letter from the editor
H
ello from Wisconsin! Let me introduce myself as your new Editor of Speaking of Columbias. Some of you know me from years in the show ring, as I’ve spent my entire life raising and showing sheep. Last year, I increased my involvement with the Columbia breed by serving as your official photographer at the 2021 National Show & Sale in Sidney, Ohio, and I’m excited to take on Speaking of Columbias as well. I grew up traveling with my parents as they fit and showed sheep for a living. This childhood granted me connections throughout the country, which are so invaluable today! I attended Purdue University where I received a BS in Agricultural Communication with a minor in Animal Science and was a member of the 2009 Livestock Judging Team. Afterwards, I received an MS in Agricultural Communication from Oklahoma State University. In 2010 (while I was still at Purdue), I began working for Novel Designs, where I still work full time today. I’m a Web Designer & Graphic Designer at Novel Designs where among many things, I work on the CSBA website! I have also been growing my own business, KAK Creative, which began as I started getting more involved with photography in 2012. Now, I regularly serve as a photographer at national shows, including the Columbia National Show & Sale, National Southdown Show & Sale, All-American Junior Show, and Big E in Massachusetts, among others. I also enjoy doing on-farm photos for online sales or editorial content. In 2020, I took over the role as Editor of the American Southdown Breeders Association Journal and Directory, which has led me to extensive involvement with the Southdown breed - I now serve as their Communications Coordinator and assist with other media projects throughout the year. I recently accepted the job as Editor of the Continental Dorset Club Directory, which is published bi-annually. Besides my professional involvement, I still have sheep as well! I raise Natural Coloreds which reside on my parent’s farm, where I also help them with their Montadales and Cheviots. I think one of my biggest assets in this industry is being able to relate to livestock breeders, because that’s what I started as and continue to be. There’s a special bond between people that know the frustrations of a particularly cold lambing season! When I’m not at a sheep show, in front of a computer, or behind a camera, I like to watch live music, ski, play guitar (and a little banjo!), and go to CrossFit. I’m so looking forward to catching up with all of you in Cheyenne! Stop by and say hello, let me know what you think of this issue of Speaking of Columbias, or let me know if I can take any photos for you! I pride myself on getting photos done quickly, so don’t be afraid to request a photo from the show that you may want to share with a prospective buyer before the sale.
Katherine Kuykendall 6
Speaking of Columbias
KATHERINE KUYKENDALL, WI EDITOR, SPEAKING OF COLUMBIAS
