The Grimes family has been a force in the Angus breed for quite some time and this exceptional young lady it proof why.
How long have you been showing?
I have been actively showing Angus cattle since I was eight years old. However, my sister and I showed market hogs until we were old enough to show cattle.
How many years have you shown at the NAILE?
I walked onto the green shavings for the first time in 2003, and haven’t missed one in the twelve years since.
What is one thing about the (breed) you enjoy the most?
The National Junior Angus Association provides endless opportunities through leadership activities, industry events, and educational programs to help its young cattlemen grow both personally and professionally.
If you had to pick another breed to show what one would it be and why?
Sim-Angus. In 2006, my sister and I purchased our first Sim-Angus heifer to show at the winter jackpot shows so we could keep our Angus heifers at home to stay fresh in preparation of summer shows. Little did we know, that she would be the first heifer we ever had win NAILE… She now serves as the primary base of our entire Simmental division of the farm.
What is your favorite Sullivan Supply product and why?
Sullivan’s Rice Root Brush is by far my favorite Sullivan Supply product! It is a “must have” when training and growing hair on Angus heifers in the spring and summer!
What is your favorite thing about showing at the NAILE?
There is no better show atmosphere than walking on the mats to the show ring, to turn the corner and walk down the ramp to the green shavings. Organ music is only acceptable one place in this world, and that is in Freedom Hall.
What advice can you give to juniors that are just starting to show?
You’re going to get out of your project what you put into it. Wake up early, and walk in from the barn late at night. We all have bad days, but you should never give up. You wont know the value of a good day until you experience the bad. But most importantly, have fun. It all ends way too fast so enjoy every second of it.
What does showing at the NAILE mean to you?
My dad has always said there is no better place in the world to exhibit cattle than at the NAILE, and that could not be truer. While success in the summer is always nice, it has always been much more important for my family to finish a heifers show career strong at the fall majors.
Who are your role models in the industry?
Without a doubt my biggest role models in the industry are my parents. They have taught my sister and I the power of working together as a family, all while practicing good morals and developing a strong work ethic. I also owe a HUGE thank you to Bruce and Amie Stertzbach, as well as Lydell and Holly Meier for everything they have done for my family inside and outside of the show ring.
What is your favorite quote?
“Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn.”