A three letter word, that embodies much more than we can even begin to comprehend, Mom. From ring leader, stylist, beautician, peace maker, go getter, trailer loader, kid wrangler, and beyond, the moms of our industry are the ones that keep us going and let’s be honest, without them, we probably wouldn’t get to the ring on time. Crystal Dunklau of Dunk Cattle Company, does just that for so many in this industry. She is a mom to 4 children of her own but she doesn’t stop there, she is a mom to all kids involved with Dunk Cattle Co. From being an integral part of kids lives while they were exhibiting cattle to later in life being there to see them get married and beyond, she is there for it all. Crystal acknowledges the impeccable role model of a mom that she was blessed with, Janice Steck, outside of raising her own kids in the show ring, she also was one of the most involved shorthorn advisors in Illinois.
Crystal was a mom well before she was blessed with her own little ones. As far as her time within the show cattle industry, she’s just scratching the surface with the impact that she will have on so many. With three out of her four kids exhibiting cattle of their own now, she still has at least 20 more years with her own kids in the industry. Crystal knows without a doubt that alongside her husband, Ryan they want to raise their kids in the agriculture industry. “Watching my kids become friends with other kids across the country is what it is all about. The backdrop pictures, banners, and ribbons are just accessories to the real reason we are showing! Let’s all continue to watch our kids grow in this industry we love.”
As a crucial member of the Dunk Cattle Company, Crystal works alongside her husband, Ryan, to raise and produce cattle that are highly sought after in the show ring for all of their exhibitors they are fortunate enough to come in contact with. When purchasing a calf from them, the story doesn’t end when you drive off their place, they are always available for advice and tips when it comes to feeding, showing and breeding selection.
Without a doubt, it is undeniably understandable why Crystal Dunklau was selected as our Best of the Barns Show Mom of the Year. With her expertise in the industry, compassionate heart towards others, and the love she has for the cattle industry, Today, on this Mother’s Day, we want to honor Crystal, and all of the other amazing show mom’s in our industry for their passion and dedication to raising our next generation of farmers, ranchers, cattlemen, and livestock enthusiasts.