As I reflect on my time here at Shorthorn, all I can is wow! I had an incredible summer with the American Shorthorn Association, being able to learn all the behind scenes like how to do entries, the check-in process, and how the show runs. I enjoyed being able to be in office every day and working with the other staff to get everything lined up for a great week in Maryland! My favorite thing was going through digital beef sorting shows and making show programs. My favorite memory would have to be riding with Montie to Maryland and to Kentucky, I had so many laughs with him and the other interns, I will not forget those road trips memories made with them!
I will miss the other interns and being able to see them every day, I got close with them over the summer. I will also miss talking to everyone in the office and having laughs when working! My future plans are traveling to South Dakota this weekend to picture a show with Focus Marketing and after that I will be joining Wyoming State Fair as the Communications and Marketing Intern, I will also be attending an ambassador training in Colorado for a scholarship. I will then be returning to Manhattan to finish my senior year of college at K-state and start off the state fair run!
Paige Van Dyke
Thank you to the entire ASA staff and the AJSA members for this amazing opportunity. It has been an honor serving you this summer as the 2024 Youth Activities Intern. I have learned a lot as an individual and team member. This opportunity has better prepared me for my future endeavors, and I look forward to what’s to come. One of my favorite memories from this summer was the awards ceremony. Seeing all the exhibitors hard work pay off after a long week was priceless. Through this experience I also gained two new best friends in Kassidy and Elizabeth! These two girls have been such a joy to work with and I look forward to seeing them reach their highest goals. Thank you for everyone in the office for believing in us and investing in our future. It is a summer I will not soon forget! Following this summer, I plan to work with in the livestock industry, so keep an eye out for me!
Kassidy Schumann
To the Shorthorn breed and the people who support it – thank you for this opportunity. I have had the time of my life discovering new talents and new adventures this summer. I will miss the fun environment that our office had and the people within it. Specifically, I will miss my two fellow interns but can’t wait to see how far they go in their future endeavors.
After a summer filled with several thousand miles on the road, I am excited to say things are slowing down for me. This fall I will return to Kansas State University where I plan to graduate in December. Following graduation, I plan to attend Graduate School where I will pursue an MBA.
Shorthorn, this is not goodbye but rather see you down the road. Thank you for the best experience!
As the Registrations Intern, my primary responsibilities for the week were coordinating and overseeing the cattle check in process. During the show I recorded the placings and posted results on Facebook. Of course, I helped everywhere I could in between, whether running things back and forth to contest, helping setting awards up for shows, and setting up the ring for the shows. One of my favorite parts of the week was contest check-in, I was able to help with the thank you letter station, I was able to help little kids write them thank you notes and oversee the process. I also loved being able to play softball with some of the kids after work one day, it was a nice break from office work getting to know the kids! The drive there was nothing but laughs, jokes, and getting some naps in. It was a blast being able to travel with the other interns and of course Montie. We all were jamming to 90’s country and just enjoying the views.
Paige Van Dyke
Youth Activities Intern 2024
The National Junior Shorthorn Show and Youth Conference was a week full of memories. As interns we stayed very busy from check-in, contests, the Youth Conference, shows, meeting members and their families, opening and closing ceremonies, and packing. Junior Nationals are my favorite part of the summer, and I was so excited for the opportunity to Sail away with Shorthorn! The family atmosphere was second to none. One of my favorite memories was playing softball with a group of Juniors one evening after a long day. I look forward to seeing everyone soon and get ready to be Groovy in Grand Island!
Kassidy Schumann
Communications Intern 2024
Sailing away with Shorthorn was a blast (even for someone who cannot swim)! From the ride out with Montie being stuck in a car with all three interns to the ride back this was a trip I will not soon forget. I stayed busy, toting around my camera for almost the whole week, capturing the memories as they were being made. I also helped anywhere I could between contests or grabbing refreshments. I think some of my favorite memories included the lassie’s teatime and the green crown I was gifted or Paige trying to teach Montie the “right” words to Dixieland delight. I’m looking forward to another road trip with the crew as we gear up for the symposium in Kentucky soon.
