Photo caption: These individuals will serve the American Gelbvieh Junior Association as their Board of Directors for the 2014-2015 year. (Seated from L to R) President Grace Hammer, Wallace, Kan.; Vice President Michael Ring, Oregon, Ill.; Vice President of Leadership Development Tiana Garcia, Las Animas, Colo.; Secretary Sydney Bigger, Media, Ill.; Treasurer Kelsey Shelley, Hillsboro, Ohio; (Standing from L to R) Kyle Vehige, Bonnets Mill, Mo.; Tanner Aherin, Phillipsburg, Kan.; Callahan Grund, Sharon Springs, Kan.; Carter Mitchell, Appleton City, Mo.; and Ex-Officio Van Tucker, Portis, Kan.

The American Gelbvieh Junior Association (AGJA) elected four members to serve on their Board of Directors for the 2014-2015 year. The election took place at the 2014 AGJA Barnyard Classic junior national show in Sioux Falls, S.D., on July 2. Elections for the 2014-2015 officers were also held the same day. 

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 may not have reached his or her 20^th birthday as of January 1. 

Newly elected directors are: Tanner Aherin, Phillipsburg, Kan., son of Dennis and Joyce Aherin; Chisum Grund, Sharon Springs, Kan., son of Jerry and Christy Grund; and Kyle Vehige, Bonnets Mill, Mo., son of Tom and Stacy Vehige. 

Michael Ring, Oregon, Ill., nephew of Skyler and Annette Martin was re-elected to a second term. 

Grace Hammer, Wallace, Kan., daughter of Lyle and Christy Hammer, was re-elected as AGJA president. Ring was voted to serve another year as vice president.    

Elected as vice president of leadership development was Tiana Garica, Las Animas, Colo., daughter of Keith and Teresa Garcia. Sydney Bigger, Media, Ill., daughter of Barry and Jody Bigger was voted as secretary. Kelsey Sheeley, Hillsboro, Ohio, daughter of Tim and Karen Sheeley was selected as the Association treasurer. Carter Mitchell, Appleton City, Mo., son of Kevin and Debbie Mitchell will continue to serve as AGJA director. 

Van Tucker, Portis, Kan., son of Gregg and Sandi Tucker, will continue to serve on the AGJA Board as ex-officio. Van has served on the Board of Directors for four years and most recently as AGJA secretary. 

“My favorite attribute of the AGJA is all the great people I have been fortunate enough to meet. Through our association, I have made connections both inside and outside of the breed that I know will last a lifetime,” said Hammer. “It has been an awesome experience getting to serve as a leader on our junior board, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for both our members and breed of cattle.”

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.gelbiveh.org or call 303-465-2333. 

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Photo Caption: (L to R) Jessie Lowe, Adrian, Mo., AGJA Junior Ambassador; Taylor Vavra, Nisland, S.D., AGJA Intermediate Ambassador

Two junior members were selected at the American Gelbvieh Junior Association (AGJA) 2014 Barnyard Classic to represent the AGJA as ambassadors. Jessie Lowe of Adrian, Mo., was selected to be the 2014-2015 AGJA Junior Ambassador. Taylor Vavra, Nisland, S.D., was chosen to be the 2014-2015 AGJA Intermediate Ambassador.

Jessie is the nine year old daughter of Raymond and Melissa Lowe and she is excited to share her love of Gelbvieh throughout the coming year. In addition to this new role, she is very active in several other junior associations including Altona 4-H club, Missouri Junior Cattlemen’s Association, and Heart of America Gelbvieh Junior Association, just to name a few.

“I thought it would be great to help other people love Gelbvieh as much as I do,” says Jessie. “I think if people knew more about Gelbvieh and what they can do for them, more people would love them as much as I do. This is the first goal I have as Junior Ambassador.” She has even started a Facebook group page called Missouri Gelbvieh where people can post pictures and other news about all things Gelbvieh.

