Buckle & Banner - Winter 2021-2022

BUCKLE & BANNER | WINTER 2021-2022

BUCKLE BUCKLE & BANNER & BANNER | WINTER | WINTER 2021-2022 2021-2022

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BUCKLE & BANNER | WINTER 2021-2022

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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SHOW CATTLE NUTRITION 101

INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT: ANNA MILLER

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26

SHOW DAY RECIPE

14

SPEAK UP!

20-23

SHOW CHAMPIONS

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE ...

Advertising Index....................................................................................................................................................... 28 JRA Board of Directors................................................................................................................................................ 4 JRA Contact Information.......................................................................................................................................... 19 JRA News............................................................................................................................................................... 24-25 JRA Sponsors............................................................................................................................................................... 15 Letter from the Editor.................................................................................................................................................. 3 RAAA Board of Directors............................................................................................................................................ 4 RAAA Staff Contact Information............................................................................................................................... 3 2022 Show Info.............................................................................................................................................................. 6 2

BUCKLE & BANNER | WINTER 2021-2022

18335 E. 103rd Ave., Ste. 202 Commerce City, CO 80022 940-387-3502 | FAX 888-829-6069 info@redangus.org | RedAngus.org Chief Executive Officer Tom Brink, Ext. 4, tombrink@redangus.org Director of Breed Improvement Ryan Boldt, Ext. 12, ryan@redangus.org Director of Office Operations Halla Pfeiff, Ext. 10, halla@redangus.org REDSPro & Registry Specialist Billie Boyd, Ext. 6, billie@redangus.org REDSPro & Registry Specialist Nicole Rebitski, Ext. 5, nicole@redangus.org Database and Registration Consultant Kenda Ponder, Ext. 15, kenda@redangus.org DNA Data Programs Coordinator Alana Skelton, Ext. 14, alana@redangus.org DNA Customer Service Specialist Kai Miranda, Ext. 24, kai@redangus.org Director of Commercial Marketing Harold Bertz , 816-661-2289, harold@redangus.org Assistant Director of Field Services Katie Martin , Ext. 16, katieochsner@redangus.org Commercial Marketing Specialist Nolan Woodruff, Ext. 9, nolan@redangus.org Commercial Marketing Specialist Rachael Oliver, 406-480-1569, rachael@redangus.org Assistant Director, Value Added Programs Chessie Mitchell, Ext. 20, chessie@redangus.org Value Added Programs Specialist Jeananne Drouhard, Ext. 18, jeananne@redangus.org Director of Education & Junior Programs Dr. Kim Heller, 515-851-2019, juniors@redangus.org RAM Publisher & Advertising Director Tracey Koester, 701-391-5440, tracey@redangus.org RAM Editor & Director of Communications Brandi Buzzard Frobose, 785-448-0239, brandi@redangus.org

LETTER from the editor

Michael Jordan failed to make his high school basketball team as a sophomore. At age 62, Harland Sanders pitched his chicken recipe to restaurants and was rejected 1,009 times. After reading two scripts, HBO told Taylor Sheridan that no one would watch his TV show, Yellowstone.

But none of these hugely successful people gave up after rejection.

Six-time NBA champion and five-time MVP Michael Jordan is considered to be the best basketball player that ever laced up shoes and took the court.

Colonel Sanders suffered defeat after defeat in his lifetime. After being fired from multiple jobs, he opened a roadside restaurant at a service station at age 40. When the interstate system was built and traffic was rerouted, Sanders was driven out of business at a great financial loss.

Now at age 62, he got back up and pitched his chicken franchise idea to receive another round of rejection. Finally, a Utah entrepreneur agreed and paid him four cents a chicken. When that failed, he developed his patented eight-minute pressure-cooked fried chicken and hit the road to sell his process and secret blend of 11 herbs and spices. Now, Kentucky Fried Chicken is world-famous. At 73 years old, he sold his business for what would now be worth nearly $17 million. His iconic look of a white suit and black string tie is one of the most recognizable brands on the planet.

Yellowstone is now the most-watched television show on all networks and has a cult-like following. Earlier this year, Sheridan inked a deal with Paramount Plus for five more shows.

My point is that we are all going to face rejection and struggles in life.

Personally, my road turned rough and bumpy over the past seven years after being in a mass layoff and a car wreck that left me with permanent disabilities. Although circumstances changed my plans, I haven’t given up and I believe the best of life is still to come. It’s in these challenging times that we find value in the grit and tenacity that we have developed by being in an industry that is not for the faint of heart.

In the quote below by legendary football coach Lou Holtz, he encouraged his players to get focused on working on the things under their control and to author their own destiny. You can’t control all that happens to you, but you can control how you react.

So, if that amazing heifer doesn’t develop like you thought or your 4-H or FFA speech doesn’t go the way you wanted it to, what matters is that you get back up — again and again and again. When a door closes, you’ll find a new door that opens. Just like diamonds, we can find a beauty within when we persevere over pressure. Never give up on the fact that tomorrow is a new day, and you get another chance to try again.