As exhibitors from around the country gear up for a long haul tell us what you do to pass time on long road trips.
I sleep on roadtrips… a lot! I will also pass time with phone calls or playlists and podcasts.
How has the first few weeks of interning been? Give us a recap or reflection!
We have been super busy at the office! In the first 3 weeks we have done a lot of work for Jr. Nationals, and I am excited to sail away with Shorthorn! I will also say I have had a great time getting to know the staff here and think they are amazing!
What is one piece of advice you have for the exhibitors as they come to compete in Maryland?
I know that Jr. Nationals can be stressful, but as the last year exhibitors know – there are only so many Jr. Nationals you get to attend so enjoy them and make lots of memories!
We have 16 hours to kill! Drop a few of your favorite songs for a road trip playlist.
Bring on the Rain – Jo Dee Messina & Tim McGraw
Love’s Gonna Make It Alright – George Strait
Everytime We Touch – Cascada
Elizabeth Crumm – Registrations Intern
As exhibitors from around the country gear up for a long haul tell us what you do to pass time on long road trips.
I usually bring my laptop with me to knock out schoolwork, answer emails, and watch Netflix. After I do that, I usually turn a podcast on and take a nap!
How has the first few weeks of interning been? Give us a recap or reflection!
The past couple of weeks have been super busy and, on the go, to get prepared for the best Junior Nationals! I have been able to get to know the staff more and their absolute best team to work with!
What is one piece of advice you have for the exhibitors as they come to compete in Maryland?
My best piece of advice I would give to exhibitors is to just have a blast, to get out of your confront zone and go talk to everyone because those are the best friendships you will have down the road!
We have 16 hours to kill! Drop a few of your favorite songs for our road trip playlist.
Any man of mine – Shania Twain
Check yes or no – George Strait
Hannah Montana shuffle
Paige Van Duke – Youth Activities Intern
As exhibitors from around the country gear up for a long haul tell us what you do to pass time on long road trips.
To pass time catch up on sleep, make phone calls, listen to good music or an audio book!
How has the first few weeks of interning been? Give us a recap or reflection!
The internship has been great thus far! We have been busy at the office getting everything prepared for the show and the contests! The staff is great, and it’s been a pleasure to get to know and work alongside them! I am so excited to Sail Away with Shorthorns this week in Maryland!
What is one piece of advice you have for the exhibitors as they come to compete in Maryland?
Enjoy every moment, it goes by quicker than you think! Try something new and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, you never know until you try.
We have 16 hours to kill! Drop a few of your favorite songs for our road trip playlist.
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 5th 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.
Summer 2023 has definitely been one to remember. I have gained incredible knowledge on preparing for a cattle show, creating and sorting classes, coordinating check-in, writing reports, and organizing DNA samples. I greatly appreciate every skill and experience I gained throughout the past two months. Thank you to the American Shorthorn Association for providing me the opportunity to work as the Registrations Intern. Peace and go vols!
Ashley Osborne
Looking back at all the opportunities this summer, I’m grateful to have spent my summer with this fantastic association. This summer, I gained knowledge by working for a breed association, youth development, press releases, photography, and social media management. I have made a connection that will last a lifetime, and I hope to open more doors down the road. Not only have I professionally grown, but I have also personally grown a lot through this internship. I hope everyone takes an opportunity that comes their way because you never know where that will lead you. Thank you to all American Shorthorn Association staff for all the memories and knowledge you have given me over the past two months. Thank you to the Shorthorn breeders for being welcoming and a family! Go Cats!
Kaylee McInvale
Thank you for the opportunities that you have presented me! I am so thankful to have served as the Youth Activities Intern. It has been a great and memorable experience. It was a pleasure to meet each of you with whom I interacted at Junior Nationals! I was blown away by the passion, determination that you all shared and loved seeing the teamwork that your Shorthorn Family showcased! Thank you to the American Shorthorn Association for hiring me and providing this opportunity to experience the behind-the-scenes details that go into pulling off an amazing junior national!
