JUNIORS EXERCISE THEIR SKILLS AT NATIONAL JUNIOR SHORTHORN SHOW & YOUTH CONFERENCE
Jackson Bunting, of Emington, and sales partner Maddox Reedy compete and take top honors at 2025 National Show in the Team Salesmanship
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (June 30, 2025)– Junior Shorthorn enthusiasts gathering from 32 states competed in the 2025 National Junior Shorthorn Show & Youth Conference in Grand Island, Neb., June 21- June 28. Juniors competed not only with their animals but showed off their talents when competing in different individual, team, and state contests.
In Transova’s Team salesmanship exhibitors in teams of two are tasked with working together to market a product to prospective buyers (The judges). In the senior division, the exhibitors were given a scenario to present a business plan for a bank loan. The Intermediate division were to sell a TransOva product or service to a panel of judges. Prospector I and II divisions had the objective to sell an animal they had brought to the show. Exhibitors were judged based on speaking participation of both team members, poise/skill in the presentation, teamwork, appearance of the animal and overall impact of the sell.
Executive Secretary/CEO of the American Shorthorn Association, Montie Soules, explained in an interview that, “The National Junior Shorthorn Show and Youth Conference is every bit as much about the contests and the educational aspect from that as it is the cattle show. The youth of this breed pride themselves in participating in a number of contests. This provides leadership and communication skills for those junior exhibitors that will advance them in their lifelong goals. One of the things that I am most proud of about this event is the high participation percentage that we have in our contests. Our junior board and staff have made it a point to try and provide new and updated contests that challenge the junior members with the technology available in today’s world. This prepares Shorthorn youth for their future.”
Receiving top honors in the Prospector I age division (age 9 and under) was:
- Knox Neumayr and Kamryn Thomas, Texas
- Alden Vaughn and Lane McDonald, Iowa
- Rylee Jo and Payton Helsinger, Ohio
- Delilah and Genevieve Barber, Maryland
- Ethan Benes and Brock Ruby, Nebraska
In the Prospector II age division, (10-12 years old) was:
- Sam Parker & Kelby Worthington, Oklahoma
- Grady and Kanin Wasland, South Dakota
- Kinsey and Khloe Thomas, Texas
- Brody Grathwohl and Grace Meier, Kansas
- Maddox Reedy and Jackson Bunting, Illinois
Intermediate age division, (13 – 16 years) was:
- Josie and Ryder Heter, Kansas
- Joshua Blakeman and Emma Helsinger, Ohio
- Bridgette Cover and Murphy Fahrmeier, Missouri
- Evelyn Hill and Lindsay Jester, Indiana
- Reagan Ferris from Indiana and Sheridan Soules from Oklahoma
Senior age division, (17 -21 years) was:
- Ashton Bain and Tatumn Poff of Ohio
- Emma Roberts and Lexi Lane, Oklahoma
- Kealyn Cahoon and Layne Meek, Montana
- Clay Lynn and Victoria Thompson, Alabama
- Julia Lyons and Keely Everson, Wisconsin
For more information and a complete list of activities, sponsors, contests, and winners, visit www.shorthorn.org or contact the ASA at 816-599-7777 or shelby@shorthorn.org.
The American Shorthorn Association provides quality service and support to its members by promoting the value of Shorthorn Cattle in all aspects of the beef industry, while maintaining the integrity of the herd book and performance database. The American Junior Shorthorn Association promotes personal development through youth activities and educational events, while being dedicated to the betterment of its members. To learn more, contact the ASA office or visit www.shorthorn.org.
