Local juniors compete, take top honors at 2024 National Junior Shorthorn Show in the High Point Award contest
Junior Shorthorn enthusiasts gathering from 29 states competed in the 2024 National Junior Shorthorn Show & Youth Conference in Timonium, Md., June 15- June 22. Not only did the juniors compete with their animals, but had the opportunity to compete in multiple individual, team or state contests.
Throughout the week juniors exhibited their animals and competed in individual contests. Contests included photography, promotional poster, arts, speech, livestock judging and showmanship. In addition to the individual contests there were team contests, such as team sales, team fitting, state Herdsmanship, quiz bowl and beef cook-off.
Juniors accumulated points for participating and placing in these events. A grand total is compiled from these contests and then five High Point individuals are recognized based on their age divisions.
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:
• Piper Cates, Indiana
• Knox Neumayr, Texas
• Kailey Godfrey, Pennsylvania
• Lane McCall, Kentucky
• Laney Mae Barnett, Maryland.
Prospector II age division (10 -12 years) were:
• Ryder Heter, Kansas
• Hudson Thornton, Alabama
• Maddox Reedy, Illinois
• Kinlynn Dryer, Illinois
• Emma Helsinger, Ohio (West Manchester).
Intermediate age division, (13 – 16 years) were:
• Sheridan Soules, Oklahoma
• Ashton Bain, Ohio (Lynchburg)
• Josie Heter, Kansas
• Ashton Simpson, Ohio (Highland County)
• Clay Lynn, Alabama.
Senior age division, (17 -21 years) were:
• Tatumn Poff, Ohio (Chardon)
• Jewel Thompson, Alabama
• Victoria Thompson, Alabama
• Alyssa Carter, Ohio (Oregonia)
• Jentri Reamy, Oklahoma.
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.
Publisher's note: A free press is critical to having well-informed voters and citizens. While some news organizations opt for paid websites or costly paywalls, The Highland County Press has maintained a free newspaper and website for the last 25 years for our community. If you would like to contribute to this service, it would be greatly appreciated. Donations may be made to: The Highland County Press, P.O. Box 849, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133. Please include "for website" on the memo line.