Interns Remarks from working at ASA

As the intern’s time slowly comes to an end, they looked back on our time here with ASA and want to give our thanks and remarks of this internship.

Wyatt

My time at the American Shorthorn Association has been nothing but remarkable. Taking on this position as the Communication Intern for the summer has been very rewarding. I have accomplished various career development skills and I am so grateful for all that I have learned. I can honestly say that this job has taught me many things that you can’t learn in a classroom. The staff at ASA is truly amazing and I am so glad I had the opportunity to work and get know to each of them. (Even though I might have annoyed them by playing my music too loud and sometimes bickering with the other interns about silly stuff.) I am also grateful for the networking and relationships I have built through this internship and really appreciate all the support and friendly conversations I’ve had with members, volunteers, and youth of this association. The people involved in this association were my favorite part of this internship and truly made my time here worth it. I hope the best for this association and anyone involved in it and hope to keep in contact in the future. Enjoy the rest of your summer and good luck with your involvement with ASA!

Faith

My time here with the American Shorthorn Association has been one of the most beneficial times. I will miss everyone in the office as my time ends. I enjoyed getting to work on tasks for junior nationals and loved the chance to help the youth here. This internship gave me a chance to work and develop more than just computer skills and I will be grateful for the things that I learned here as the Registration Intern. I think it is safe to say that I have learned, developed great friendships, and made many acquaintances that I hope to see develop into friendships later. Thank you to the other interns Wade and Wyatt Minihan for working with me and to Shelby for putting up with us this summer. Can’t wait to see where the American Shorthorn Association goes in the future!

Wade

Although my time at the American Shorthorn Association has been short, it has been great. From the first day, the staff has been nothing but welcoming and helpful. Through this internship, I have learned so much, met many new faces, and have a gained numerous skill that I will be able to take with me, as I continue on down the road in life. I very much enjoyed preparing all the contest materials for junior nationals and hope I was able to leave an impact on those junior members. I would like to thank all the staff, and volunteers that helped pull of a successful junior national. You never realize all the work and dedication that is put into a show, until you’re in those shoes. I’m walking away from this internship feeling blessed and honored to have been able to serve as the Youth Activities Internship this summer. A special thanks to Shelby Rogers, Wyatt Minihan and Faith Massingill for all their time and dedication they put in at the ASA. The Shorthorn breed is growing and look forward to watching the breeds growth and development in the years to come.

Thank you from all of us for welcoming us into the family-friendly breed. We are sad the summer is over but look forward to seeing everyone down the road!

College Insight from the Interns

  1. Preparation
  • Start as a high school freshman and keep track of all involvement through clubs, organizations, associations, sports, youth groups, volunteering, awards, etc. This will make filling out applications less stressful. Also, apply for as many scholarships as you can!
  • Research the different universities of interest, make a campus visit and then pick your best fit.
  1. Live in the Dorms
  • This is a great way to meet friends and give you the true “college experience.” It also makes for some great stories to tell down the road.

 

Below are a few stories from the interns days in the dorms.

 

Wyatt- My roommate and I did not get along very well, and he made living with him very difficult. I finally had enough and put laxative in his workout powders. Although this is not something I would ever do again, it does get a laugh out of most people!

 

Faith- One time my roommates boyfriend branded himself and came over to our room for medical attention. Let’s just say the scar is fairly ugly and it wasn’t his best decision but it’s a memory that we will all share till we go to the grave.

 

Wade- My friend and I would have weekly movie parties and would leave the door to my room open so other people could join. One time we ended up with 25 people in my room although by dorm rules we were only allowed to have 10 people in a room at a time.

