselves on an everyday basis and showed responsibility at a young age.”

But when telling her story, Ashtin is sure to credit the multiple role models who have helped her along her journey – especially her parents who have continually accompanied her at the ringside.

“The older I get,” she says, “the more I see how important those role models are because now I’m about to be one of them.”

As she takes time to work with younger kids, Ashtin explains that it puts a new perspective on the value of those people in her life.

While she has been backed with an outpouring of support, that doesn’t mean there were no low moments of discouragement.

“I’ll be the first to admit I lost faith at times,” she says laughing, “but you do with any project.”

Ironically, some of these moments happened right before two of her career’s greatest highlights. But with personal determination and family there to spur her onwards, she stayed the course.

It’s a good thing she did because her best moments would truly be dreams come true.

Shining Moments

Without hesitation, Ashtin can tell you her career’s two most memorable moments.

One of those happened in Louisville with a spring heifer at one of the nation’s biggest cattle shows. Not only did the heifer – appropriately named “Plus” – top her Shorthorn Plus class, but she also went on to be tapped the 2018 Supreme Champion Overall Heifer.

“That is the Super Bowl of shows,” Ashtin says of NAILE, “so that one has stuck with me. (It) was definitely my favorite.”

Her family is in agreement that this accomplishment particularly stands out, not only for their daughter, but them as well.

Ashtin with her very first steer “Harry” at the North American International Livestock Exposition in 2011. He went on to be Reserve Overall.

Ashtin showing the 2018 Supreme Champion Overall Heifer at the 2018 NAILE.

One of Ashtin’s senior pictures taken after being selected Supreme Heifer. Being selected Grand Champion Steer with “Olaf” at the 2020 National Western Stock Show on the legendary green carpet.

“You don’t set goals like that because they’re just unachievable,” says Dave. “I always say that that was a dream for anybody – including myself.”

The heifer wasn’t the first time Ashtin had a NAILE champion. In 2011, her first steer at the show was named Reserve Champion Overall.

Another favorite win happened several states over at the National Western Stock Show in Denver where early in 2020 her steer “Olaf” was tapped Grand Champion. He also happened to set a new all-time record selling for $155,000 to Ames Construction Company.

“That’s been on my bucket list was to get a steer on the green carpet,” she says, noting this follows her sister who had pigs on the carpet prior. “Being selected and then going to the Brown Palace, that’s something that you just never forget.”

Like all showmen, Ashtin recounts the tough days at the barn where animals don’t look their best. It’s tough, she says, but it’s something that you need to stick with through thick and thin.

“It’s going to pay off in the end no matter what you do,” she says. “Whether it’s sports, in livestock or anything like that, you stick with it and pour your heart and soul into it and it’ll happen.”

Ashtin has also excelled in the swine community. Perhaps most notably, she had the 2016 Champion Gilt at the National Junior Summer Spectacular.

For her proud parents, Dave and Lucy say that in addition to the tenacity and dedication displayed by both their daughters, stock showing takes the team effort on behalf of everyone playing their part with the showman.

“The girls have always pulled their part and they’ve always kept their link in the chain of teamwork strong,” Dave says. “They’ve stayed focused and never wavered from their goals.”

A Bright Future Outside Arena Lights

But of course, the qualities of a showman don’t end once they leave their junior years behind them. Ashtin now looks forward to carrying the passion and life skills she’s acquired into the next phase of her life.

After Lake Land, she has plans to transfer to Western Illinois University this fall. She aspires to earn her bachelor’s in ag business with a minor in animal science and go into an animal chiropractic medicine career.

But besides her professional goals, what really keeps her going are the other juniors looking up to her, and those that will come after.

“I’m not going to be able to step in the show ring as a junior anymore,” she says. “But I can be the one to tell tow that calf in or carry a spray bottle with a pig – just showing those kids what I’ve learned through the years.”

As far as her father and mother are concerned, that type of character is among the greatest of laurels, and they are proud to see their daughters sharing that with other young people.

“The biggest accomplishment would be that we raised two very good girls that have got their heads screwed on straight,” Dave says with a laugh. “They are very good mentors to the younger up-and-coming generation. They’re always willing to help.”

It’s going to pay off in the end no matter what you do. Whether it’s sports, in livestock or anything like that, you stick with it and pour your heart and soul into it and it’ll happen.