Jessie currently raises Gelbvieh and Balancer®cattle along with her brother, Baxter and sister, Isabel. She obtained her first Gelbvieh heifer, named Sweetheart, in March 2013 and has gone to 23 shows with her so far, including the Missouri State Fair, American Royal, and National Western Stock Show. She looks forward to going to even more Gelbvieh events in the next year and spreading her love for the breed.

Taylor is the 15 year old daughter of Brent and Eve Vavra. She is currently involved in 4-H, FFA, cheerleading, golf, community band, and has been a member of the AGJA since 1998.

“When I was first registered as a member of AGJA, my grandparents gifted me with my first Gelbvieh cow,” said Taylor. “Gelbvieh has opened many doors for me, and has helped me to meet many new people.” Taylor is also very involved with her own heard and shows her animals all over including at the National Western Stock Show, Northern International Livestock Exposition, Black Hills Stock Show, Butte-Lawrence County Fair, and AGJA junior national show. Her herd currently consists of 11 cows where she handles everything from money management to late night calving checks.

Taylor’s younger sister, Carlee, was the 2013-2014 AGJA Junior Ambassador and having learned things from her sister, is excited to promote the AGJA herself. “As the older sister, I have seen behind the scenes of Carlee’s ambassadorship and it fuels my fire,” added Taylor.

The ambassador competition was held during the junior national show, which took place June 29 through July 4 in Sioux Falls, S.D. The Junior Ambassador must be eight to 11 years of age and 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 American Royal, the North American International Livestock Exposition and the National Western Stock Show, along with many state fairs and other events.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

During the American Gelbvieh Junior Association (AGJA) annual meeting held during the 2011 AGJA Twister Classic in Kearney, Neb., AGJA members voted to fill five two-year positions with the AGJA Board of Directors for the 2011-2012 term.

Newly elected directors were Grace Hammer of Wallace, Kan., Christian Hojer of Lake Preston, S.D., and Garrett Teeter of Mt. Ulla, N.C. Hammer is the daughter of Lyle and Christy Hammer and attends Wallace County High School. Hojer, the son of Allen and Pam Hojer, attends Lake Area Technical Institute. Teeter is the son of Walter and Lee Teeter and attends the North Carolina State University.

Re-elected to second terms were Dustin Aherin, Phillipsburg, Kan., and Seth Arp, Arlington, Wisc. Aherin is the son of Dennis and Joyce Aherin and is a sophomore studying animal science at Allen Community College. Arp, son of Steve and Betty Arp, is a student at the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater studying advertising.

Following the annual meeting, the AGJA Board selected officers for the 2011-2012 term.

Presiding will be Dustin Aherin and serving as vice president will be Justin Taubenheim, Amherst, Neb., son of Mike and Renee Taubenheim.

Selected as vice president of leadership development is Seth Arp. Appointed to the secretary position is John Shearer, Canton, Kan. Shearer is the son of John and Carla Shearer. Serving as treasurer is Van Tucker of Portis, Kan., son of Greg and Sandi Tucker. Janelle Hayek, daughter of Barb Hayek and the late Tony Hayek of Clutier, Iowa will fill the role of ex-officio. Cole Buffo, son of Steve and Anna Buffo of Lansing, Kans., will continue his term as a director.

The American Gelbvieh Junior Association serves more than 500 members coast to coast, providing leadership opportunities, scholarships, and competition. For more information about AGJA, Gelbvieh, or AGA services visit www.www.gelbvieh.org or call 303-465-2333.

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Photo caption: The members of the 2011-2012 American Gelbvieh Junior Association Board of Directors are (seated from left) Van Tucker, Kansas, treasurer; Seth Arp, Wisconsin, vice president of leadership development; Dustin Aherin, Kansas, president; Justin Taubenheim, Nebraska, vice president; John Shearer, Kansas, secretary; (standing from left) Grace Hammer, Kansas; Christian Hojer, South Dakota; Cole Buffo, Kansas; Garrett Teeter, North Carolina; Janelle Hayek, Iowa, ex-officio.