  1. Check and make sure that the college credits you have taken in high school will transfer to your university. Talk to your advisor & see how you can make them all work.
  2. Get involved!
  • Have an open mind and don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone. Whether its high school or college don’t hold yourself back in fear. Life is too short to not venture out and try new things.
  1. Distance makes the heart grow fonder.
  • Although you might think your parents and siblings are the worst thing ever, moving away will make you realize that they aren’t all that bad. You may not always agree with them but your time away will help you to appreciate them and value them. Also, you’ll be calling your parents often(they know more than you would like to admit)
  1. Take a fun class!
  • These sometimes turn out to be the best part of college. You’ll meet new people and develop new fun skills all while having a good time! Yes, it’s going to cost a little money, but you can only use the young and irresponsible card for so many years!
  1. Get to know your professors
  • Especially the professors in you major. They will be tremendous help in your education and career development.
  1. Make a packing list and do some research
  • Every college is different, and some may require more packing than others. What kind of clothes are you going to need? Does your dorm come with a fridge and/or microwave? What movies help you get over homesickness? This is a time where overpacking should be a priority. Below are a few items that the interns were very glad they packed.
  1. Dorm size vacuum (‘Dirt Devil’ from amazon)
  2. Iron and Ironing Board (you or someone on your floor will need this sometime)
  3. Pillows and favorite blanket/s (this is a great reminder of home)
  4. Air mattress (you will have visitors)
  5. Plates and silverware (you will be eating in your room often)
  6. Take your time
  • Enjoy your time at college and take it at your own pace. There is no shame in taking extra time or graduating early. Your main focus should be getting an education that has prepared you enough for the work force.
  1. Internships!
  • Internships are important in so many ways. They give you real life work experience and sometimes can be the make or break factor in realizing if your major is the right fit for you. They’re also great for networking and meeting new people-you never know who your boss/supervisor will know and they could be very helpful in your career down the road.

Top 15 Show Essentials that often get forgotten- Don’t forget these!

As we pack and get ready to leave for the National Junior Shorthorn Show, we thought it would be a good idea to put together a list of items that often get forgotten. Below is the Top 15 items that we have forgotten and we don’t want you to make the same mistake!

  1. Show Stick
  • This may seem like a “no duh,” but we can’t name the amount of times that we had to borrow a show stick.
  1. Extra Socks and Shoes
  • You don’t want wet shoes all day after washing!
  1. Registration Papers & Health Papers
  1. Speakers/Headphones
  • Who doesn’t love some good tunes at a show?! But remember your surrounding and your audience, you’re a role model for your fellow members.
  1. Favorite Food/Snacks
  • Although fair and concession food is delicious, it can get tiring after a few days. Make sure to bring some of your favorite snacks! Below is a couple of our favorite food while attending shows!

Wyatt: crockpot cheesy potatoes, cake cookies, and hobo sandwiches

Faith: Chips, summer sausage & cheese, and sweet tea

Wade: crockpot breakfast burritos, peanut butter cornflake bars, and cinnamon rolls

  1. Lawn Chairs, Coolers, & Crockpots
  • Lawn chair for naps, cooler for drinks and food, and crockpots for cooking.
  1. Contest materials
  1. Boots
  • You don’t want to show in your barn shoes.
  1. Favorite Starched Show Jeans
  • You also don’t want to show in your barn jeans.
  1. Revive, Hocus Pocus, Tall Adhesive, & Paint
  • Although you can buy these at many shows, it’s easy to spend some big bucks if you forget these.
  1. Clippers
  • These are crucial in preparation for the showring.
  1. Extensions Cords
  • Clipper and blower cords are only so long….
  1. Wash Bucket, water hose, and foamer
  • You ever tried washing an animal without these? Good luck.
  1. Fans
  • Remember, “No Butt Fans in the Barn.” But they are allowed in tie outs
  1. Show Halters
  • It happens to everyone, double check before you leave!

We are 3 DAYS from Junior Nationals! We can’t wait to see you all in Tennessee!

Getting to Know the Interns- 20 Crazy Fun Facts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. What are you most looking forward to at Shorthorn Junior National?

Wyatt

I am most looking forward to taking pictures and getting to meet the youth of the Shorthorn breed.

Faith

I am most looking forward to visiting Tennessee again! I can’t wait to get to meet the junior members and to see some awesome cattle!

Wade

I’m most looking forward to watching junior nationals unfold from behind the scenes and all the hard work we are putting in at the office be used and put to good use.

 

  1. Dream vacation location?

Wyatt

Ireland

Faith

Athens, Greece, to hike around the ruins and see the houses there.

Wade

Some tropical private island, with clear water

 

  1. Biggest Pet peeve?

Wyatt

People who chew food with their mouths open.

