My name is Braylen Schaeffer. I’m 14 years old and I will be a freshman this upcoming school year at Hagerstown Junior-Senior High School in Hagerstown, Indiana. I’ve been showing cattle since I was 8 years old. The Gelbvieh breed is special to me because it was the first breed I showed. Showing the Champion Balancer Female at Junior Nationals this year was a huge accomplishment. My heifer, KJ, also known as Kesha Junior, was a bred and owned animal. I showed the dam of KJ, Keshia, at the 2024 Junior Nationals where she was the Grand Champion Balancer. The Gelbvieh breed will always be special to me. It’s where I started showing cattle and I hope to continue in that breed and continue raising some of them. It’s an opportunity for me to build a genetic program like my dad has in other breeds. I’m very lucky to have a lot of great people in my corner who put a lot of hard work into supporting me in succeeding. Not only do I balance cattle and school, but I am also actively involved in FFA, football, swimming, golf, 4-H, and other activities at school. The crew at home, Ian, Quinton, Fulton, Burk, Mackenzie, Micah, and my parents, as well as the many people that jump in to support us on show day - I couldn’t do it without them and their support. My hard work, along with theirs has paid off this Summer. There are so many kids and families doing the same thing, working hard, making sacrifices, and showing for a win. I know it’s not easy. In fact, it’s demanding to compete at that level. I am thankful to have a team that supports me in accomplishing those goals. ●
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