• HALL OF FAME
Passion is evident when someone makes all attempts possible to infilitrate themselves into all facets of their interests. The Jensen Family has done just that in regards to the Hereford breed and livestock industry as a whole. Kevin and Sheila Jensen, along with their three children, Brady, Brooke and Ben, have made an instrumental mark on agriculture through their involvement as showmen, producers, and members of the American Hereford Association.
JAN/FEB 2016
In addition to their cattle ranch, Jensen Bros., located in Courtland, Kansas, the Jensen’s can be found behind the reigns of both 2013 Best of the Barns award winner Jensen Livestock Agency and Jensen Genetic Center.
THE SHOWTIMES
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Kevin and Sheila Jensen have judged all across the country. Their oldest son, Brady, is quickly following in his parents footsteps having been a member of the All American Juding Team while a member of the Kansas State University and previously Butler Community College Livestock Judging Teams. All three Jensen children have not only been successful within the Hereford breed, they have used their love for the association to give back. Both Brady and Brooke served on the National Junior Hereford Association Board of Directors, with Brady holding the title of 2014-2015 Board Chairman. Prior to her board position, Brooke had the honor of representing the Hereford breed as their 2013-2014 National Queen. Don’t just take our word for the huge contribution the Jensen Family is to our way of life. American Hereford Association Executive Vice President, Jack Ward, and Director of Youth Activities, Amy Cowan, share how Kevin, Sheila, Brady, Brooke and Ben have been an industry asset.
JACK WARD AHA EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Loyal, enthusiastic, dedicated, competitive, hard working and deep rooted in the livestock industry are all words that describe the Jensen family. Kevin, Sheila, Brady, Brooke and Ben have a family pedigree that is built by generations of great minds and visionaries for the beef cattle industry, and Kevin and Sheila have been able to keep their family active in all parts of the industry. It starts at the ranch where this family’s operation is home to one of the strongest set of Hereford cows that are capable of producing a national champion, but more importantly, are focused on economically relevant traits that will make their commercial customers profitable. From a genetics standpoint, the Jensen family keeps an eye on details and uses all tools available to make breeding decisions including EPD, genomics and type to produce cattle that work for their customers. They are clear thinkers and keep a balanced approach to their selections. Kevin and Sheila have both served as judges across the US and internationally and it is exciting to see Brady following in the footsteps as one of the exciting young judges. This family is dedicated to junior programs and they have certainly been loyal to the Hereford breed. Brady has served as a past chairman of the National Junior Hereford board of directors and Brooke is currently serving as on the board. Kevin and Sheila have been huge supporters of the program as they have seen the benefits it has given their children and this year, they along with Dylan and Chelsea Evans will donate the Hereford Youth of America Foundation heifer that will be sold in the Mile High Sale, Denver, to help support Hereford youth and events for years to come. Kevin and his family are friends and I consider them great assets to the industry. They collectively have been great spokesmen, mentors and leaders to all parts of agriculture and youth programs.