Faith

Lying or not cleaning up after yourself.

Wade

Feet dragging, being left on read or not returning a call

 

  1. Top 5 Favorite Foods?

Wyatt

  1. Cottage cheese
  2. Little Debby Zebra Cakes
  3. Fried bologna sandwiches
  4. Texas roadhouse rolls
  5. Mac and cheese

Faith

  1. Tacos, tacos, tacos!
  2. Spaghetti and Meatballs
  3. Mac and Cheese
  4. Chips and Salsa (because this is definitely a meal)
  5. Summer Sausage and Cheese

Wade

  1. Mac n cheese
  2. Steak
  3. Popeyes chicken strips
  4. Jalapeno chips
  5. Vanilla wedding cake

 

  1. What would you rank 10/10?

Wyatt

Dillon’s Chinese Food

Faith

The twin’s music taste a 10/10 recommend

(unsweet tea a 10/10 NOTrecommend)

Wade

Hereford Junior Nationals and I bet Shorthorn Junior Nationals will be this year!

 

  1. If money was no object, what would you do all day?

 

Wyatt

Something creative. I really enjoy photography, graphic design, and making stuff.

Faith

I would probably spend all day behind the camera and in the pasture with cattle and horses. Minus, the time I would be vacationing in Europe and Asia.

Wade

Raise and show cattle

 

  1. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Wyatt

A career in the agricultural industry that incorporates my hobbies and passion.

Faith

Working as a photographer and hopefully working as a videographer as well.

Wade

Settled down, and maybe have a herd of Hereford cattle.

 

  1. How many pillows do you sleep with?

Wyatt

4

Faith

Usually 10…. Yes, I do use them all.

Wade

7

 

  1. Top 3 Cattle breeds?

Wyatt

  1. Hereford
  2. Shorthorn
  3. Longhorn (I think they’re pretty cool)

Faith

  1. Angus (duh)
  2. Shorthorn
  3. Red Angus

Wade

  1. Hereford
  2. Angus
  3. Mini Herefords

 

  1. Favorite Drinks?

Wyatt

Dr. Pepper with blackberry and vanilla from Sonic. It tastes like the color purple! Weird but you need to try it!

Faith

Sweet Tea or Dr. Pepper (these are both drinks that Texans survive on)

Wade

Sonic Cherry Limeades

 

  1. What are you addicted too?

Wyatt

Sweets. I love vanilla wedding cake and can’t tell myself no.

Faith

Anything spicy (aka good Mexican food) and all things sweet tea.

Wade

Spending money.

 

  1. Is a hot dog a sandwich, and why?

Wyatt

I’m going to say yes because it’s between bread.

Faith

NO! A hot dog is a hot dog that is my reasoning.

Wade

A hot dog is its own “breed” of food.

 

  1. Least favorite food?

Wyatt

Celery or Brussel sprouts

Faith

Anything with veggies or fruit. Not a fan.

Wade

Brussels sprouts

 

  1. Favorite social media platform?

Wyatt

Instagram all the way. @wywyfromwheaton

Faith

I have tried to cut back on social media use so probably Facebook as of right now.

Wade

Instagram.

 

  1. Favorite Major Show

Wyatt

National Western Stock Show

Faith

Fort Worth hands down.

Wade

National Western Stock Show or Hereford Junior Nationals

 

  1. If peanut butter wasn’t called peanut butter, what would it be called?

Wyatt

Goober Goo

Faith

Peanutter! (this is my dog’s nick name so that’s why)

Wade

Creamy Peanuts

 

  1. What’s your university and what is an interesting fact?

Wyatt

Kansas State University. (Go cats!) Purple Pride blueberry ice cream is the official flavor for K-State and only the dairy manager at Call Hall knows the official recipe.

Faith

I recently graduated from West Texas A&M University! (Go Buffs)!!!!

An interesting fact about my college is that we are one of the few schools to still have a live mascot. Not to mention that our school administration building use to double as a basketball court and a swimming pool!

Wade

Fort Hays State University. FHSU was originally located on the grounds of Fort Hays, a frontier military outpost that was closed in 1889.

