Junior nationals to showcase youth and Aberdeen cattle
The American Junior Aberdeen Association will have its annual Junior National Show June 15 to 20 at the Western State Bank Expo, 11333 U.S. Highway 283, Dodge City, Kansas.
Curt Weyh, an AJAA adviser, said the association wanted to have an event in the southern plains region and that led to organizers to having “Showdown in Dodge City,” which is fitting with community’s western heritage and show competitors and families are eagerly anticipating traveling here. Participants, their families and livestock are expected to start arriving June 15 with activities beginning June 16.
“This looks to be the biggest Junior Nationals to date,” Weyh said. “We’re excited about coming to Dodge City.”
The last time it was in this region was about five years ago when it was in Woodward, Oklahoma, he said.
A year ago, the show was in Boone, Iowa. The organization said successful shows have always had ties to the High Plains region.
Weyh said the breed of cattle are known for their efficiency and high-quality meat, but emphasized the event is about the participants.
“We are showcasing the kids and giving them the opportunity to be introduced to other people and making new friends,” he said, adding that those relationships will become life-long and that benefits the livestock industry, too.
There are 61 youth exhibitors, and 153 cattle entered. As a testament to enthusiasm, a banquet during the week has already sold 150 tickets.
He said the popular cattle show is set for 9 a.m. June 20, but just as exciting are multiple other contests including a quiz bowl, marketing, showmanship, and fitting contests. Contest divisions are for the appropriate age groups.
The queen, princess, and AJAA board member interviews and selection are conducted during the annual show to serve for the next year. The annual meeting is also conducted, and scholarship winners are announced.
Besides Weyh the other AJAA adviser who has been assisting with the event is Courteney Walker from New Mexico.
Major events
June 16
8:30 a.m. to noon, check in and registration and poster contest entries are due; 10 a.m. to noon, tattoo reading; 1 to 1:30 pm., cattle must be in place; 1:30 to 2 p.m., opening ceremonies and group picture; 2 to 2:30 p.m., Quiz Bowl demonstration and contest; 6:30 p.m. potluck dinner.
June 17
8 a.m., morning round up; 8:30 to 9 a.m., showdown showmanship preparation; 9 to 10:30 a.m., showdown showmanship; 10:30 a.m. to noon, speech contest; noon to 1 p.m., lunch; 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., livestock judging; 5 to 6 p.m., barnyard Olympics; 7 p.m., interviews for junior board and royalty.
June 18
8 a.m., morning roundup; 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., Sullivan Supply fitting demonstration; 10 to 11 a.m., Sullivan Supply team fitting contest; noon to 1 p.m., lunch; 1 to 2 p.m., annual meeting; 2 to 2:30 p.m., team marketing demonstration; 3 to 6 p.m., team marketing contest.
June 19
8 a.m., morning roundup; 8:30 to 9 a.m., Sullivan Supply’s no-fit showmanship demonstration; 9:30 a.m., Sullivan Supply’s no-fit showmanship contest and “Over-The-Hill” showmanship to follow; noon to 1 p.m., lunch; 1 to 5 p.m., afternoon activity, “Aberdeen’s Got Talent”; 6 p.m., banquet.
June 20
7:30 a.m., morning roundup; 9 a.m., AJAA Show announcements.
For more information, visit https://americanaberdeen.com/shows-events/junior-nationals/.
Dave Bergmeier can be reached at 620-227-1822 or [email protected].
