DeJong Joins American Gelbvieh Association
LINCOLN, Neb. — The American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) is pleased to announce the addition of Tawnie DeJong to the AGA staff as the Member and Youth Activities Coordinator. In her role, DeJong will serve as the staff advisor to the American Gelbvieh Junior Association (AGJA) board of directors and members, coordinate all junior activities, help plan the AGA National Show, and assist Gelbvieh members and customers with the AGA Online Registry.
“Tawnie comes from a strong livestock background and understands the cattle industry,” said Lori Maude, President of the AGA board of directors. “We are excited to have someone with Tawnie’s experience and talent join the staff to lead our junior programs and work with our members.”
DeJong grew up on a beef cattle ranch in South Dakota where her family raised club calves with primarily Maine Anjou genetics. Growing up, she was extremely active in both 4-H and FFA with her four younger siblings. She studied animal science at South Dakota State University where she was a member of the livestock judging team.
Following college, DeJong worked for a year as a graphic designer and sale barn consultant for an ag newspaper and two years as a recruiter for a community college in Wyoming. She returned to school for a master’s degree in animal science with a focus in viral epidemiology at Michigan State University where she served as the assistant and then the head coach of the livestock judging team.
Following graduate school, she served as the head livestock judging coach and an animal science instructor at the University of Missouri, coaching seven teams in total. DeJong also served as the 4-H Livestock Superintendent for the Missouri State Fair. She enjoys judging and officiating livestock shows and has been fortunate enough to evaluate livestock at events in 20 states.
In her free time, DeJong enjoys providing opportunities for youth to find success in the sport of livestock judging, spending time with her Welsh Corgi, Luna, and playings cards and board games with her friends and family.
“I’ve always enjoyed working with young people and families in the livestock industry and am extremely excited to continue to help develop the next generation of livestock leaders through the AGJA,” said DeJong.
DeJong began her role with the AGA on January 22 and can be reached at tawnie@gelbvieh.org or at the AGA office at 303-465-2333.
The American Gelbvieh Association is a progressive beef cattle breed association representing 1,100 members and approximately 40,000 cows assessed annually in a performance-oriented total herd reporting system.
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