 

  1. What word can you never remember how to spell?

Wyatt

Karake, Karokee, Karoakee, KARAOKE

Faith

Tenesse, Tennesee, Tennessee- Ironic I know

Wade

Definately, Definitely

 

  1. Are you usually early or late?

Wyatt

Late. I don’t know what early means.

Faith

Late… If I tell you I’m leaving somewhere I am most likely sitting on my couch still on my phone fifteen minutes later.

Wade

Late.

 

  1. Favorite task about your internship so far?

Wyatt

My favorite task has been designing the exhibitor folder. It’s a lot of work but it’s so satisfying to see the final product.

Faith

My favorite task is probably getting to pack for nationals. I love getting ready for shows no matter where I am at or where I am going.

Wade

Organizing and packing all the awards. There are so many cool awards and the junior members are in for a real treat.

 

We hope you all enjoyed these fun facts and you learned a few new things about us! We’re super excited to meet you all at Junior Nationals while we are all Strumming a Shorthorn Tune! We are 11 days from NJSS!

ASA Members, welcome the newly formed band, “The Red Roans”

Our names are Wade, Wyatt, and Faith and we will be your entertainment (interns) for this summer’s tour. The biggest show of the year is scheduled in Lebanon, Tennessee, on June 17. We have been very busy preparing for the performance of the year and we’re ready for a week of “Strumming a Shorthorn Tune!” Our band members and stage crew here at ASA are excited for a fun filled week and can’t wait for the final performance!

Keyboard Player Wyatt

Is everyone ready for a good time?!? This past week in the office has been very busy but also very enjoyable! My main focus has been preparing the set list (exhibitor folders), designing graphics and preparing content for our social media pages. I have really enjoyed meeting my fellow band members (other interns, well only one of the interns since the one of them is my twin brother) and the stage crew (ASA staff) as we prepare for this great performance! I have really enjoyed Kansas City and look forward to exploring more! I’m very excited to meet you all in Tennessee!

Guitarist Faith

How’s everyone doing?! I have been Strumming a Shorthorn Tune all week as my band members (other interns) and I prepare for our upcoming concert! I have been working hard on ticket orders (entries) to make sure that you have all the correct information and payments to attend this great performance that you don’t want to miss. I’m excited to be here and can’t wait to learn more about Kansas City and the Shorthorn breed. Hope you’re ready to rock out and strum along with my crew and me! If you have any questions about your tickets (entries) make sure to contact me or our lead singer (Shelby Rogers) at any time!

Drummer Wade

Who’s ready to have some fun?! Hope you’re all ready to pack the seats and tap along to the best hits at the greatest concert of the summer. I have been incredibly busy preparing contests for our audience (Junior members) and making sure the week is filled with exciting and competitive activities. The fellow band members and set crew have enjoyed the last week of getting to know each other and we are looking forward for the final performance in Tennessee. Kansas City has been a good time and I’m excited for more adventures in the near future. Make sure to get your tickets booked and get ready to jam along to the newest and hottest hit of the summer!

 

We are 18 days away from the biggest concert of the summer and can’t wait to enjoy the fun filled week in Tennessee!

Intern Update: Favorite Beef Recipes

Hey there!

Abbey and Taylor again. We are officially in the month of June and less than a month out from Junior Nationals.  We’re so excited to be there and get to meet all of you. Entering entries to the computer and contacting members for exhibitor packet information makes us feel like we almost know you a bit. (Does that sound creepy? It might be.)

Today instead of giving you an update on our lives as interns (because really the only update is that we are working hard to have everything ready for Junior Nationals), we are going to share our favorite beef recipes. We were inspired to write this post after finding some AJSA aprons in a very cold storage room that Abbey dubbed as the ‘meat locker’.

Abbey’s recipe ­– There is this amazing little taco truck a couple towns over from where I went to high school in Colorado called Lucy’s Tacos. After trying many different items on their menu with at least 50 different options, I discovered their Carne Asada Fries.  When I moved 10 hours away to Oklahoma for college I had to find a way to keep these fries in my life, so I developed my own recipe.

AbCarne-asada-friesbey’s Carne Asada Fries

Prep time- 45 min. to an hour. (Most of this is down time letting the fries soak)

Cook Time-45 min. to an hour.

