Top honors announced for 2024 National Shorthorn Show’s Prepared Speech Contest
Junior Shorthorn enthusiasts gathering from 29 states competed in the 2024 National Junior Shorthorn Show & Youth Conference in Timonium, Md., June 15-22. Not only did the juniors compete with their animals, but had the opportunity to compete in multiple individual, team or state contests.
Exercising their public speaking skills were contestants in the Prepared Speech Contest. The objective of the contest is to give a prepared speech based on the topic of Shorthorns in the cattle industry. The speeches are judged based on organization, presentation, language usage, poise and eye contact, time and the quality of answer provided when the judges can ask questions.
This year’s topics, in age division order from prospector I to senior, included, why you sailed away with Shorthorns, what is the most vital part of your family’s operation, how is urban expansion detrimental to the cattle industry and how should we integrate Artificial Intelligence into the cattle industry.
Executive Secretary/CEO of the American Shorthorn Association, Montie Soules, explained in an interview that, “The National Junior Shorthorn Show and Youth Conference is every bit as much about the contests and the educational aspect from that as it is the cattle show. The youth of this breed pride themselves in participating in a number of contests. This provides leadership and communication skills for those junior exhibitors that will advance them in their lifelong goals. One of the things that I am most proud of about this event is the high participation percentage that we have in our contests. Our junior board and staff have made it a point to try and provide new and updated contests that challenge the junior members with the technology available in today’s world. This prepares Shorthorn youth for their future.”
Receiving top honors in the Prospector I age division (age 9 years and under) were:
• Knox Neumayr, Texas
• Piper Cates, Indiana
• Kailey Godfrey, Pennsylvania
• Laney Mae Barnett, Maryland
• Bryce Heverly, Michigan.
Prospector II age division (10-12 years) were:
• Ryder Heter, Kansas
• Adalyn Vaughn, Iowa
• Lorelai Barnett, Maryland
• Hudson Thornton, Alabama
• Emma Helsinger, Ohio (West Manchester).
Intermediate age division, (13-16 years) were:
• Sheridan Soules, Oklahoma
• Reagan Ferris, Indiana
• Ashton Bain, Ohio (Lynchburg)
• Beth Wells, Texas
• Josie Heter, Kansas.
Senior age division, (17-21 years) were:
• Jewel Thompson, Alabama
• Tatumn Poff, Ohio (Chardon)
• Brianna Duerre, South Dakota
• Emily Cramer, Pennsylvania.
The American Shorthorn Association provides quality service and support to its members by promoting the value of Shorthorn Cattle in all aspects of the beef industry, while maintaining the integrity of the herd book and performance database. The American Junior Shorthorn Association promotes personal development through youth activities and educational events, while being dedicated to the betterment of its members. To learn more, contact the ASA office or visit www.shorthorn.org or www.juniorshorthorn.com.
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