Today in the office, we decided we would put together a potluck lunch. The interns selected a recipe from the 2023 Junior Nationals Beef Cook-Off Contest, and everyone else brought a side dish to enjoy along with it! Ashley, Jana, and Kaylee supplied the taco toppings and the meat. Shebly cooked Mexican rice, Wade made crockpot queso, Cassie made corn dip, and Montie topped it off with “homemade” dessert.
This was presented by the state of Maryland and is called Crockpot Beef Tacos; the recipe is provided below!
Ingredients:
2.5-3 Pound beef chuck roast
½ Teaspoon Kosher salt
½ Teaspoon black pepper
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
½ Teaspoon garlic powder
½ Teaspoon cumin
Onion powder
Shredded Mexican Cheese
16 ounces jarred chunky salsa
Flour tortilla (street sized) for serving
Taco toppings, for serving
Directions:
Step 1:
Season the chuck roast on both sides with salt and pepper
Step 2:
On the stove, heat a large skillet to medium-high heat. Once hot, add the vegetable oil. Sear the roast for about 3-5 minutes per side or until deep golden brown
Step 3:
Place the seared roast into a 6-8 quart crockpot. Sprinkle the roast with garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin on top. Pour the salsa directly on top of the roast. Cook on low heat for 7-8 hours.
Step 4:
Remove the roast from the crockpot. Shred the meat, discarding any fatty bits. Place the shredded meat back into the crockpot and stir it with the accumulated juices. Taste and add more salt if necessary. Before serving, warm the tortillas on black stone. Serve immediately on warmed tortillas, along with your favorite taco toppings.
It was a great day for us at the ASA office to spend time together and enjoy good food and conversation. We loved these Crockpot Beef Tacos, and we are excited to see what everyone comes up with for next year’s Beef Cook-Off Contest with the new cut of meat!
Besides being at work, I have been taking summer classes. Most of my extra time has been spent on homework and tests. I have visited the Kansas City Zoo and have gotten to try some cool places throughout the town. I have had a few moments off as part of my Junior Hereford Board of Director duties and when I traveled to Madison, Wisconsin, for the National Hereford Expo.
Ashley
I will say this has been my less active summer because of the internship, but I wouldn’t change it for the experiences that I have gotten. Besides Kaylee, Jana, and I going to Luke Comb’s concert, I have enjoyed spending time with my nieces at the pool and watching them grow up. Since I live at college, I don’t get to be there as much as I would like. My friend Jack and I went to Angus Junior Nationals in Grand Island, Nebraska, to surprise my roommate Avery and watch her retire from the junior board. We are also in preparation for show season, which includes cleaning the trailer, packing the trailer, and clipping calves, so some long hot summer days will come soon.
Jana
Outside of work, I have been spending my afternoons exercising at the gym and writing letters/postcards to my friends and family back home. A couple of weeks ago, Ashley, Kaylee, and I went to Arrowhead Stadium and saw Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson, Riley Green, and Flatland Cavalry in concert! It was such an amazing show! I have also enjoyed going out to line-dance and two-step! I flew to Tennessee to watch my brother exhibit his shorthorns at our state beef expo and celebrate the Fourth of July with my family! I will fly home again for my school’s livestock judging camp in Knoxville! After that, I plan to squeeze in a day or two to do all Kansas City things and see all the sights! It is crazy that we are already halfway through the summer, but I can’t wait to see what else is in store!
My best childhood memory was riding horses with my dad on the weekends.
Where is the coolest place you have traveled?
The coolest place that I have traveled to is Colorado. I have been twice, once in the summer and then in the winter. In the summer, we rode horseback in the Rocky Mountains, then in the winter, we went skiing and snowmobiling up the continental divide.
What is the strangest food combination you enjoy?