Total time- 1.5 to 2 hours.

Serving size – 4 people

Ingredients – Fries

  • 4 large russet potatoes
  • 2-3 tablespoon olive oil, or preferred cooking oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste (most days I like to add in a little garlic salt)

Ingredients – Toppings

  • Half pound to a pound of steak – depends on how much meat you want. I prefer a nice marble tri-tip steak for some extra flavor, but you can also use skirt steak of steak you want.
  • Weber Steak and Chop seasoning to taste
  • Shredded cheese – I like a three cheese Mexican blend, but from here on out the ingredients are all personal preference
  • Sour Cream
  • Avocado or guacamole
  • Salsa
  • Shredded lettuce

Instructions

  1. Cut the potatoes into sticks, about a quarter inch to half inch thick depending on how you like your fries. Then place the fries into a bowl of ice water and soak for 30 min. to an hour. This will help the fries to be nice and crunchy.
  2. Preheat oven to 425F
  3. After the fries have soaked, rinse and dry them thoroughly. Use 1 tablespoon of the oil to coat a baking sheet then toss the fries in the rest and season to taste. Spread the fries even over the baking sheet and cook at 425F for 45 min to an hour until nice and golden. Turn the fries about halfway through.
  4. After the fries are in the oven cut the steak into half inch cubes and coat the cubes in the Weber’s seasoning and let sit at room temperature until ready to cook.
  5. When the fries have about 15 min. left cook the meat in a skillet on medium0high heat. I like to use a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet or a griddle for a nice sear but any skillet will work. If needed add a little bit of olive oil to keep the meat from sticking and burning.
  6. When the fries are nice and golden turn the oven off and remove them. I like to layer on some cheese and place the fries back in the still warm oven to melt the cheese.
  7. Plate the fries and add toping as desired.
  8. Enjoy!

Unfortunately I don’t have a picture of my Carne Asada fries, but I have provided one I found from www.carlsbadcraving.com that is similar to what I based my recipe off.

stuffed peppers

Taylor’s Recipe:

As we all know, nothing beats Grandma’s cooking and I am pretty much certain my granny is the best cook of all! Growing up just a hop, skip, and a jump away from her house, I spent many days learning all the tricks to making the perfect dish. Moving 1,300 miles provided me with the chance to practice all that she taught me. Although, I will never be the cook she is, I think I have done a good job of perfecting a few recipes.  One of my all-time favorites to make is stuff bell peppers. Especially if they are fresh peppers straight out of Papa’s garden! With little preparation time, this is the perfect meal to toss in the oven on a busy night.

Prep time: 15-20 minutes

Cook time: 30-45 minutes

Total time:  45-65 minutes

Serving size: 6-8 peppers

Ingredients:

  • 6-8 bell peppers
  • 1 box New Orleans dirty rice
  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • Salt & Pepper to taste
  • 1 can of tomato sauce (8 oz.)
  • Shredded Mozzarella cheese

 

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Brown the ground beef in a large frying pan and add in the chopped onion, cooking until the vegetable is softened.
  3. Next, add salt and pepper to taste, and then add the can of tomato sauce.
  4. Stir in cooked rice and cook for another 5 minutes or until the rice is warm. (Meanwhile, cut the tops of the peppers off and spoon out the rubs and seeds. Rinse.)
  5. Lightly, sprinkle the inside of the pepper with salt and fill the peppers with the hot meat and rice mixture.
  6. In the bottom of a 3 quart baking dish, put a ¼ cup of water (so you can steam the peppers while they are cooking).
  7. Place peppers in baking dish and top with shredded cheese.
  8. Bake for 30-45 minutes at 350 degrees until the peppers are tender and the cheese is brown.
  9. Serve hot & enjoy!

apronsHope you have been practicing your beef cook-off recipes! It will be time to show those cooking skills off before you know it!

Shorthorn love,

Abbey & Taylor

Reserve Your NJSS Booth Today!

Reserve Your Booth Today!

njss_2016_logo 2The Trade Show at the NJSS is a top networking event each year. Why should you have a booth at the 2016 NJSS in St Paul, Minnesota, July 2-7 this year? The numbers speak for themselves. This is a ‘must attend’ event for anyone in the business!