Live your best life,

B&B Publisher & Communications Specialist Lisa Bryant, 405-766-8942, lisa@redangus.org Accounting Director Janet Russell, Ext. 11, janet@redangus.org Membership and Receivables Specialist Margaux Midas, Ext. 7, margaux@redangus.org 3

BUCKLE & BANNER | WINTER 2021-2022

“Life is 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you respond to it.” — Lou Holtz 3

RAAA BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Steve Koester, Steele, North Dakota koesterredangus@gmail.com First Vice President Area IV - Southwest Director Tony Ballinger, Morgan Mill, Texas anthony.ballinger@adm.com Second Vice President and Treasurer Region C Director Jeff Pettit, Sebree, Kentucky jp@noashconstruction.com Secretary Area II - Montana Director Kay Klompien, Manhattan, Montana klmpnra@gmail.com Region A Director Chuck Feddes, Manhattan, Montana feddesredangus@gmail.com Region B Director Craig Bieber, Leola, South Dakota craig@bieberredangus.com

From left are Steve Koester, Tony Ballinger, Craig Bieber, Stephanie Jung, Jim Yance, Rob Hess, Jason Anderson, Stuart Gilbert, Chuck Feddes, Jeff Pettit, George Murdock, Kay Klompien and Tom Brink.

JRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Area I - West Director George Murdock, Pendleton, Oregon george.murdock@umatillacounty.net Area III - Rocky Mountain Director Aaron Kravig, Karval, Colorado akravig@kravigredangus.com Area V - Northern Plains Director Stephanie Jung, Mina, South Dakota raaanorthernplains@gmail.com Area VI - Great Plains Director Jason Anderson, Oberlin, Kansas jasonea9@hotmail.com Area VII - Northeast Director Rob Hess, Hershey, Pennsylvania hessfarm@verizon.net Area VIII - Southeast Director Jim Yance, Columbia, Alabama jim@jyjredangus.com Area IX - Midwest Director Stuart Gilbert, Stockport, Iowa redcowlocators@gmail.com 4

• • • • • • •

Mitchell Vanderwal, Brentford, South Dakota Shannon Jenkins, Lebanon, Missouri Isaac Berg, Pipestone, Minnesota Peri Andras, Manchester, Illinois Natalie Evans, Jacksonville, Illinois Emma Ahrendsen, Sioux Rapids, Iowa Tiffany Watkins, Dade City, Florida B&B

For more information on the Junior Red Angus Association of America, visit RedAngus.org or call Kim Heller, junior programs coordinator, at 515-851-2019.

BUCKLE & BANNER | WINTER 2021-2022

Quality, Foundation Genetics Long Lasting Pedigrees

Las Rojas Red Angus

Rojas Rioja 6052

See our leading spring bull calves in Oklahoma City. Sons of Maxed Out and Firestorm.

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2022 SHOW INFO

CATTLEMEN’S CONGRESS Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

NEBRASKA CATTLEMEN’S CLASSIC Kearney, Nebraska

Regional junior show................................................. Jan. 2 Open bull show........................................................... Jan. 2 National heifer and bull pen show............................ Jan. 3 Open female show...................................................... Jan. 4 Junior judge ...................................................Blake Nelson Open judge................................................ Randy Mullinix Pen judge......................................................... Terri Barber

Open show................................................................ Feb. 16 Pen bull show........................................................... Feb. 17 Junior show............................................................... Feb. 20

cattlemenscongress.com

NATIONAL WESTERN STOCK SHOW Denver, Colorado Junior heifer show...................................................... Jan. 8 Pen show...................................................................... Jan. 9 Open show.................................................................Jan. 10 Junior judge.......................................................... Jeff Berry Open judge...........................................................Jake Scott Pen judge......................................................Curtis Doubet nationalwestern.com

FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW Fort Worth, Texas Regional open show.......................................Jan. 30, 2022 Open judge...................................................... Doug Satree fwssr.com

BLACK HILLS STOCK SHOW Rapid City, South Dakota Red Angus Show and Sale........................................ Feb. 3 blackhillsstockshow.com

SAN ANGELO STOCK SHOW San Angelo, Texas

cattlemens.org

IOWA BEEF EXPO Des Moines, Iowa Open show and banquet......................................... Feb. 12 Red Angus sale......................................................... Feb. 13 Junior show..........................................................Feb. 19-20 iowabeefexpo.org

ILLINOIS BEEF EXPO Springfield, Illinois Junior show..........................................................Feb. 26-27 illinoisbeefexpo.org

OKLAHOMA YOUTH EXPO Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Junior heifer show............................................... March 13 Junior steer show................................................. March 16 Junior heifer show............................................ Tyler Cates Junior steer show................................................Jack Ward okyouthexpo.com

HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW Houston, Texas Open show.............................................................. March 1 Junior heifer show............................................... March 11 Junior steer show................................................. March 16 Open show judge...................................... Garrett Thomas Junior heifer show judge...............................Brady Jensen

Junior steer show....................................................... Feb. 7 Junior heifer show................................................... Feb. 13

rodeohouston.com

sanangelorodeo.com

RODEO AUSTIN Austin, Texas

SAN ANTONIO STOCK SHOW San Antonio, Texas Open show...........................................................Feb. 10-13 Junior heifer show..............................................Feb. 15-19 Junior steer show................................................Feb. 21-25 Junior heifer judge..................................... Matt Copeland Junior steer judges.....Shane Bedwell and Curtis Doubet sarodeo.com

Junior heifer show............................................... March 26 Junior steer show................................................. March 21 Junior heifer judge.......................................... JonDeclerck Junior steer judge..................................Nick Fitzsimmons rodeohouston.com

NORTH AMERICAN JUNIOR RED ANGUS EVENT Chickasha, Oklahoma June 20-25, 2022

najrae.com B&B 6

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Proper nutrition is a building block of any successful show program.

by Lisa Bryant

You’ve found the beast of all show calf prospects — truly a LeBron James on four legs. You’re visualizing yourself with a banner at the backdrop, but wait ... how do you feed it to get to the championship?

