AJCA Update

Front Row (L to R): Josh Nelson, Valparaiso, Neb.; Senee Foster, Lockney, Texas; Ashley Quiggins, Horse Cave, Ky.; Katie Lehnert, Lawrenceburg, Tenn.; Caleb Elrod, Cullman, Ala. Back Row (L to R): Shane McGlothlin, Anadarko, Okla.; Andy Higgins, Watertown, Tenn.; Blair Bryant, Arkansas City, Kan.; Jared Givens, Lebanon, Tenn.; Haley Hettmansperger, Science Hill, Tenn.; Segayle Foster, Lockney, Texas.

The Extravaganza You Don't Want to Miss!!!

Every year breeders, sponsors, families and exhibitors travel across the nation for a week filled with friends, food, fun and great cattle. This year is no exception as Chianina and Maine-Anjou enthusiasts will gather for the common goal of strengthening the beef industry through today’s youth. The 2008 National Junior Heifer Show is rapidly approaching as June 29-July 4 everyone will gather in Kansas City, Mo., for "A Star Spangled Extravaganza." This year our show will be held in conjunction with the American Junior Maine-Anjou Association (and the American Shorthorn Association will also be at the facility the same week for their Junior National.) It will be another record breaking year and it is our hope that everyone is making plans to attend. Recently, your Junior Chianina Board met with the Maine-Anjou Junior Board to discuss plans on making this THE event of the year.

Just a few reminders for this upcoming show – a steer show is being implemented and be sure to read over the rule changes in the junior and intermediate speech contest and general rules for salesmanship and showmanship contest. As far as the steer show is concerned, animals must be born after Jan. 1, 2007 and all individuals must be weaned. Steers must also abide by the same fitting and grooming regulations as the breeding cattle.

When glancing through the rule book all rule changes have been placed in bold print for easier access.

The speech contest for the junior and intermediate divisions was amended by placing a list of speech topics for the exhibitors to choose from and then prepare their speech at home. Note that visual aids will also be allowed in these divisions only, but are not required. If you are participating in both the Chianina and Maine- Anjou contest, you will only give one speech, but be scored in both breeds.

For salesmanship, heifers must be used – no exceptions. If individuals are competing in both the Chianina and Maine-Anjou divisions (juniors and intermediates only) you will give only one sales pitch, however it is required that you supply the judge with the sales advertisement required by the AJCA and the folder of information require by the Maine-Anjou Association (requirements for the folder are listed in the Maine-Anjou set of rules).

The showmanship contest rules were not amended, except emphasis was placed on contestants showing their OWN heifer. This will be enforced. If you have any questions about any of the rule changes above feel free to contact any board member.

It is my hope that each of you are making plans to attend the "Star Spangled Extravaganza." This will be a history making event and one you will not want to miss.

I would like to ask each of you to take the time and thank the sponsors across the nation for aiding in this event. Without them it would be impossible to direct a show like this. So get to work with those heifers, bulls and steers. I wish each of you the best of luck throughout the rest of the show season and hope to see you in Kansas City.

Best Regards,
Ashley Quiggins, AJCA President

Gearing up for the 2008 NJHS

Hey, Junior Members! It’s that time of year again, time to see old friends and meet new ones at the National Junior Heifer Show. The show is scheduled for June 29 through July 4, in Kansas City, Mo. Our theme this year is, “A Star Spangled Extravaganza.” Not only do we have a new theme this year, we have a whole new format. We will be conducting our NJHS in conjunction with the Maine-Anjou Association. In order to coordinate the events of the week, we will be changing a few rules to better serve all the junior members of both breeds.

These rule changes were highlighted in Ashley's article, so please be sure to review the rule book carefully so you are prepared when you arrive at the show. Be sure to read both the Chi and Maine rules if you are participating in both associations.

As an additional reminder, you must use a heifer in all events, such as salesmanship, showmanship, obstacle course, etc., that require an animal.

We have also scheduled several fun events this year, so bring your dancin’ shoes and your sense of humor with you. We will have an adult showmanship contest in which each state will nominate a contestant. This is a “dress up” competition, complete with a heifer, and the more entertaining, the better. We will also be holding a fun night/pizza party and a street dance during the week. So be prepared to have some FUN!

Another big event for our Junior association is the election of new board members. We will be electing two regional directors (Southeast & Southwest) and four at-large directors this year. Remember you should have submitted your intent to run for the board to Heather Counts by May 1. If you have not turned this in, please contact Heather immediately. All candidates will meet with the current board members on Sunday, June 29, at 7 p.m. for an informal supper. We will be letting the candidates know what their responsibilities will be this year and how they can help the current board throughout the week.

The newest and biggest addition to the NJHS this year is the addition of the steer show. Please read the rules about ownership dates and registration carefully. Keep in mind that steers cannot be used in any other contests requiring an animal. Additionally, our show is scheduled for two days this year instead of one.

Please remember, this is a new format for all breeds concerned. Keep in mind that this will be a trial and error year for some events. If we all bring a positive attitude and flexibility to this event, this year’s “Star Spangled Extravaganza” should be a BLAST!

Sincerely,
Shane McGlothlin, At Large Director

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