Milking Shorthorn gets youth involved
by Kylie Daniels, from the March 25, 2005 issue of Hoard's Dairyman. Used with permission.

The newest leaders of the Milking Shorthorn breed are recent graduates from the junior programs of the American Milking Shorthorn Society (AMSS). Learning from many different activities spread from ages 9 to 21, they are involved in guiding the AMSS both now and into the future.What activities are available to Milking Shorthorn youth today that train the leaders of the breed for tomorrow?

National Convention a big part . . .

At the annual national meeting of the AMSS, junior activities abound. This past year in Plano, Texas, youth had the chance to visit two prominent Milking Shorthorn herds in the Dallas area. These very different farms showcased the breed’s different styles of management with the Oak Grove herd tradition of show-ring success and the Ecua Farm philosophy of combining great type with strong production.

Also during the convention, juniors take front and center in the National Milking Shorthorn Junior Show. The show is open only to cattle under 2 years of age and must be shown by a junior member. The champion of the show receives the Andy Vaske Memorial Trophy in honor of a breeder who was very supportive of the junior society.All class winners are awarded Nasco gift certificates for their achievement. The showmanship contest always brings out the competitive spirit in all that attend! A variety of junior awards are given out during the Junior Society meeting at the convention including production awards, Junior All Americans, Progressive Breeders, and the Rachel Surridge Award. Milk production awards are broken into age classes and awarded on an actual production basis. Two youth are selected to receive the Progressive Breeder Award each year, with a junior award given to a youth under 13 years of age. The Rachel Surridge, which is given to the National Youth Contest winner, is the most prestigious youth award. It involves an application and interview process with a panel of judges.

Officers are also elected during the Junior Society meeting and other business is taken care of. Junior convention activities include a youth quiz bowl contest, as well.Capping off the events is the crowning of the National Milking Shorthorn Queen. This position allows a young lady who is involved with Milking Shorthorns to represent the breed locally and nationally at shows and meetings. Junior members are eligible to show cattle in any state or regional show. Separate junior shows are held at the Eastern National in Harrisburg, Pa., the Northeast National in Springfield, Mass., and the Winter National in Louisville, Ky. The junior show at the International Milking Shorthorn Show in Madison, Wis., is held simultaneously with the open show.

Scholarship opportunities exist in many forms within the Milking Shorthorn breed but vary by state. The New England Milking Shorthorn Society awards a $500 prize to the youth who enters the best written essay each year. This award is provided to assist the youth in purchasing a Milking Shorthorn.

How to get involved . . .

First, find a project heifer.You may purchase one, or you can even lease from a breeder. Next, sign up to be a junior member. A one-time fee of $25 covers your membership until you turn 21. After that, get involved in as many activities as you can.