Exhibitors need to start with crude protein and energy content, according to Mark Johnson, Ph.D., and extension beef cattle breeding specialist for the Oklahoma State University Department of Animal and Food Science. In addition to feeding and showing his own youth projects, Johnson has overseen the feeding of cattle at the OSU Purebred Beef Cattle Center and has helped his daughters successfully show multiple breeds in youth programs.

“If we think about when crude protein needs to be the highest, typically that’s when we’re feeding young calves or as creep feed for a set of young growing calves at the side of their mother,” Johnson said. “That creep feed needs to be 14% crude protein.

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“As they get older, we can back off that level of crude protein, and it becomes less significant.” As cattle reach the point of yearling age or bred heifers, Johnson added that a 10 to 12% crude protein level might be satisfactory at that point.

“The big thing about cattle creep feed and show feed is the crude protein needs to be appropriate, and then the energy content needs to be appropriate relative to our feeding goal,” he added. “We need to keep fat below 5% because they are a ruminant animal, plus maintain a calcium to phosphorus ratio of 2:1 as a general rule of thumb for a growing or developing ration for beef cattle.”

Johnson said we need to remember that beef cattle are ruminant animals, so they need fiber. “Cattle need to eat things like dry hay and grass as they get older. Feeding them a good quality hay free choice is fundamental to feeding show cattle.”

Although hay choice varies by region, Johnson recommends a good

BUCKLE & BANNER | WINTER 2021-2022

quality native grass or prairie hay, if available. If you can’t find a good quality grass hay, Johnson said to look for something that is a midpoint between alfalfa and straw. “The whole point of feeding hay to a ruminant is to keep their digestive system, and in particular the rumen, healthy and functioning like it should to break down fiber.

“A good quality grass hay has a rate of passage that we are looking for to keep them full and happy,” he added.

“When we avoid things like alfalfa or straw and get to that happy medium, then we are giving them what they need to suit the digestive system that nature gave them.”

A good quality hay could be the key for exhibitors who are trying to reduce costs due to rising feed prices. “Feeding grass and hay, almost always without exception, is more cost effective than a feed that has cereal grains. As cattle get old enough, it takes a lot less feeding and you can become more dependent on

…continued on page 10

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Show Cattle Nutrition 101 … continued from page 8

a good quality grass hay to meet their requirements and stay in the desired degree of condition.”

Exhibitors should also consider minerals in their feeding program.

Some feeds will contain the minerals your show calf needs, but if in doubt, Johnson said you can either offer a free choice mineral or to ensure consumption, throw a little into either their morning or evening feed to make sure they are getting the content they need.

The proper plane of nutrition helps the animal to develop in many ways.

“Proper nutrition and the right plane of nutrition, with the appropriate amount of crude protein and energy relative to the end point you are trying to get cattle to is all going to be conducive to good hair, good skin and good hoof walls, and is going to coincide with reproductive growth and performance.

“Good nutrition gets back to the whole ‘phenotype = genotype + environment,’” Johnson said.

“The environment part would be influenced by nutrition. It would also be largely influenced by proper daily care so that skin and hair is in the proper shape that you want it in for show animals.”

FEEDING MANAGEMENT TIPS Getting new prospects started right also centers around a properly balanced ration. “If we are talking about a young, weaned calf, they need approximately 14% crude protein. That’s going to result in the building blocks that the body needs to continue to grow frame and muscle at that young age. If we have crude protein, energy and fat content where it needs to be, and we’ve added something like molasses to cut down the dust and make it more palatable, I think that young growing calves will respond to that with sure enough an adequate level of consumption.”

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“Proper nutrition and the right plane of nutrition, with the appropriate amount of crude protein and energy relative to the end point you are trying to get cattle to is all going to be conducive to good hair, good skin and good hoof walls, and is going to coincide with reproductive growth and performance.”

— Mark Johnson, Ph.D., and extension beef cattle breeding specialist for the Oklahoma State University Department of Animal and Food Science

Photo courtesy of Oklahoma State University

Johnson also recommends feeding twice per day. “You keep the rumen’s pH level more consistent though the day if you break up daily feedings in two half feedings.” He also says you should try to feed at the same time each day to keep an animal’s digestive system more consistent.

Because show cattle often are kept in smaller traps where they graze close to the ground, another nutrition-related step exhibitors should take is to worm their animals, Johnson said. He recommends an oral drench every six to eight weeks.

When taking animals on the road, Johnson said it’s normal for some animals to get nervous as they experience a new environment and are looking around and finding new stressors or stimulation they are not accustomed to. To combat this, Johnson recommends training animals to drink from a bucket a few days before you leave.

“If you plan to use some of these commercially available water

BUCKLE & BANNER | WINTER 2021-2022

additives that are used to get them to drink, you should start them on those drinking out of a bucket a few days before you take them to the show,” he said. “We always tend to think that the water in a new place is going to taste a little different, and it will, but if we wait to get to the show before we add in one of those additives, that’s going to taste a little different too.”

Johnson also carries a little trace mineral block or salt block to place in front of calves at the show.

EVALUATE AS YOU GO Johnson said exhibitors need to monitor their animals throughout the feeding and showing process.

“It’s important to look at your animal objectively as you go day to day, week to week and month to month.

Critically evaluate them and assess where you think they are in terms of bloom and condition. Are they growing at the rate and appropriate size they need to be?

