This year’s American Royal show and sale was different than any of the others because of the pandemic. Four years ago, at the sale of champions in Kansas City, I was fortunate enough to meet Mariner Kemper when he bought my Reserve Champion steer. Last year, I won class 12 and he purchased my steer again. I told him then that the next year would be my last year showing there. He said to me, “Well, I hope to see you back here next year.” After my win this year, I anxiously awaited Mr. Kemper’s arrival during the presale reception, but I never saw him. It turned out he was unable to attend this year and was in Colorado, but John Russ was at the sale
to represent him. The sale of champions is always exciting and emotional. After the bidding was over, I found out Kemper bought my steer. He changed my life four years ago and I couldn’t be more thankful for him believing in me and supporting me. I have always been a little superstitious about what I name my steers. The first two I did well with were named Donte and El Diablo. I knew I wanted my last steer’s name to start with a D. I thought of DJ. A lot of people wanted to know what it stands for, but it doesn’t have a specific meaning. I just thought it was a cool name. From the first time I saw DJ’s picture, I knew he was
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