Thatcher brings laughter and shenanigans to our show barn and makes the hours pass a lot more quickly. My good buddy Clayton Walker is a strong role model and hunting and fishing buddy. Our herdsman Drew Pederson has become a great friend and has provided endless help and support through the years. Tyler Loudon is an incredible mentor, sounding board and fishing guide. Clayton, Drew and Tyler have become like big brothers to me. My grandparents are always there cheering me on, and my Grandma Jean has traveled thousands of miles to watch me show. My Grandpa Dale Werning laid a strong cattle foundation for our family and it’s my great honor to carry that legacy on. Ryan Johnson got me started showing cattle with my first steer Buddy and has taught me the ropes around a fitting chute. Tevin Ashwood, Scotty James and Zach Wells have also given me a lot of fitting help and have been very patient with me as I learned from them over the years. And through all of this, it’s impossible not to see the hand of God on my life and this journey. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” Trusting can be tricky with the ups and downs in the show ring but it’s important to understand that God has a plan and purpose for everything, and we never know what He’s working on- if you’d have told me
I’d be going home with the Champion heifer this year, I definitely wouldn’t have believed you. I appreciated Callis’ comments on the mic during the Grand Drive in Huron about having Christ in your life and I’d like to echo that if you don’t know Jesus, I’d love to share Him with you! Going forward from here, my success in the show ring is overwhelmingly exciting and humbling, but I really believe the foundation of this industry is found in the pasture. Those show heifers need to go on to become productive momma cows that can raise a calf and can generate income throughout their lifetime. It is my dream to take that champion slap and turn it into embryo sales and progeny in years to come that will hang banners of their own. I’m excited to breed on this heifer and to see what God has in store for her, and for me, down the road. ●
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