…continued on page 12

i r u o s s Mi

Wishing all exhibitors the best of luck this winter show season.

We look foward to seeing you this summer.

The Bouldin Family 9995 SE HWY J Collins, MO 303.884.4189

The Same Homeplace From a New Place Come Visit us in the “Show Me State”

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Show Cattle Nutrition 101 … continued from page 10

“Then, if you are going to adjust your feeding program, you want to do it in a subtle fashion. For example, if you think your animal is behind — they’re too thin or too small —if we’ve been giving them 15 lb. of feed a day, we don’t just want to make that decision one day and decide we’re going to give them 30 lb. tomorrow.

We need to work them up a pound a day over a week or two to get up to the amount we want to feed them.”

Johnson observed that the most common feeding mistake cattle exhibitors make is to overfeed their animals. This critical error can negatively affect reproduction, feet and structural soundness and mobility. He said it also can prevent animals from staying cool and able to regulate their body temperature effectively to grow hair.

Obese animals show external signs of slop down their brisket and between their front legs, he said. Excessive pone will appear around the tail head and their underline will become wasty and jiggly.

If you’re still unsure about the nutrition needed for your show animal, Johnson recommends talking to a county extension specialist or someone that works in ruminant nutrition at your state university.

“If you can’t find anyone else, put a flake of good quality prairie hay in front of your animal regardless of their age,” he concluded. B&B

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BUCKLE & BANNER | WINTER 2021-2022

THANK YOU On behalf of all of us at Twin Willow Farms, thank you to all our friends and customers for trusting in our business.

Interested in Twin Willow genetics? We have cattle available private treaty! Visit www.twinwillow.net for more information or give us a call today!

Congratulations to all our investors for a great 2021 show season!

Bud Thomas, Owner: (417) 861-6338 Andrew Chandler, Farm Manager: (417) 527-1997 3875 North Farm Road 197, Springfield, MO 65803 13

Public speaking lessons learned from other Red Angus breeders

by Lisa Bryant

For many, the fear of public speaking ranks right up there with a fear of snakes or a fear of heights. Yet, it’s also a necessary skill needed in many walks of life. So, we’ve asked six people involved in the Red Angus breed how they learned to overcome fears and hone their public speaking skills in their daily life, whether it’s giving a youth speech, selling bulls, judging a show or conducting a podcast.

find the speaking style that worked the best for me,” she added.

Callie said speaking in front of a crowd is no different than someone preparing for showmanship. You need to practice how you want to perform.

“Practice is key for public speaking.

Everyone’s style is different, so your practice may look different as well.”

Her best advice to junior members is like the Nike slogan, “Just do it!” “The more you participate and engage, the more doors will open for you in the future.”

Another tip that Callie shared was to pick a topic that you enjoy talking about and then tell a story.

CALLIE HICKS JRA member from Midway, Kentucky

Callie is the reigning champion of the senior division public speaking contest at the 2021 NAJRAE. She said she’s never had a fear of public speaking. Instead, she was always the kid who could make a friend with anyone in the room. “However, it took me until I was in high school to 14

KATIE MARTIN

RAAA Assistant Director of Field Services

In her role at RAAA, Katie is frequently called upon to speak to large

BUCKLE & BANNER | WINTER 2021-2022

groups at bull sales, a convention or a producer’s meeting. She says every time she gets in front of a crowd, she builds upon her public speaking skills.

Attending a country school gave her the opportunity to develop her skills at a young age through community programs. She then enhanced her skills with 4-H speeches, FFA livestock judging contests and the FFA Creed Speaking and Prepared Public Speaking Contests.

“Practice is key to gaining confidence in public speaking,” Katie said. She also recommends speaking as though you were talking to one person. “It will make your tone more conversational, and hopefully, will calm your nerves as well.”

She said she learned a valuable lesson at a bull sale several years ago when she was on the auction block. A young boy was getting ready to speak, but was obviously nervous. The auctioneer then imparted some strong words of advice, “If you ever stop being nervous speaking to a crowd, you might as well just quit doing it.” Katie said this advice stuck with her. “Rather than beat yourself up about being nervous, you should know that your nerves are natural, and are a sign you are passionate about what you’re speaking about,” she added.

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As we kick off the new year for the Junior Red Angus Association, we reflect on the past year and once again say thank you to our sponsors. Their support makes possible the virtual Young Stockman Program, the National Junior Show at the North American Junior Red Angus Event, national contests and JRA Round-Up. Thank you for your support and investment in our youth.

DIAMOND SPONSORS

PLATINUM Hueftle Cattle Co. Milk Creek Reds Green Mountain Red Angus GOLD Bieber Red Angus RA Brown Ranch Rogers Cattle Co. LLC Heart River Ranch JYJ Red Angus Lost Creek Red Angus SILVER Circle 5 Cow School Devin & Katie Martin Nolan & Kelly Woodruff BRONZE Estrotect

We also extend our thanks to the Red Angus Foundation Inc. for your continued support of junior programs!

BUCKLE & BANNER | WINTER 2021-2022

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Speak Up!

… continued from page 14

“I am grateful for all of the experience I had with public speaking growing up, since it is such an important aspect of my current career, and the combined experience has helped me gain confidence in public speaking.”

CHERYL LINTHICUM

JCL Red Angus and Professor of Accounting, Alvarez College of Business, University of Texas at San Antonio, Comfort, Texas

Cheryl uses her public speaking skills every day, whether she is communicating at the university or working with JCL Red Angus customers or vendors or in the webcasts she leads.

