President – Grace Hammer, Wallace, Kan.
Vice President – Michael Ring, Oregon, Ill.
Vice President of Leadership Development – Justin Vehige, Bonnets Mill, Mo.
Secretary – Van Tucker, Portis, Kan.; Treasurer Nicole Mattison, Lamberton, Minn.
(Standing from L to R) Carter Mitchell, Appleton City, Mo.; Kelsey Sheeley, Hillsboro, Ohio; Sydney Bigger, Media, Ill.; Tiana Garcia, Las Animas, Colo.; and Ex-Officio Dustin Aherin, Phillipsburg, Kan.
Meet Grace Hammer – President!
Hometown: Wallace, KS
Who are your greatest mentors? Parents, starting at eight years old, they taught me the importance of the cattle industry, not only in the show ring but in the ranching and production aspect
What do you love about your breed? We are a close knit group that focus on an importance on people as well as the cattle for our breed’s success
What is your favorite junior national memory? Wining Reserve National Champion Heifer (Hattie) that we raised out of my first show heifer
What are you most excited about with Junior Nationals? Meeting new members. I feel it is important to meet a many people as possible and to be influential to younger members
What is the board most excited about? Our new contests, we really want to get everyone involved. The skillathon and graphic design/video contests are newer and we have added a few things.
What is the biggest life lesson you can take away from showing livestock? As much as I have enjoyed the buckles and banners I love the connections I have made, with the young and experienced. They will always stay with me.
What is the most rewarding experience while on the Jr. Board? Working with the youth and being a mentor to them. This year we are hosting our leadership conference with the junior limousin association and I’m excited to see the connections that will be made.
How do you plan to stay involved with your breed after your term on the jr board is over? I plan to continue to show in open shows and raise Gelbvieh and balancer cattle. I will help my siblings and family as much as possible and continue to help in junior events.
We have 450 head of Gelbvieh, Balancer, and Angus cattle in western Kansas.