American Gelbvieh Junior Association Selects Ambassadors

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Photo caption:  (L to R) Carlee Vavra, Nisland, S.D., AGJA Junior Ambassador; Jake Lammers, Lexington, Neb., AGJA Intermediate Ambassador

 

Two junior members were selected to represent the American Gelbvieh Junior Association (AGJA) as ambassadors. Carlee Vavra, Nisland, S.D., was chosen as the 2013-2014 AGJA Junior Ambassador. Jake Lammers of Lexington, Neb., was named the 2013-2014 AGJA Intermediate Ambassador of the American Gelbvieh Junior Association.

Carlee is the 10 year old daughter of Eve and Brent Vavra and has a true passion and unique enthusiasm for the Gelbvieh breed, making her an outstanding ambassador of the breed.

“I was born a third generation Gelbvieh breeder,” said Carlee. “My first heifer was waiting for me the day I came home. My grandparents gave every grandchild a heifer to start their own herd. I currently have two cow/calf pairs, two heifers and a bull.” Carlee and her older sister Taylor, along with their parents own and operate BV Ranch, which consists of nearly 100 Gelbvieh and Balancer® cow-calf pairs.

Jake is the 14 year old son of Rick and Karri Lammers. He is involved in his family’s diversified farm and livestock operation, and has been an active member of the AGJA and the Junior Gelbvieh Association in Nebraska (GAIN).

“Raising cattle is in my blood; that’s why I have always dreamed about owning my own herd of 100 head of cows. Gelbvieh and Balancer cattle have been a part of my whole life,” said Jake.

Jake’s herd currently consists of 15 Gelbvieh and Balancer cows, both red and black genetics. By retaining most of the heifer calves born each year, he is able to build towards that goal of owning 100 cows.

The ambassador competition was held during the AGJA national junior show the “Northern Lights Classic” held June 30 through July 5 in Rochester, Minn. The AGJA ambassador program has two age divisions. The Junior Ambassador must be eight to 11 years of age. The Intermediate Ambassador must be 12 to 15 years old.

The AGJA created the ambassador program to encourage youth involvement in the breed’s activities. The ambassadors represent the AGJA at Gelbvieh functions throughout the year including Gelbvieh and Balancer shows held at the North American International Livestock Exposition and the National Western Stock Show, along with many state fairs and other events.

“The role of the AGJA ambassadors is to carry the Gelbvieh message to others and spread the word about our junior programs,” said Dana Stewart, AGJA staff advisor and American Gelbvieh Association director of member services.

The ambassador candidates are judged on their notebook, an oral interview, a speech given at the AGJA annual meeting and overall conduct during the annual junior national show. The notebook includes information and photographs on activities, awards and organizations as well as an essay on the candidate’s background and experiences with the Gelbvieh breed. A committee is appointed to conduct the interviews and select the AGJA Junior and Intermediate Ambassadors.

Carlee is a member of the American Gelbvieh Junior Association, the American Legion Auxiliary, and Butte County 4-H. She attends Belle Fourche elementary where she has been on the honor roll, the student council, and has been named student of the month.

“I started helping my grandparents at their annual bull sale by visiting with people about Gelbvieh. I really like to share what I know about the breed. I am not shy when it comes to promoting the Gelbvieh breed with everyone who is willing to listen and see for themselves,” added Carlee.

Jake has been very active within the state and national junior Gelbvieh associations since 2009. He has been a member of two champion junior quiz bowl teams at junior national shows. He won the 2009 GAIN rookie of the year, and in 2012 was named premier exhibitor at the Nebraska State Fair.

“Being a member of the Gelbvieh Association in Nebraska has allowed me the opportunity to organize and hold four semen auctions. In the last four years, these semen auctions have raised over $10,000 to help fund programs and activities for our Nebraska junior Gelbvieh association,” Jake said.

The American Gelbvieh Junior Association serves more than 500 members nationally. The vision of the AGJA is to unify, educate, and develop leaders of the beef industry. To learn more about Gelbvieh or the American Gelbvieh Junior Association visit www.www.gelbvieh.org or call 303-465-2333.

American Gelbvieh Junior Association Elects Board of Directors

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Photo Caption: (Seated from L to R) President Grace Hammer, Wallace, Kan.; Vice President Michael Ring, Oregon, Ill.; Vice President of Leadership Development Justin Vehige, Bonnets Mill, Mo.; Secretary Van Tucker, Portis, Kan.; Treasurer Nicole Mattison, Lamberton, Minn.; (Standing from L to R) Carter Mitchell, Appleton City, Mo.; Kelsey Sheeley, Hillsboro, Ohio; Sydney Bigger, Media, Ill.; Tiana Garcia, Las Animas, Colo.; and Ex-Officio Dustin Aherin, Phillipsburg, Kan.