She was thrust into speaking on a microphone at an early age. Since her dad, Jimmy, is deaf, Cheryl became his voice by giving the reasons as he judged shows. They’ve now judged more than 500 shows together, and Cheryl has judged 400 on her own.

At first, Cheryl said she didn’t have the confidence she needed. When she was nine, her great aunt Bea took her to a public speaking workshop. When she was 10, Cheryl won the junior division of the Maryland State Judging Contest, where they had to give oral reasons. At that point, Jimmy decided she was ready to help him judge cattle.

“It doesn’t matter how you start … it doesn’t matter if you win … what matters is that you practice, participate and that you learn. For juniors the time to learn is now.”

“If you are afraid, that’s ok, because most things that help us grow take us 16

at least one step outside of our comfort zone. Take one step at a time. That’s called progress!”

When preparing your speech, she said it’s important to consider who makes up your audience. “Who are they? Juniors? A bull buyer? Someone who wants to know broad information, or someone with little spare time who just wants you to get to the point?”

She said to think about what you want that person on the other side to hear and know. Then consider how best to convey that information.

Next, she says you need to know your subject well and offer a perspective depending on that audience. “Be personal. Be specific and offer examples, preferably from your own experience.”

“Try to be short, sweet and to the point. Cover the topic — whether in a set of reasons when judging or when selling a bull — but don’t waste a person’s time,” Cheryl said. “Just because you want to talk about it, doesn’t mean that someone else wants to hear about it. Look for clues from your audience about this.”

Cheryl said you should be open to questions or comments. “If you don’t know the answer, be honest and say that you don’t know.”

school speech coach helped her tackle her nerves and prepare to give a variety of speeches.

Kim puts a lot of effort in the preparation stage of giving a speech.

“First, I like to know about the crowd and craft a message that fits,” she said. “I like to have time to collect my thoughts and write them down in note form, with bullet points on what I want to say. Also, time permitting and depending on the event, I like to practice to help ensure that what is spoken is really what I mean to say.” When there isn’t time to make notes, she tries to mentally create the most important bullet points and then she fills in from there.

She said engaging the audience is a key to success with public speaking. “I like speakers who engage the audience, whether through participation, thought provoking questions or topics or quotes that pertain to the topic.

“I also like audio/visual presentations,” she added. “It takes some of the focus and pressure off the speaker if the audience is looking at a PowerPoint part of the time.

She also likes to use humor to connect to an audience. “As humans, we connect through humor, I think.”

Kim said being nervous is a part of the normal process. “I know a lot of seasoned speakers who are nervous every time they speak. A lot of the challenge is to know how to deal with the nerves. Be prepared and focus on the message you want to get across.

KIM FORD

Cross Diamond Cattle Co., Bertrand, Nebraska Kim has been giving speeches since her first year as a 4-H member. When she reached high school, she became a member of the high school speech team, and then competed at the Nebraska State Speech Meet all four years of high school.

She said repetition and a wonderful high

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GARRETT KNEBEL

Harmony Hill, Bozeman, Montana As a member of the 2010 national champion livestock judging team at Oklahoma State University, Garrett knows how to deliver a message under

pressure. He has built those skills over time through high school and college experiences, plus serving as a director for the National Junior Angus Association.

He encourages every youth member to take advantage of every opportunity to improve their skill set. He mentioned that NAJRAE and junior organizations offer contests as an avenue to help young people prepare for their careers as adults.

He said seizing every opportunity built his confidence when speaking in front of a group of people.

“Stage fright is only natural,” Garrett said. “Your heart starts beating out of your chest. Your mouth gets dry. You may stutter in and out of thoughts.

“You need to realize that speaking in front of a crowd is hard for everyone. No one is expecting perfection. They’d rather you simply be real and easy to make a connection with. Humor is always a great way to break the ice and realize that everyone is cheering for you, instead of trying to break you down.

Garrett preaches the importance of practice. “It seems silly, but in my earliest years of competing in public speaking,

I can remember my mom forcing me to recite my speech in front of a mirror.”

Making eye contact is Garrett’s biggest piece of advice. “It’s imperative. It’s one of the fastest ways to gain credibility and confidence from whom you’re speaking to,” he said. “Volume is critical as well.

Understand your space, but having a well-supported sound, that is clear and concise, with a tempered pace, will show your listeners this isn’t your first rodeo.

He advises to notice people who are good public speakers and mimic that.

“Memorize a few sentences and then recite them while working on your volume, support, eye contact, confidence and hand gestures. I promise, it will pay off.”

“Today, I use the skills I built in my youth daily,” he said. “Whether that’s on a sale block talking throughout an auction, singing the National Anthem or describing livestock or a marketing plan for another breeder, public speaking is a skill I would encourage anyone and everyone to improve upon.

SHAYE KOESTER

Host of The Casual Cattle Conversations podcast, Steele, North Dakota

Shaye is connecting with a cattle audience in a different way than the people above. On Mondays, she hosts a rancher-to-rancher podcast that covers topics from ranching to time management, and entrepreneurship to finances.

Speaking into a microphone instead of a live audience is a different dynamic in that you don’t have the

…continued on page 28

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INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT:

ANNA

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MILLER WESTERN LIVESTOCK JOURNAL

Anna Miller is no stranger to the Red Angus breed. A past JRA director who grew up on a Red Angus cow-calf operation in California, she says she always knew she wanted to be involved in agriculture. Growing up with interests in reading and writing, she first thought she wanted to be a book editor. However, when she learned she could combine her two passions of agriculture and writing in the world of agricultural communications, she was hooked.

