Junior Beefmaster Breeders Prepare for National Shows and Convention
SAN ANTONIO – The schedule has been set and young Beefmaster breeders are preparing for the 30th annual Junior Beefmaster Breeders Association (JBBA) National Convention and Junior Shows to be held in Shawnee, Oklahoma, July 28 through August 3 at the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center. This year JBBA is celebrating 30 years of building leaders and still counting with junior Beefmaster breeder tradition.
The JBBA National Convention not only offers JBBA members a great opportunity to exhibit their cattle, but to participate in new activities and meet new people. A schedule filled with educational and fun activities has been tailored to entertain, educate and provide a great family atmosphere. The schedule of events is coordinated by the JBBA officers, directors and the Beefmaster Breeders United (BBU) JBBA Adult committee.
Many contests are available to juniors throughout the week. Juniors can show off their artistic skills in several contests including both photography and PowerPoint contests, which do not require attendance by the junior breeder, and a coloring contest. The 2014 JBBA Convention and National Shows will also include a livestock judging, showmanship and public speaking contests for the juniors that will be attending the event. JBBA members will also participate in a marketing and photography seminar, as well as learn about carcass ultrasound scanning from Chad Gordon of Ultrasound Technologies.
If juniors are looking to challenge their knowledge of the industry, the convention and national show will feature a quiz bowl competition where juniors must study several packets including the BIF guidelines, beef glossary, WHR manual and steer show study material!
JBBA President Cody Morgan is excited for this year’s convention after such a successful convention and shows held last year in College Station, Texas.
“Family fun night is always a blast, and this year is very special. We will be going out to the Citizen Potawatomi Festival Grounds where we will be bowling, eating, and playing many other games. Not to mention we will also be entertained by Native American tribal fancy dancers. Also, at these nationals we will be having a guest speaker come to speak to our members and guests about marketing and photographing cattle,†Morgan says.
Allison Wagner Wells, JBBA Adult Committee Chairman, wants to remind the youth attending the national convention and shows that it is the exhibitor’s responsibility to bring their animal(s) to the check-in area with registration papers, bred and owned papers (if applicable) and two copies of the health papers. Please also keep in mind when loading trailers that there are no outside shavings or straw allowed; shavings must be purchase from the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center for $6.00 per bag. For family and friends attending, a meal ticket is required to attend a meal during the convention and meal tickets can be purchased at the main show office.
“This will prove to be a great competition and learning opportunity for JBBA members. We ask that all junior exhibitors be familiar with the rules for the 2014 National Convention and Shows. All BBU registered animals must be shown with their hair coats lying downward and flat against their entire body. Exhibitors must follow all other rules that are stated in the 2014 Junior National Packet and catalog,†she adds.
All entries and pre-registrations must be received (not post marked) at the JBBA office no later than June 6, 2014 or you will pay the late animal entry and late convention registration fees. Late entry and substitutions for entries will be allowed until Thurs., July 31, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. A full schedule of events, in addition to the entry form, rules and regulations, contest rules and hotel accommodations are all available at www.beefmasters.org/juniors.
For more information about Beefmaster Breeders United and its junior program please contact the BBU office at 210-732-3132 or visit www.beefmasters.org. Stay connected to BBU through Facebook, view our videos on YouTube, follow us on Twitter and receive our news updates through joining our mailing list.