 

 

The American Gelbvieh Junior Association elected five members to serve on their Board of Directors for the 2013-2014 year.  Officers for the coming year were also selected. The elections took place at the AGJA national junior show held in early July in Rochester, Minn.

The AGJA Board of Directors consists of nine junior members and one ex-officio member. Directors serve two-year terms and must be 16 years of age as of January 1, and my not have reached his or her 20th birthday as of January 1.

Newly elected directors are: Sydney Bigger, Media, Ill., daughter of Barry and Jody Bigger; Tiana Garcia, Las Animas, Colo., daughter of Keith and Teresa Garcia; Carter Mitchell, Appleton City, Mo., son of Kevin and Debbie Mitchell; and Kelsey Sheeley, Hillsboro, Ohio, daughter of Tim and Karen Sheeley.

Re-elected to a second term was Grace Hammer, Wallace, Kan., the daughter of Lyle and Christy Hammer.

Hammer was then elected the 31st president of the American Gelbvieh Junior Association. Serving as vice president for the 2013-2014 year is Michael Ring, Oregon, Ill., the nephew of Skylar and Annette Martin.

Elected as vice president of leadership development is Justin Vehige, Bonnets Mill, Mo., the son of Tom and Stacy Vehige. Van Tucker, Portis, Kan., son of Gregg and Sandi Tucker, will serve as the Association’s secretary. Voted to the treasurer’s position is Nicole Mattison, Lamberton, Minn., daughter of Scott and Sonia Mattison.

Dustin Aherin, Phillipsburg, Kan., will continue to serve on the AGJA Board of Directors as ex-offico. Dustin is the son of Dennis and Joyce Aherin and recently completed two years as the AGJA president.

“We belong to a strong association that generates the future of the Gelbvieh breed and the beef industry. It can be one of the most influential activities you ever partake in. I know it is for me,” said Aherin. “The enjoyment found in helping the younger kids, and the fulfilling sense of accomplishment from playing a role in the success of an entire week [of a junior national show] can hardly be matched.”

The American Gelbvieh Junior Association serves more than 500 members nationally. The vision of the AGJA is to unify, educate, and develop leaders of the beef industry. To learn more about Gelbvieh or the American Gelbvieh Junior Association visit www.www.gelbvieh.org or call 303-465-2333.

American Gelbvieh Junior Association Names 2012-13 Ambassadors

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The American Gelbvieh Junior Association (AGJA) created the Ambassador Program to encourage youth involvement in the breed’s activities. The ambassadors represent the AGJA at Gelbvieh functions throughout the year including the National Gelbvieh and Balancer® Show and the national sale in Denver, Colo.

The candidates are judged on their notebook, an oral interview, a speech given at the AGJA Annual Meeting and overall conduct during the annual Junior Classic, the national junior Gelbvieh Show. The notebook includes information and photographs on activities, awards and organizations as well as an essay on the candidate’s background and experiences with the Gelbvieh breed. A committee is appointed to conduct the interviews and select the AGJA Junior Ambassador and Intermediate Ambassador.

Ambassador candidates must be AGJA members and be present at the Classic to be chosen. The junior ambassador is between the age of 8 and 11 years old. The intermediate ambassador is between the age of 12 and 15 years old. Age is based on January 1, 2012. Each ambassador receives a silver belt buckle and an embroidered jacket.

The AGJA is proud to announce the 2012 AGJA Ambassadors, who were selected during the 2012 AGJA Black and Gold Classic held July 1-6 in Chillicothe, Mo. Sydney Bigger, Media, Ill., will serve as the Intermediate Ambassador. Connor Durham, Piedmont, S.C., will serve as the Junior Ambassador.

Sydney Bigger is the daughter of Barry and Jody Bigger. She is an eleventh grade student at West Central High School in Media, Ill. With a 4.0 GPA, she is involved in the Math Team, National Honor Society and Student Council. Outside of school work, she stays active in her community, 4-H club, FFA, and the AGJA. Bigger is a repeat competitor in many of the Classic contests and served as the 2009-2010 AGJA Junior Ambassador.

With a passion for raising and showing cattle, Bigger is eager to promote the Gelbvieh breed. “My passion for Gelbvieh cattle has taught me many things about both cattle and life,” Bigger says. “I would like to represent the AGJA as an ambassador, to tell all people, agriculture enthusiasts or not, about what raising Gelbvieh cattle can teach you.”