It was her connection with another JRA member that caused her to visit Oklahoma State University when she was college hunting. Anna said she immediately fell in love with the campus and the atmosphere, not to mention the college’s reputation for its ag communications program.

Within a couple days of graduating college, Anna started working full time for the Western Livestock Journal, having already freelanced for the publication that spring. She has now worked her way up to the managing editor position.

In this role, Anna coordinates editorial content for the weekly newspaper, plus two other annual magazine issues. She authors content for these publications as well as edits content submitted by correspondents.

“Working at a small business usually means wearing a few different hats,” she said. “So, I jointly manage our social media accounts, along with a few other sundry tasks.

“My favorite part of the job is feeling connected to the people I grew up around and those I have met along the way. I truly believe the ag industry is made up of the best people, and I hope my articles and stories help give back even a tiny bit to the industry that raised me.”

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HOW DID YOUR HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE EXPERIENCES HELP YOU PROFESSIONALLY? I grew up in a small town, so community was most often the foundation of many of the activities I was involved in. I was an active member and leader in our local 4-H and FFA chapters, and I participated in a variety of projects, including raising and showing market and breeding beef animals. I also played volleyball and tennis.

In college, I was the reporter for both the Oklahoma Collegiate Cattlewomen and FARM Theory clubs and was a member of the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow club. I was also a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority.

Being involved in high school and college organizations really made my educational experiences what they were. Outside extracurriculars are what give you the extra boost to prepare you for “the real world.” I formed lasting relationships, learned how to effectively communicate about my passions (cattle and agriculture), and learned so many professional skills that a classroom often doesn’t teach you.

HOW DID YOUR JRA PARTICIPATION PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR FUTURE? My experiences in JRA, particularly on the board of directors, truly helped me shape the path I wanted for my future. JRA gives you real-life experience, whether

it’s connecting with those higher up than you, forming relationships amongst your peers or teaching you hands-on industry skills.

When you are involved in a small, tight-knit industry like agriculture, relationships are one of the most important things to hold on to. There is no such thing as meeting too many people. You never know whom you’re going to meet again later in life. JRA gave me the opportunity to meet people from across the country, boosted my public speaking skills and gave me experiences to connect with others for years to come.

HOW DID SHOWING CATTLE SHAPE YOUR CAREER? Showing cattle gave me an appreciation for the hard work that goes into the production side of raising cattle. I believe showing cattle should be a display of what you are proudest of at home, and therefore I always chose to show cattle I raised.

There are often sacrifices to be made when you choose to show cattle, which is true of most things in life, especially in a professional aspect.

You learn how to balance the things that are most important to you.

WHO WAS YOUR BIGGEST CHEERLEADER? My mom is hands down my No. 1 supporter. Without her encouragement, I likely wouldn’t have become involved in nearly as much as I did. When I was in high school, becoming a director on the JRA board was incredibly daunting

to me. I always looked up to the previous board members and never thought I could fit the role. Without her strong encouragement — i.e., making me fill out the application — I would have missed out on one of the greatest experiences of my life.

Even today, when I live more than a thousand miles away from home, she is always supporting me, and I hope I make her proud. Love you mom!

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO A YOUNG RED ANGUS ENTHUSIAST ON PREPARING FOR THEIR FUTURE? Don’t be afraid to be uncomfortable. Getting out of your comfort zone is wildly awkward, but it’s usually short-lived and worth the payoff. B&B

The Junior Red Angus Association of America, the junior affiliate of the RAAA, strives to equip and prepare all members to be leaders, innovators, stewards and advocates for the Red Angus breed, the beef industry and agriculture. The JRA membership actively participates in industry events, conferences and workshops designed to develop members’ critical thinking, leadership and production skill sets.

Additionally, the JRA strives to nurture enthusiasm for the beef industry and agriculture, while promoting networking and education.

For more information on the Junior Red Angus Association of America, visit RedAngus.org or call Kim Heller, junior programs coordinator, at 515-851-2019.

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WEST TEXAS FAIR & RODEO

JR. JUDGE — EMORY GEYE OPEN JUDGE — JASON GASTON Photos by Devin Sisk Photography

9.4-5.2021 / ABILENE, TEXAS

CHAMPION JUNIOR HEIFER

RESERVE CHAMPION JUNIOR HEIFER

Red Diamond Anexa 113 – Kaylee Bragg, Salado, Texas

CH MS Stone Cold 069H – Casey Holton, Cisco, Texas

CHAMPION STEER

RESERVE CHAMPION STEER

Blaize Benson, Tom Green Co. 4-H

Maci Hjelmervik, Fisher Co. 4-H

CHAMPION OPEN HEIFER

RESERVE CHAMPION OPEN HEIFER

5RR Plush 182G – Maddie Jenkins, De Leon, Texas

Red Diamond Ruby 021 – Jackson Bragg, Salado, Texas

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BUCKLE BUCKLE & BANNER & BANNER | WINTER | WINTER 2021-2022 2021-2022

CHAMPION OPEN BULL

RESERVE CHAMPION OPEN BULL

Wood Hot Sauce 9044G – Northline Angus, De Leon, Texas

GMMB Swagger H6798 – Schafer Cattle Co., Woodson, Texas

Champion Junior Showman – Casey Holton, Cisco, Texas / Champion Senior Showman – Jackson Bragg, Salado, Texas

ILLINOIS

STATE FAIR JUDGE — TRAVIS PEMBROKE 8.12.2021 / SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS

S. CAROLINA STATE FAIR JUDGE — BLAKE BLOOMBERG 10.23.2021 / COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA

CHAMPION JUNIOR FEMALE

CHAMPION JUNIOR FEMALE

FJHT Saucy 050 – Paige Van Dyke, Louisville, Illinois

Bull Hill Miliama 9207 – Morgan Marlett, Laurens, South Carolina

HAVE YOU WON A STATE, REGIONAL OR NATIONAL SHOW? Submit your photo, animal name, show date and judge to lisa@redangus.org.

