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!
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!
What were your favorite junior nationals you have attended?
I attended the 2019 Shorthorn Junior Nationals in Lebanon, Tennessee! This was such an exciting week of connecting with other exhibitors from all across the country. I also really enjoyed getting to compete in several contests outside of the show. This allowed me to learn more about the beef industry and develop various skills!
What are your favorite show snacks?
My mom always makes ham rolls for our shows. They are the best!
Best advice to give to a junior going to junior nationals?
Take advantage of every opportunity! Make lots of new friends!
What not to forget?
Don’t forget playing cards! My friends and I love playing card games in our downtime!
What is the first thing you put on or in your trailer before leaving?
Show clothes! Multiple times, I have walked past my garment bag on the way out of the door. I have learned to make sure I grab those first!
What do you make sure to pack for yourself?
I never know what kind of hair day I will have, so I always pack extra bobby pins and hair spray.
Ashley
What were your favorite junior nationals you have attended?
My favorite junior national was the 2020 Santa Gertrudis Junior Nationals in Texarkana, Arkansas. It was a hot one, but I had so much fun! Overall, I was happy with my placement in classes and contests. That year I met more friends, connected with old ones, and just had the time of our lives, making memories that will last a lifetime!
What are your favorite show snacks?
I LOVE Ice Cream! That’s one thing, and I know all the Ice Cream spots at every state fair we exhibit. After a long day, a cookie and cream waffle cone is calling my name.
Best advice to give to a junior going to junior nationals?
The first junior nationals I went to as an exhibitor, I wish I would be done more and gotten out and connected with other juniors. I was shy and thought just a small-town girl with two cows. The best advice I can give you is don’t be like me, go out and talk to other juniors, hang out in a different state, and enjoy your time because it goes by so fast.
What not to forget?
Water Hose!!! I can’t tell you how many times we forgot our hose until we bought one that never left the trailer.
What is the first thing you put on or in your trailer before leaving?
Since we keep everything we need on the trailer all year and organize when we get home, I ensure we have show sticks. I have short arms, so I have an extra-large show stick for my larger cows and a medium for smaller calves.
What do you make sure to pack for yourself?
I make sure to pack my show harness. My harness stays in the office hung up, so I hang my show clothes with it.
Kaylee
What were your favorite junior nationals you have attended?
I have attended quite a handful of junior nationals for other breeds. My favorite was the 2020 Hereford junior nationals in Kansas City. That was an extremely hard year, and I didn’t finish my year like I wanted. It was mind-blowing to see how everyone was able to put it together.
What are your favorite show snacks?
At shows, all I do is snack; I don’t eat any real meals unless we go out for dinner. I am a beef jerky person and will eat it any time of the day. I also enjoy Cheez-its, and my mom will slice up summer sausage and cubed cheese or slices, which is like my go-to snack.
Best advice to give to a junior going to junior nationals?
Whether it’s your first or last or somewhere in-between, I feel that going to junior nationals is easy to forget to have fun as you are there. If you are like me, you are running from contest to contest and continuously caring for the cattle you brought. Take a moment and absorb everything around you. You are in a place for over a week with like-minded people who share the same passion you do. Make friends, hang out with friends, and grow your connections.
What not to forget? Do not forget your belt, boots, feed scoop, show stick, and poop fork. These things are some of my family’s most overlooked items. So, remember to pack these items before you leave.
What is the first thing you put on or in your trailer before leaving?
Typically the first thing I load onto my trailer when packing is feed. This usually goes into the nose, so it’s easier to load it than close the nose and start loading everything else. Next is usually panels, as those must be positioned, and you can stack things around them. Something I must check on the trailer before I leave is show sticks and a poop fork.
What do you make sure to pack for yourself?
I usually make sure that my lucky number harness is packed. However, I triple-check that road snacks, drinks, earbuds, and chargers are packed before any adventure.
What have you been doing these first few weeks? The first week I was here, I mainly worked on the online contests. I started the day those entries closed, so I spent about three days organizing all the files and getting those entered. Then I sent those off to the judges to be placed. I will post the top five as soon as I get those in, and we will announce that. Next, I inventoried all the prizes we had received and made lists of when or where we would get the following awards. Next, I have been working on the PowerPoint where all the online contest entries are displayed. This past week I sat and worked on quiz bowl questions, the cattlemen’s written test, and scripts that the board and announcer will use for junior nationals’ week. These scripts, including the judge and queen’s bios, will be announced weekly. Next, I have been working on all the contest folders for the week of junior nationals. I have also ensured we had every state’s flag for opening ceremonies. Finally, I spent one-afternoon reorganizing boxes for the junior nationals’ office as it would be easier to find things, and that way, cords were not completely tangled. This week, I worked on the top five for the judged contests. I also worked on getting showmanship heats done and have been working on completing small tasks that will make the week leading up to and the week of junior nationals much easier to navigate. Outside work, I have been taking summer classes and working on homework and tests. I have had a great few weeks being in Kansas City and have seen some incredible sites and eaten at some great places. The biggest thing I have learned is how to use Apple Desktop. I have been a PC girl for most of my life, so transitioning into Apple was a huge learning curve. I spent most of my first day playing with the computer to try and figure out the different shortcuts and commands that vary between the two systems.
Jana Owen
What have you been doing these first few weeks? I have been working on sending confirmation emails out to junior national competitors. I am a little over halfway through! My goal is to have them all completed by Friday! Working extensively with Digital Beef has taught me how to search, edit, and update animals within our registration system. I have to ensure everything is correct to have successful classes at junior nationals!