Connor Durham is the son of John and Cindy Durham of Piedmont, S.C. As a sixth grader at Wren Middle School, he is involved with 4-H Livestock Clubs, the National Junior Angus Association, Wren Little League Baseball, Meals on Wheels, and the AGJA. He was the 2010 AGJA Rookie of the Year. In March, he sold a record breaking 312 raffle tickets for the 2012 AGJA Beastrom Donation heifer. Durham received the All-Around Eagle Pass Ranch Donation Heifer at the 2012 National Western Stock Show.

“I participated in my first AGJA Classic in 2010. I quickly fell in love with the event and all it had to offer. I hope to attend the AGJA Classic show every year and hope to one day serve on the Board of Directors,” says Durham.

For more information about the AGJA Ambassador Program, visit www.www.gelbvieh.org/juniors.

Photo Caption: The American Gelbvieh Junior Association selected two individuals as part of its Ambassador Program. Connor Durham, Piedmont, S.C., (left) will serve as the 2012-2013 AGJA Junior Ambassador. Sydney Bigger, Media, Ill., (right) was selected as the 2012-2013 AGJA Intermediate Ambassador.

Gelbvieh Juniors Experience the Northern Lights in National Show

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Members of the American Gelbvieh Junior Association (AGJA) met in Rochester, Minn., for their annual junior national show held June 30 through July 5. Named each year after the host state, the 2013 AGJA Northern Lights Classic saw 253 Gelbvieh and Balancer® animals exhibited by more than 150 junior members from 16 states.

The Minnesota Gelbvieh Junior Association hosted the week-long event which was filled with more than 20 leadership and skills contests and concluded with the cattle shows.

“This event is more than a cattle show. Throughout the week, AGJA members are challenged in various contests designed to build their skills as future beef industry leaders. Just as important, AGJA members have an opportunity to meet other members from across the country and build lasting friendships and networks," said Dana Stewart, AGJA staff advisor and American Gelbvieh Association director of member services.

The national junior Gelbvieh show was held on Friday, July 5. Judge Jim Williams of Boling, Texas evaluated the 100 Gelbvieh heifers, 7 cow-calf pairs, and 12 bred and owned bulls. Mr. Williams also judged the 9 market steers. The national junior Balancer show was held a day earlier on Thursday. Dan Hoge, Cambridge, Ill., judged the 102 Balancer heifers, 11 cow-calf pairs, and 12 bred and owned bulls. Mr. Hoge also judged the showmanship contest.

New for the 2013 show was the naming of a supreme champion female for both the Gelbvieh and the Balancer shows. Previously the heifers and cow-calf pairs competed together for grand champion female. This year the heifers and cow-calf pairs in each breed were separated into their own shows, with the champions of each brought back for selection of the supreme champion female.

The supreme champion Gelbvieh female was exhibited by Wyatt Taylor, Kiowa, Colo. JCGR BAR GT PrettyWoman 529 is an October 24, 2011 daughter of RID R Collateral 2R. She was first named grand champion Gelbvieh heifer as well as champion senior female.

The supreme champion Balancer female was exhibited by Garrett Teeter, Mt. Ulla, N.C. PLA Miss Zelda 20Z is a February 12, 2012 daughter of S A V Pioneer 7301. This heifer was first named grand champion Balancer heifer as well as champion winter yearling.

Video coverage of the show is available at www.www.gelbvieh.org. The American Gelbvieh Junior Association serves more than 500 members nationally. The vision of the AGJA is to unify, educate, and develop leaders of the beef industry. To learn more about Gelbvieh or the American Gelbvieh Junior Association visit www.www.gelbvieh.org or call 303-465-2333.

The following includes overall results from the Gelbvieh heifer, cow-calf, and bull show; the Balancer heifer, cow-calf, and bull show; the market steer show; as well as a few highlights from the contest results.

Gelbvieh Show Results

The reserve champion Gelbvieh female was LRSF Elise Y153 exhibited by David Larson, Clearbrook, Minn. His heifer is an August 25, 2011 daughter of JRI Prime Cut 406S30 and was first named reserve senior female.

The grand champion bred and owned Gelbvieh heifer was exhibited by Connor Durham, Piedmont, S.C. HSCF Gee Gee 218Z is a September 4, 2012 daughter of JHG Premonition 662S ET. She first claimed the senior heifer calf division.

Chase Tabor, Columbus, Kan., had the reserve champion bred and owned Gelbvieh heifer, TTTT Damn Special ET. This February 12, 2012 heifer is sired by JRI Enhancer 53U21 and came out of the winter yearling division.