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RED WESTERN

JR. JUDGE — ERIC ELDRIDGE OPEN JUDGE — BILLY STUCKEY

CLASSIC

Photos by Branded Rose Photography

11.4-5.2021 / RENO, NEVADA

CHAMPION JUNIOR FEMALE

RESERVE CHAMPION JUNIOR FEMALE

Kambrie Murray, Lebanon, Oregon

Cason Ricksger, Canby, Oregon

CHAMPION BRED-AND-OWNED FEMALE

RES. CH. BRED-AND-OWNED FEMALE

Cason Ricksger, Canby, Oregon

Rose McPhee, Lodi, California

CHAMPION BRED-AND-OWNED BULL

RES. CH. BRED-AND-OWNED BULL

Cason Ricksger, Canby, Oregon

Kambrie Murray, Lebanon, Oregon

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AMERICAN ROYAL

JR. JUDGE — JARED BOYERT OPEN JUDGE — TIM FITZGERALD

10.16.2021 / KANSAS CITY

CHAMPION JUNIOR FEMALE FJHT Saucy 050 – Paige Van Dyke, Louisville, Illinois

CHAMPION JR. & OPEN PERCENTAGE RED ANGUS FEMALE TGSC Jacque 010H – Morgan Jackson, Kaufman, Texas

WASHINGTON STATE FAIR

JUDGE — JUAN GAVETTE

9.17.2021 / PUYALLUP, WASHINGTON

CHAMPION JUNIOR HEIFER

RESERVE CHAMPION JUNIOR HEIFER

TCC Ms Medora 950 – Rainier, Washington

OWNG Janace 2070 – Quinn Delaney, Rainier, Washington

BUCKLE & BANNER | WINTER 2021-2022

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JRANews

Save the Dates for JRA Round-Up 2022

B

uild friendships, gain industry knowledge and compete for awards through the 2022 JRA Round-Up. This summer conference combines agricultural tours, educational programs, the JRA annual meeting and LOTS of fun.

This year’s Round-Up will hit the road out of Denver to explore agriculture and the beef industry in Colorado, southeast Wyoming and western Nebraska.

The agriculture and educational experiences will amaze you as much as the scenery. This trip will also be the first opportunity for a JRA program to visit the Red Angus Association of America headquarters in Colorado.

Throughout the event, participants will participate in national contests.

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Contest participation contributes to awards for high point junior and senior members. Juniors also have the opportunity to participate in team challenges to compete for the overall champion team. These challenges are designed to create a fun experience and allow members to build teamwork skills with others from around the country.

Round-Up is also the location of the annual Junior Red Angus membership meeting to conduct official business of the organization, including the election of the board of directors.

Registration for JRA Round-Up is due on Sunday, May 1. Scholarships are available, and those applications are also due May 1. More information can be found online at http://redangus.org/jra/ B&B

BUCKLE & BANNER | WINTER 2021-2022

Mark Your Calendar for NAJRAE 2022 Looking for an opportunity this summer to show Red Angus cattle AND participate in personal and leadership development competitive events?

Mark your calendar for the Junior Red Angus National Show at the largest summer event for youth involved in the Red Angus breed — the North American Junior Red Angus Event in Chickasha, Oklahoma, on June 19-25.

For more information, visit najrae.com. B&B

JRANews Junior Red Angus Member Collegiate Scholarships Available The Red Angus Association of America is pleased to award a minimum of five $1,000 college scholarships through the support of the Red Angus Foundation Inc. The following criteria will be used to determine eligibility: 1. Applicant must be a current JRA member in good standing with RAAA at the time of application.

2. Applicant must be a graduating high school senior or a current college freshman with definite plans to enroll in post-secondary education in the fall of the application year.

3. Complete applications must be submitted by Feb. 15 of the application year. Applications will only be accepted via the online portal.

4. Scholarship awards are not limited to one year. Last year’s recipients may submit a scholarship application for the current year.

The online application requires these items be submitted: • Resume • Current transcript • Head and shoulders photograph • Three letters of reference (must meet the Feb. 15 deadline)

The online portal is available Dec. 15-Feb. 15. JRA members must register online at redangus. awardspring.com. Once registered with the site, the application contains several short answer questions. You can access the application to review the questions before completing and submitting the application for scholarship consideration.

If you have questions about the scholarship process, please contact Kim Heller at juniors@redangus.org.

