Name: Kassidy Schumann

Hometown: Lecompton, Kansas

Where are you currently and what does the future hold? Currently, I am gearing up to enter my last semester at Kansas State University where I will graduate with a degree in Agricultural Communications and Journalism as well as minors in Agricultural Sales and Animal Science.

What brought you to Shorthorn? I originally applied to Shorthorn because of its proximity to home, but after receiving the internship I started meeting different breeders and they were all so kind and helpful. I really appreciate the true family atmosphere the people in this breed create.

What are you most excited for this summer? I am excited to attend a new breed’s Jr. National show and travel to some new places. I am also excited for everything I will learn this summer from so many new people. Although it is June I think school is just starting for me!

How did you get involved in agriculture? I was lucky enough to grow up on a ranch in Lecompton, KS where we run commercial cow-calf pairs as well as a small, registered herd of performance Herefords. My parents made sure I was involved on the ranch and in 4-H from a young age and to this day one of my favorite activities is still checking cattle with my dad.

What is one thing you consider a necessity? My headphones. I love music and listen to it everywhere I go. My headphones allow me to listen to some good tunes while also tuning out other distractions, allowing me to work more efficiently.

What do you do to relax after a day at the office? After a day at work, I use my drive home to unwind. Usually that means one of two things, I am either blaring my music or calling family and friends to catch up.

Name: Paige Van Dyke

Hometown: Louisville, Illinois

Where are you currently and what does the future hold: I graduated from Oklahoma State University this May with my Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, with a major in Agricultural Communications and a minor in Special Education. After my summer internship with the American Junior Shorthorn Association, I hope to work for a breed association in the youth activities or communication department or at an agricultural organization/business within the communications field.

What brought you to Shorthorn: The people brought me to shorthorn! I have always wanted to intern/work for a breed association and when the opportunity arose, I was eager and excited to start this new journey!

What are you most excited for this summer: I am most excited about meeting all the junior members and their families! Junior Nationals is my favorite summer event, and I can’t wait to not only grow and learn as an individual, but help other junior members step outside their comfort zone and have a memorable experience. 

How did you get involved in agriculture: I got involved in agriculture at a very young age on my family’s grain and livestock operation in southern Illinois. I grew up showing club lambs on the Illinois Club Lamb Association Circuit and at the age of 12 I started showing Angus and Red Angus cattle. Cattle quickly became my favorite species! I started getting more involved within the associations and had the opportunity to serve as the NAJRAE Jr. Board President. 

What is one thing you consider a necessity: One thing I consider a necessity is Ice Cream! I could have it morning, noon and night if I allowed myself.

What do you do to relax after a day at the office: Once I am done at the office I like to change into comfy clothes, spend time with my Australian Shepard puppy Rynn, and watch a movie while I cook dinner.

Name:  Elizabeth Crumm

Hometown: Anadarko, Oklahoma 

Where are you currently and what does the future hold: I am currently a senior at Kansas State University majoring in Agricultural Communications and Journalism.  I plan to attend graduate school at Kansas State University in the Agricultural Communications department, after I finish my bachelor’s degree in May of 2025. After school I am hoping to work for a breed association, or a major livestock show. 

What brought you to Shorthorn: What brought me to Shorthorn was all the good stories I have heard from past interns; I have always wanted to have a long summer internship with a breed association to learn more about the behind the scenes of what all goes into putting on a junior nationals and everyday work in the association. The one thing that stood out me was how much you will learn from Shelby and all the fun you would have working here, that’s what brought me to shorthorn. 

What are you most excited for this summer: I am very excited to head to junior nationals and to meet all the exhibitors!  

How did you get involved in agriculture: I am a 5^th generation farmer, I got involved in the show cattle industry at nine years old and have been showing Hereford cattle since. I got really involved in the Hereford Association in 2021 after being crowned Oklahoma Hereford queen and serving for two years, I also served as the secretary and president on the junior board.     

What is one thing you consider a necessity: My one necessity would be my caffeine in the morning, I MUST have a red bull or a coffee every morning.  

What do you do to relax after a day at the office: After work I usually go home and change into comfy clothes and turn a movie on to start getting dinner ready.