It’s that time of the year where livestock families across the country are eagerly packing and preparing for Junior Nationals in their respective breed. For one association in particular they have the gratification of hosting the MOST ENJOYABLE JUNIOR NATIONAL in 2023! Sullivan Supply is excited to congratulate Shorthorn Junior Nationals on being a three-peat winner of the Best of the Barns Most Enjoyable Junior National. We wanted to get the insider scoop on how the association keeps their members coming back for more so we sat down with Shelby Diehm, the Director of Junior Activities, and the Director of Junior National Show for the American Junior Shorthorn Association.
Winning this award three times in a row is a major accomplishment, what do you think sets Shorthorns apart and keeps people coming back enthused?
We pride ourselves on being the “Family Friendly Breed” Every junior member has a home with us. Whether they are a first year showman or a multi-time champion we want them to be part of everything we do. While this junior national focuses on being a family sport, it has allowed us to develop the Mentor Apprentice program. This pairs up a junior who is new to showing or attending their first junior national with a veteran attendee. This allows everyone to feel welcomed and involved. I truly believe that if everyone feels at home and is involved in the event it automatically becomes something they want to continue to be apart of!
How do you continue improving this show each year?
We feel like it is very important to incorporate feedback from the event to see where we can improve and what we should keep the same. After every Junior national we sit down with the newly selected junior board members and go over ideas for next year. This allows us to highlight what the juniors loved and what maybe didn’t go over as well and really focus on those areas and what we can change. We have a really good group of attendees that are always open to new ideas and welcome change.
How do you keep involvement up?
There are so many ways to keep our members engaged but I think the biggest way we accomplish this is SOCIAL MEDIA! Everyone is on their phone and constantly checking it, so why not keep our program in front of them? We recently started an Instagram page and that has really taken off with active engagement. We strive really hard to make our content relatable so our viewers want to react/share/comment on it to start a conversation. We accomplish this by making sure our junior board is actively involved in posting and being apart of the message.
What role does the junior board play
They take on a lot of responsibility with this event. While I may be in the background keeping track of logistics and administrative duties they are out tackling the task at hand. They help select judges, make decisions on contest changes, and most importantly fundraise to help us have an even better event each year! The junior board is truly the face of the program and we strive to keep them heavily involved in all aspects.
What do you think is the best part of opening ceremonies?
Get everyone together, set the tone, walk out song pertaining to theme, junior board dressed up as characters, for 2022 added relay race with jr.board, egg race, pie race, dress up in goodwill clothes, 2ft long pencil thank you note – best opening ceremonies got the kids and jr. board interacting announce 2024
How do you come up with the themes
Coming up with the theme is one of the most rewarding parts. It is so fun to hear all the ideas and see them come to fruition. We use ideas from the junior board and members and then try to limit those submissions down to ideas that are unique to our association nd the location.
This year we are going to be living in a “Shorthorn Kingdom” it is a Disney based theme. I think everyone will be excited to be part of this. There are so many options on songs, costumes, custom awards, logos, and other things people want to be apart of.
Where is the 2024 Shorthorn Junior National?
Shorthorn Junior Nationals will be in Timonium, Maryland. Stay tuned for the 2024 theme announcement that we will make during opening ceremonies this year, you won’t want to miss out!
What feed back do you receive from juniors?
“This year was better than the last!” We hear that every year and honestly I couldn’t be any prouder than when I hear that. We work so hard on improving each year that when the juniors notice it really does warm your heart. The juniors also really enjoy that they can compete every contest if they choose, we work really hard to not cap many contest. Our schedule is also set up with minimal overlapping so that doesn’t become an issue. The three most participated in contest that the juniors look forward to showmanship, team fitting, & livestock judging.
What feedback do you receive from parents?
The parents enjoy all the opportunities the kids have to be involved. Between all the contest, shows & other fun events the kids are so busy making memories and having fun. The parents are always very supportive in encouraging kids to participate. They love the family feel and knowing that everyone has the kids best interest at heart!
As a title sponsor how does Sullivan Supply’s involvement impact your show?
Donors like Sullivan Supply are who help us create a successful event year after year. The donation of custom awards is phenomenal. The kids are always so grateful to receive these items and it really does hold a special memory for them. It is so refreshing to see a company give back to the youth in the industry. Sullivan Supply supports our family focused motto and we are excited to have them as a part of our junior national every year!
What is your favorite junior national memory?
The Junior National I remember vividly was 2020. This year it was in Abilene, TX. We were the first junior breed association to announce that we were going to press on through Covid and host the Junior National. Everyone was so supportive and happy to be apart of this event. I will always remember the genuine kindness, fellowship and comradery at that particular show. We held a concert during this one and did lots of other fun events that helped set it apart. I am originally from Texas so seeing this event in my home state, after such a tough year, be a success was very rewarding.
What us your best piece of advice for exhibitors?
GET INVOLVED – No one can do it for you. We provide so many ways for juniors to be involved in more than just showing. I encourage everyone to try all types of contest. Even if you think it’s not for you, sometimes you would be surprised at what you might find fun. Don’t be a stall hermit take advantage of all the connections you can be out making.
Sullivan Supply would like to tip our hat to the entire Shorthorn Association on a job well done. Being a three time Best of the Barns winner is no easy feat. This breed is continuing to grow and entries are up for 2023 and we look forward to being apart of the best year yet.