B&B

Junior Red Angus Trivia Are you doing your part to know about the breed and the association? Test your knowledge; answers can be found at https://bit.ly/redgeneration 1. What year was the RAAA founded? a. 1943 b. 1954 c. 1965 d. 1976 2. What does THR stand for? a. Total Heifer Reporting b. Total Herd Reporting c. Two Heifer Replacements d. Total Herd Response 3. What is required when tattooing an animal? a. Herd prefix and animal ID b. Just animal ID c. Just herd prefix 4. What is the National Junior Red Angus Show of 2022? a. Fort Worth Stock Show b. North American International Livestock Exposition c. Cattlemen’s Congress d. North American Junior Red Angus Event B&B 25

BETWEEN THE AISLES

WARM UP YOUR CREW AT WINTER SHOWS

SHOW

from beefitswhatsfordinner.com

DAY RECIPE

SWEET ONION & PEPPER BEEF SANDWICHES WITH AU JUS

Top you r favorite French brea d wi th th e ta s ty f l a vo r s of s l ow co o ke d beef, sweet onions an d bel l p ep p er s i n th i s h ea r ty s a n d wi c h .

INGREDIENTS: • 3 to 3 1/2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1- to 1 1/2 -inch pieces • 2 medium sweet onions, cut into 1/2-inch wedges • 2 red bell pepper, cut lengthwise into 1-inch wide strips • 1 cup reduced-sodium beef broth • 1/3 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce • 1/2 cup no-salt added tomato paste • 2 tablespoons minced garlic • 8 to 10 French bread rolls, split, warmed • Optional toppings: reduced-fat shredded Cheddar cheese, pepperoncini, pepper rings, assorted olives

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BUCKLE & BANNER | WINTER 2021-2022

DIRECTIONS: Place onions in 5 1/2 quart slow cooker; top with beef, then pepper slices. Combine beef broth, tomato paste, soy sauce and garlic; add to slow cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH 6 to 7 hours or LOW 8 to 9 hours or until beef is fork-tender. (No stirring is necessary during cooking.) Skim fat from cooking liquid, if necessary.

Serve beef and vegetables in rolls with toppings, as desired. Serve au jus for dipping, if desired.

ALTERNATE COOKING METHOD: For pressure cooker directions, safe handling tips and nutritional information, visit https://bit. ly/3GUJSPB B&B

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BUCKLE & BANNER | WINTER 2021-2022

27

Speak Up!

… continued from page 17

same feedback as a face-to-face audience. Nevertheless, Shaye has found methods to connect with her audience and command their attention.

“In the podcast world, it starts with the title of the episode, description and then rolls into the content.” She chooses her content based on what ranchers are currently facing, and then focuses on how she can help solve their pain point.

“Recognizing the pain point, my audience is experiencing allows me to connect with them. It strikes up emotions that keeps them engaged and pulled into the stories I share.”

Shaye uses five keys to success when speaking to her audience: • Connect: Relate to your audience so that they are interested in what you have to say.

• Help: Make the talk about how you and your experience can help them. Whether it’s inspiring them by your personal story or selling them a bull to improve their herd, YOU have something to offer!

• Speak loud and clear: This isn’t new advice, but if people can’t hear or understand you, the value of your words goes out the window.

• Shorter is better: Long talks allow people’s minds to wander. Keep it short to keep their attention. This also helps them grasp the main points.

• Prepare: Be prepared. Know what you want your audience to get out of your podcast or speech. Create an outline or bullet points to make sure you hit the important points. This also helps the audience know what they were supposed to take away from your presentation.

Shaye wrapped up by reminding juniors that even the pros still get nervous. “It’s how you channel those nerves that matters. The important thing is that you get up there and speak,” she said. “You have a voice and need to use it.

“The sooner you start to speak and get your name out there, the more it pays off in the long run. It doesn’t matter if it’s 30 seconds or 30 minutes, public speaking is public speaking, and you improve every time you do it.” B&B

Ad space reservation due: Jan. 19 Camera ready art due: Feb. 4 28

BUCKLE & BANNER | WINTER 2021-2022

PUBLICATION OF THE

RED ANGUS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA GENERAL INFORMATION Published four times annually by the Red Angus Association of America at the national headquarters (18335 E 103rd Avenue, Suite 202, Commerce City, CO 80022). A non-political magazine dedicated to the promotion and improvement of breeding, showing, feeding and marketing Red Angus cattle.

ADVERTISING INFORMATION Visit redangus.org/buckle-banner for advertising rates and media kit. To place advertising in upcoming issues, contact Lisa Bryant at lisa@redangus.org.

March 2022 issue ad space reservation deadline — ­ Jan. 19 March 2022 issue camera ready art due — Feb. 2

EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING POLICY Advertising and editorial content are not limited to any particular class of product or subject matter. However, we reserve the right to refuse publication of any material not within the bounds of high agricultural ethics. While we devote the utmost care to the preparation of each advertisement, we cannot be held responsible for ads received after the ad deadline. Furthermore, the accuracy and content of copy received over the telephone is entirely the responsibility of the advertiser. No adjustment for incorrect ad copy will be considered for ads that are received after the ad deadline or that are placed over the telephone.

All unused reserved advertising space not canceled by the advertising deadline will be fully billed to the advertiser. B&B

ADVERTISING INDEX Allflex........................................................................12 Conley Cattle.......................................................... BC Freeman Beef Genetics............................................17 Harmony Hill.............................................................1 Home Place Land & Cattle Co................................11 JCL Red Angus................................................... 7, BC Kip Wallace Cattle Co...........................................IBC Las Rojas Red Angus.................................................5 Legacy Livestock Imaging.......................................27 Majestic Meadows.................................................. BC NAJRAE .....................................................................9 Red Diamond Land & Cattle............................... IFC Timber Creek........................................................IBC Twin Willow Farms.................................................13

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Red Angus Association of America 18335 E. 103rd ave., suite 202 commerce city, co 80022

BUCKLE & BANNER | WINTER 2021-2022