As my junior career begins to wind down, I find myself appreciating every show just a little bit more. I know my days as a junior exhibitor are numbered, and while growing up isn’t exactly something I’m excited about, I know this industry has prepared me well for whatever comes next. The leadership opportunities, friendships, work ethic, and life lessons I’ve gained through the cattle business have opened doors I never knew existed. If the last ten years have taught me anything, it’s
that Junior Nationals were never just about showing cattle. They were about becoming the person I was meant to be. One little girl walked into her first Shorthorn Junior National in St. Paul and ended up breaking her foot show morning. Ten years later, she’s walking away from her summer with something far more valuable: a lifetime of friendships, memories, and a family spread across the country that she’ll always be proud to call home. ●
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