A Look Into the Junior Board President | Grace Vehige, AGJA Junior Board President

We love getting the opportunity to work with the Junior Breed Associations and their Junior Board Members each and every year, and we wanted to take some extra time to get to know the presidents of each breed Junior Board. American Gelbvieh Junior Association Junior Board President, Grace Vehige, Grace hails from Billings, Missouri, and is a recent graduate of the University of Arkansas. She grew up in the Gelbvieh Breed with her family at T Bar S. Grace’s commitment to the youth in the Gelbiveh Association is second to none and you can see that in the way that she interacts with each of the breed’s junior exhibitors. Check out the feature below to see an inside perspective on the AGJA Junior Board President.

 

What is the biggest life lesson you can take away from showing livestock?
Perception is reality. Because the livestock business is a people’s business, you never know who or when you might meet your next great industry connection. It is because of my involvement in showing livestock that I was able to learn to voice my opinion, listen to the opinions of others, think critically, and share new ideas. However, perhaps the biggest takeaway is the ability to compose myself both in the show ring and meeting room. Showing livestock taught me to always behave the way I would want others to see because you never know who may be watching.

 

 

 

 

What is the most rewarding experience while on the Junior Board and being President?
For me, the most rewarding experience is when a junior member tells you they look up to you, or a junior members’ parent tells you that you are a great role model for their kids. All of the difficulties fade away when someone shares how you have made a positive impact on their life.

 

What has been your goal as a junior board for the American Gelbvieh Junior Association?
As a smaller breed association, it is safe to say we are always looking for new members and higher member participation. We have made gradual advancements across all the boards. While we do consider what alternative breed associations are implementing in their programs, we also recognize the opportunity for development within our own association. As a junior board, I would say we are constantly trying to reevaluate and improve upon opportunities for our members, whether that be in contest or ring.

 

What has been your favorite or most rewarding part of being on the Junior Board and/or serving as President?
Throughout my time on the Board, I have enjoyed watching young members become more confident with themselves and presenting to different audiences. My favorite part about serving on the Junior Board and as President is the irreplaceable relationships formed with both junior members, parents, and industry professionals alike. I have had the opportunity to meet a lot of really great people, who continue to root for me to this day.

 

 

 

How do you plan to stay involved with your breed after your term is up?
My family raises Registered Gelbvieh and Balancer cattle. I plan to stay involved with the breed by helping my family with our annual production sale. Additionally, as a young professional in agricultural communications, I hope to one day work with fellow producers and assist them in meeting their marketing demands. If future plans provide an opportunity, I would also like the opportunity to serve as an AGJA Advisor.

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