Ashley Osborne
What have you been doing these first few weeks? I learned much about working on a website and creating my first magazine these first few weeks! I first started out working on the exhibitor folder and getting my first draft completed. Moving through the past few weeks, I took over all social media posts for Facebook’s Throwback Thursday & Motivational Friday and the Websites intern blog post. In addition, I finished the meal ticket design, and they are ready to print. Last week, I had a lot of fun getting to know and work with Amy on the Shorthorn Country, and I have some big projects coming up soon. This week I will start working on the daily schedule that will be posted every morning of junior nationals letting you know the time and events for that day. As well as working on social media thank you posts to all our amazing sponsors. Outside of work, I have been spending time with my family and enjoying making memories in the barn and by the pool with my nieces.
Current/ Future? Currently a senior at Tarleton State University, majoring in Animal Science with a focus on production and minoring in Agriculture Economics. I will be graduating in December. I don’t know my plans afterward; however, I want to get my master’s.
What are you most excited about this summer? The fun adventures I will get to go on through the internship and with the other interns.
What is your agricultural background? I have been in the cattle industry since birth. My parents met at the National Western, and it was fate for me to grow in this industry. I’ve been handling and showing cattle since I could walk. I have helped them in the show barn and run several hundred heads of cattle. This has been my way of life, and I hope to continue.
Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without? Some sort of caffeine. While I have cut down my consumption of sodas, coffee, and energy drinks. I have learned that I still need some kind of caffeine every few days. That is probably one thing I could not go without.
What is something that always makes you smile? Dad jokes always get me. I live for corny jokes. I also enjoy the cow jokes even after I have heard them a million times. However, my dog usually makes me smile when he is his goofy self.
What’s your name? Jana Owen
Where are you from? I am originally from Taft, Tennessee, a small town in southern middle Tennessee.
Current/ Future Plans? I am an Animal Science major at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, so go vols! I plan to pursue a career in agricultural communications/youth events within the beef industry.
What are you most excited about this summer? I am looking forward to connecting with ASA members through junior nationals and other events this summer. I love listening to others’ stories and hearing about their passion for agriculture, specifically shorthorn cattle!
What is your agricultural background? I grew up on my family’s shorthorn cattle farm. I was heavily involved in 4-H and FFA through cattle and goat shows, judging contests, quiz bowls, speeches, portfolios, and everything. Through these youth organizations, I discovered my passion for agriculture and desired to work as an advocate for this vital industry.
Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without? Spotify. Whether I’m working cattle, driving down the road, or working in the office, it’s always on! I listen to everything from fascinating podcasts and stories to Hannah Montana songs and classic country playlists.
What is something that always makes you smile? Spending quality time with my friends and family. Whether playing board games, eating at our favorite restaurant, or cheering on the Volunteers, I always enjoy laughing and having fun with them!
What’s your name? Ashley Osborne
Where are you from? Lathrop, Missouri
Current/ Future Plans? I am attending Kansas State University, majoring in Agricultural Communications and Journalism with a minor in Animal Science. I plan to return to my family farm raising purebred Santa Gertrudis and Star 5’s, pursue a career in agricultural communications and work with youth in the agricultural industry.
What are you most excited about this summer? Most excited to be back home working with my nieces getting their calves ready for this show season.
What is your agricultural background? I grew up in Sparta, Kentucky, on a cow-calf operation with multiple generations on the farm. We raised purebred Santa Gertrudis cattle in Kentucky until expanding our operation to Northwest Missouri in 2010. Since then, I have started my herd within our farm and expanded into the Star 5 program. We have raised multiple National Champions and Reserve National Champions and have won at least one State Fair Champion at every state fair with a Santa Gertrudis open show. Now I help run a Junior Show within the Santa Gertrudis breed that is “FOR THE KIDS,” it’s a nonprofit show that gives every child an opportunity to show and grow within themselves and not only walk away with money and award but walk away with a lifetime of experiences and memories.
Aside from necessities, what one thing could you not go a day without? My emotional support Stanley. I love drinks of any kind; water, soda, teas, and lemonades, so it’s a daily necessity that I have my Stanley with something in it.
What is something that always makes you smile? My family, friends, and my corgi. Those three things bring great joy into my life, and I love them dearly. If that’s us just having a family dinner on Sunday or us traveling to a show, we all have a good time and enjoy our time together.
As we say goodbye to Shorthorn, we’d like to share some of our favorite memories with y’all
We would like to say thank you again to the amazing ASA staff for welcoming us, thank you to Shorthorn for teaching us all so many things and making our time here something we won’t ever forget. #shorthornlife #loveyall
Now that we’ve ‘waved’ goodbye to Junior Nationals, we’re ‘shore’ ready to spend the rest of our Shorthorn summer ‘shell-abrating’
Now that we are past Junior Nationals and everything has been safely and neatly been organized back into the office, we’re ready to hit the pool for our ‘Shorthorn Summer’ (after work of course!)
Working hard, working the ring, opening ceremonies- these are a few of our favorite things
Watching all of our hard work being put into Junior Nationals made a great week for all three of us. We greatly enjoyed out time, working with the Juniors, working with Jr. Board and being part of 2022 National Junior Shorthorn Show!
On our final week before Junior Nationals, enjoy a story from each of our interns on their show experience & favorite memory!
As may of us have, all three of us grew up in the cattle industry- and all three have a uniquely different experience. Growing up in different states heavily influenced this, but being at Shorthorn and preparing for Junior Nationals, thinking about what’s all going to happen- has made us all think of our own showing experiences & we thought we would share!
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