We at Sullivan Supply enjoy getting the opportunity to work with the Junior Breed Associations and their Junior Board Members each and every year. They are familiar faces you see around the barns at every show, working with the youth in our industry, and alongside each and every one of us. We wanted to take some extra time to get know the presidents of each breed Junior Board. First up is American Junior Maine-Anjou Association Junior Board President, Dalton Line. Dalton is from Illinois and is currently attending Iowa State University where he is majoring in Animal Science Pre-Veterinary Medicine. Check out what Dalton had to say about his experiences in the livestock industry and his involvement with the American Junior Maine-Anjou Association.
Who are your greatest mentors?
Dalton: Being involved within the livestock industry, it is very hard to choose just a couple of people that have greatly impacted my life. However, in the end, I would say that my greatest mentors are my parents. With my mom working a full-time job and my dad running the family farm, I am beyond impressed with how much time they gave up throughout their daily lives to support my siblings and I in whatever we set our eyes on. No matter what, they would show up to every event that we were involved in, whether it was traveling baseball/softball or all the way to the National Western Stock Show, they were always there by our side.
What is your goal as a junior board for the American Junior Maine-Anjou Association?
Dalton: My goal in being a part of the Maine-Anjou Junior board is to offer commitment, support, and knowledge for parents and youth of the livestock industry. I say parents because by showing them how much I personally care for the youth of this industry; it may reflect in them allowing their own children to start that first 4-H project similar to me. Building the next generation of future leaders within the livestock is my main goal; by showing the next generation that anything is possible if you put in enough hard work and effort.
What is the biggest life lesson you can take away from showing livestock?
Dalton: The biggest life lesson that I have learned while showing livestock for the past 14 years is to always say “thank you” and be grateful for everything that you have. Now that I look back, whether I was first in class or last in class, I was always grateful for how far I have come. I am so unbelievably lucky to have grown up within the livestock industry and have been able to meet so many amazing people that I was able to say “thank you” to.
What is the most rewarding experience while on the Junior Board and being President?
Dalton: Being able to guide and provide knowledge to the youth of the livestock industry will definitely be the most rewarding experience for me. By providing support for our youth, we are able to build a platform for them to succeed further and further down the road. Until it is their turn to provide the next generation with the same knowledge that was passed down to them.
How do you plan to stay involved with your breed after your term is up?
Dalton: I hope to continue to provide my assistance to AMAA and AJMAA as much as possible. Whether that is by helping at the Junior National with set-up or showing up to the National Western Stock Show assisting with check-in or other needs requested by Lindsey Broek, Voice Editor/Director of Show, Communications & Events. Even as a 21-year-old, I hope to now and always be a part of the AJMAA and AMAA no matter where I end up living or what degree I receive, AJMAA will always be home for me.