Mashed potatoes and cottage cheese. It sounds so weird, but something about it was that it was my go-to when I was a kid.
What is your favorite winter activity?
My favorite winter activity is traveling to snowy places in the mountains and enjoying the beauty. I also really enjoy skiing.
What is one fact that few people know about you?
One fact few people don’t know about me is that I used to trap shoot on a competitive traveling team.
Kaylee
What is on your bucket list?
I’m not super adventurous, so my bucket list includes skydiving and hot air balloon rides. I want to go snorkeling and deep-sea scuba diving. I want to visit all 50 states. I have traveled to a good handful.
What is your best childhood memory?
I don’t know if it’s genuinely classified as a childhood memory, but when I was crowned the 2020-2021 National Hereford Queen, this easily is my top-ranked memory.
Where is the coolest place you have traveled?
I have only stayed in the United States, so the coolest place I have traveled is when my mom and I drove to Pennsylvania for Keystone International.
What is the strangest food combination you enjoy?
Watermelon and Salt, or Apples with salt and cinnamon.
What is your favorite winter activity?
Sitting by the fireplace, drinking hot cocoa, and watching movies
What is one fact that few people know about you?
I am kind-hearted and quiet unless I start talking about my passions so that I will talk your ear off.
Jana
What is on your bucket list?
I want to visit Greece to see the ancient buildings and beautiful scenery!
What is your best childhood memory?
As a child, I enjoyed dressing up and making fashion shows for my family. I had a variety of princess dresses, fairy outfits, and Hannah Montana wigs that I loved to rock!
Where is the coolest place you have traveled?
The Grand Canyon is a breathtaking area. We ventured there a few years ago while on a livestock judging trip, and it was stunning! God’s creation truly is beautiful.
What is the strangest food combination you enjoy?
A restaurant in my hometown used to serve sweet potato fries with honey, and I loved it! You should try it sometime!
What is your favorite winter activity?
Driving around and looking at Christmas lights while listening to Christmas Music always brings me so much joy!
What is one fact that few people know about you?
I have a YouTube channel! I only have a few vlogs from various 4-H or FFA trips, but I am currently working on posting vlogs from our collegiate livestock judging trips throughout the year. Documenting these memories through videos is fun, so I can always look back on them.
As our first week back from Des Monies and all the Shorthorn Kingdom magic, we wanted to share some of our favorite Disney questions and our recap on the best week!
Ashley
What is your favorite Disney movie?
The Fox and the Hound
What is your favorite Disney song?
Hakuna Matata
What is your favorite Disney quote?
“The past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it.” -The Lion King
Who is your favorite Disney character?
Moana
What are your favorite movie snacks?
Extra buttery popcorn, Peanut M&Ms, and a cold Coke!
Who would you be if you could be any Disney character in any movie? Why?
If I could be a Disney character, it would be Merida from Brave because she carved out her path in life and doesn’t need a man to be a queen.
Recap of Junior Nationals:
It was an honor to be selected as the 2023 Commutations Intern and to be able to capture a lifetime of memories and work within this Association. The 2023 National Junior Show was an experience of a lifetime. After attending many Santa Gertrudis Junior Nationals, this was the first of a different breed, and wow, Shorthorn, you took my breath away. This was nothing like I was expecting; from the staff, youth, and cattle, it was a fantastic week. I learned much this week and enjoyed making the Shorthorn Kingdom come to life. When I saw the Shorthorn Kingdom name, I was unsure how that connected, but it truly was a community from all 28 states coming together to support the youth in the Shorthorn Association. The passion that everyone had for every junior was a tear-jerker. Seeing all the hard work, support, and smiles daily was unbelievable. The Shorthorn Breed has outdone itself with the National Junior Show and should be proud of the fantastic opportunity they give to every junior. However, there were times of difficulty and rushing and running. Many great moments put a smile on my face. One of the most significant parts was being included in the Shorthorn Family, meeting with different families and juniors. They, indeed, are a family! I will never forget the time I spent in Des Moines with the American Shorthorn Association!