Event Demographics

  • 400+ Youth Exhibitors
  • 5 Days of upbeat, action-packed, competitive & educational youth
  • 2,000+ Parents, Family, Professional Crew & Seedstock Breeders

Click here to fill out the booth registration form.

Booth Options & Prices Include: 

  • 10 x 10 Inside Booth – $300
  • 10 x 20 Inside Booth – $600
  • 10 x 30 Inside Booth – $1,000
  • 20 x 20 Inside Booth – $1,150
  • 20 x 30 Inside OR Outside Booth – $1,600
  • Electrical Hookup or Internet – $50 OR Both for $75

Please send payment and contract to:
AJSA, Attn: Trade Show 7607 NW Platte View Road, Kansas City, MO 64151.

For more information about the trade show please contact Kathy Heise at 651-345-4997 or Gwen Crawford at 816.599.7777.

SPONSORSHIP Opportunities Available At The NJSS, July 2-7

SPONSORSHIP MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES

2016 National Junior Shorthorn Show & Youth Conference, July 2-7, St. Paul, MN

njss_2016_logo 2Each summer, over 400 members of the American Junior Shorthorn Association make their annual trip to the National Junior Shorthorn Show and Youth Conference. Youth are able to showcase their talents during the week’s events through educational contests, cattle shows, scholarships, and many fun activities to build friendships with other young Shorthorn enthusiasts!

Sponsorship Marketing Opportunities Include:

Title Sponsor: $10,000

  • Arena Sponsorship:
    • An extra large, dominant banner advertisement in show arena
    • Your signage will be featured prominently on the arena announcer’s stand and an additional banner in the show arena
    • Additional banner at high traffic location
  • Logo placement on Exhibitor T-Shirt
  • Trade Show Booth space in show arena
  • Every Champion will be pictured with your company’s logo
  • NEW! 1 Year Contract Digital Advertising on the New ASA Website
  • Jumbotron Advertising throughout the Week
  • Sponsor One Contest
  • Full Page Color Ad in Exhibitor Book
  • Access to Show Ring for Photography/Video
  • Engagement opportunity
    • Opportunity for your company to make a presentation or demonstrate product use to junior exhibitors
  • Recognition as Title Sponsor in Press Releases

Contest Sponsor: $500

Contest will be named after the company/person sponsoring.

  • Examples: Stock Show University Team Fitting Contest; Sure Champ Showmanship Contest
  • Anywhere contest is listed sponsors name will appear
  • Anytime contest is announced it will be announced with sponsors name in show arena

Arena Sponsorship-$2,500

  • Banner with your logo in Arena
  • Jumbotron Advertisement
  • Half-Price Trade Show Booth Space
  • Exhibitor Book Listing (Full Page Ad)

Aisle Sponsorship-$1,000

  • Banner with your logo on Aisle
  • Jumbotron Sponsor Name Listing
  • Half-Price Trade Show Booth Space
  • Exhibitor Book Listing (1/4 Page Ad)

Champion Sponsorship
Supreme Champion Sponsor-$750
Champion Sponsor-$500

  • Sponsor can be in animal’s Championship photo
  • Sponsor will be recognized during the show

Legacy Sponsor- $100

  • Your donation sponsors one junior’s participation in all activities at the Junior National and Youth Conference
  • Sponsor will receive communication from junior sponsored

Click here to download and complete the sponsorship registration form.

Click here to download the full 2016 SPONSORSHIP MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES packet.

For Additional Information, Contact:
Gwen Crawford • 816 -599-7777 • gwen@shorthorn.org 

2016 Junior National

The 2016 NJSS will be held July 2-7 in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Find all of the new and updated information about the 2016 Junior National Shorthorn Show here!

The Edge Goes Digital

The Edge Newsletter, your reliable guide to all things NJSS, is now available in electronic format only. Read it on the AJSA or ASA website, find a link on our ASA Facebook page OR download and print it out at home.  Just don’t wait for your mail carrier to deliver it, because it’s ONLINE ONLY in 2016! Click here to read the Edge 2016 Newsletter.