In the Gelbvieh cow-calf show, grand champion went to Connor Durham with LRSF Rylee Y99. The cow was born March 30, 2011 and was sired by JRI Prime Cut 406S30.

The reserve champion Gelbvieh cow-calf and champion bred and owned was TTTT Red Dawn exhibited by Chase Tabor. This February 21, 2011 cow was sired by JRI Extra Exposure 285L71 ET.

Kale Kendrick, Palmyra, Mo., showed the reserve champion bred and owned Gelbvieh cow-calf. KKKC Better Yet is an October 21, 2010 cow sired by KAKC JPTK Hot Source.

In the bred and owned Gelbvieh bull show, the grand champion went to SYDB Garbanzo Bean exhibited by Sydney Bigger, Media, Ill. He is a March 2, 2012 son of SYDB Butter Bean.

The reserve bred and owned Gelbvieh bull was exhibited by Cade Cameron, Danville, Iowa. PGGC Ameis 23A is a February 3, 2013 son of CIRS Decade 278U2.

Balancer Show Results

Moving on to the Balancer show results, the reserve champion Balancer heifer was exhibited by Grace Hammer, Wallace, Kan. ELC Miss Bella is a February 23, 2012 daughter of SIXM Red Six Mile Sakic 832S. She also came out of the winter yearling heifer division.

The champion bred and owned Balancer heifer was shown by Chandler Ladner, Argonia, Kan. From the senior female division, LCC Lady Di is a September 26, 2011 daughter of HFGC HF Roscoe 34P59 ET.

Van Tucker, Portis, Kan., exhibited the reserve champion bred and owned Balancer heifer. VTT Twisted Sister is a March 6, 2012 daughter of TBP Ravishing Rob 113 and was first named champion bred and owned spring yearling.

The grand champion Balancer cow-calf was shown by David Larson. His cow, SVVG Rylee, is a February 5, 2008 daughter of TC Rito 416.

The reserve champion Balancer cow-calf was JCGR BAR GT Lee Ann 519U ET, shown by Grant Powell, Palmyra, Mo. The cow is an August 7, 2008 daughter of RID R Collateral 2R. 

In the bred and owned Balancer bull show, champion went to PMG Zephyr 03Z exhibited by Tricia Goes, Odell, Neb. This March 25, 2012 bull was sired by CRAN Final Answer W24 ET.

The reserve bred and owned Balancer bull was exhibited by Cameron Schwark, Herscher, Ill. CSCF Classic Alydar Legend is a June 11, 2012 son of BC Classic 385-7.

Market Steer Show Results

Finally, the grand champion market steer was exhibited by Tanner Taubenheim, Amherst, Neb. His steer weighed 1,365 pounds.

The reserve champion market steer went to John Shearer, Canton, Kan., with a steer weighing 1,155 pounds.

Contest Result Highlights

The showmanship contest is one of the most competitive competitions that AGJA members participate in during the Junior Classic. The showmanship results are as follows: Karsyn Youngblood, Columbus, Kan., junior champion; Willow Weber, Swisher, Iowa, junior reserve; Connor Durham, Piedmont, S.C., intermediate champion; Haley Ringkob, Lake City, S.D., intermediate reserve; Grace Hammer, Wallace, Kan., senior champion; and Justin Teeter, Mt. Ulla., N.C., senior reserve. The showmanship contest is sponsored by Sullivan Supply, Dunlap, Iowa.

This year marked the addition of a new premier breeder award to honor an AGJA member's achievements and goals within their own herd. The award consists of an application, interview, and achievements in the show held during the Junior Classic. The recipient was selected based on a total score of the three categories. A past AGJA member and current Gelbvieh breeder, Emily Griffiths of Kendallville, Ind., sponsors the award. The inaugural premier breeder award was presented to Justin Taubenheim, Amherst, Neb.

Throughout the week of Junior Classic, junior members earn points for competing in the educational contests. The points are totaled and the top ten individuals are recognized in the all-around competition. The top ten all-around individuals are: Karsyn Youngblood, Columbus, Kan., champion; Justin Taubenheim, Amherst, Neb., second; Gabrielle Hammer, Wallace, Kan., third; Connor Durham, Piedmont, S.C., fourth; Madalynn Walsh, Franklin, Neb., fifth; Tanner Aherin, Phillipsburg, Kan., sixth; Grady Hammer, Wallace, Kan., seventh; Tyler Beenken, Buckingham, Iowa, eighth; Callahan Grund, Sharon Springs, Kan., ninth; and Caleb Scharpe, Arlington, Minn., tenth.