Jana
What is your favorite Disney movie?
I have a lot of favorites, but Aladdin (the live-action version) has to be at the top of the list! Will Smith (the genie) is hilarious, and the movie is so beautiful! My favorite scene is when the genie, Aladdin, and their huge entourage parade into the city!
What is your favorite Disney song?
“He Could Be the One” – Hannah Montana
What is your favorite Disney quote?
“Sometimes you gotta get through your fear to see the beauty on the other side.” – The Good Dinosaur
Who is your favorite Disney character?
Woody from Toy Story is a classic. He is funny, courageous, and determined to make Andy the happiest kid ever while leading all of the toys through their unpredictable adventures.
What are your favorite movie snacks?
Nerds Gummy Clusters are unmatched. Honorable mention to Cookie Dough Bites.
Who would you be if you could be any Disney character in any movie? Why?
I would be Olaf from Frozen. He is an outgoing character who loves warm hugs and all things summer. He provides comedic relief along his journeys with Elsa and Anna. He finds joy in the little things in life. He has a sincere heart for others and wants to help his friends.
Recap of Junior Nationals:
What an exciting week we had at the 2023 National Junior Shorthorn Show & Youth Conference! Last week was a thrilling experience getting to see all the behind-the-scenes work that goes into making such a successful show! As the Registration intern, my primary responsibilities for the week were coordinating and overseeing the cattle check-in process. I also recorded placings during the shows and posted results on Facebook. Of course, I helped out everywhere in between, whether setting up for the next contest or show, “Ubering” junior board members to their next event, putting together exhibitor packets, or sweeping tiny confetti pieces off the arena’s dirt floor. One of my favorite parts of the week was watching the states proudly parade in for the opening ceremonies! I also enjoyed watching the Old Pro Showmanship and am glad I watched each show! As I reflect on the week, I am so appreciative for such a unique experience and for each exhibitor that I connected with along the way! So long, Junior Nationals! Hopefully, I can sail with you all to Maryland next year!
Kaylee
What is your favorite Disney movie?
Chicken Little
What is your favorite Disney song?
The Bare Necessities
What is your favorite Disney quote?
“Some people are worth melting for… just maybe not right this second”- Olaf, Frozen.
Who is your favorite Disney character?
Piglet
What are your favorite movie snacks?
Popcorn, M&M’s, Milk Duds, Red Licorice, and a nice Dr. Pepper.
Who would you be if you could be any Disney character in any movie? Why?
Edna Mode from Incredibles. Because she is this strong independent woman that gets to work with superheroes and create outfits for them. She is most coveted, and how she keeps everyone’s identities a secret. Plus, her house and the entire property are super high-tech.
Recap of Junior Nationals:
Wow! What a fantastic week to have been through. I grew up attending junior nationals of all breeds, but this was my first for the Shorthorn breed. I knew a little about what went into putting on a show however have never been the one to help do it. There was a lot to get done before being in Des Moines. The 2023 National Junior Shorthorn Show and Youth Conference were one for the books, with breaking numbers of entries and kids entered. While my week was a chaotic blur, I enjoyed almost every minute. Serving as the Youth Activities Intern, I opened my eyes to what goes into planning and preparing a National Junior Show. My week in Des Moines showcased the Shorthorn Breed, Industry, and Family. It was so much fun seeing all the activities put on for the juniors, the contests that lots participated in, and the enjoyment across the faces of the kids when their placings were announced at Friday night’s banquet. I want to thank the candidates for constantly giving food and Oklahoma for always bringing their extra food into the office, knowing I was usually there. I want to thank the American Shorthorn Association for hiring me and giving me this fantastic, eye-opening opportunity!
The ASA staff is packing up and getting ready to head to this year’s 2023 National Junior Show. We wanted to share our top 5 road trip songs. Are some of these on your list?
Safe travels!
Montie
Sold (Grundy County Auction)- John Michael Montgomery
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