BOZEMAN, MT.Members of the American Junior Simmental Association (AJSA) are eager to attend the 2006 AJSA National Classic XXVI being held July 10-14, at the AlliantEnergyCenter in Madison, Wisconsin.
Nearly 250 junior Simmental members representing 27 states will travel to Madison to participate in a variety of cattle-related competitions. Divided into novice, junior, intermediate, and senior divisions, members will have the opportunity to develop and showcase their skills in a number of events covering a wide range of topics, including public speaking, beef industry knowledge tests, advertising skills, judging, as well as the traditional Simmental and Simbrah cattle shows and showmanship. Extra-curricular activities on the schedule include a team cook-off, Barnyard Olympics, a youth dance, and a family fun night sponsored by the Wisconsin Junior Simmental Association.
The Classic gets under way on Monday, July 10, with cattle and contestant check-in and the opening session followed by the cattleman’s quiz and showmanship competition. On Tuesday, members will find themselves busy with the cattle judging contest and public speaking and interview competitions. Wednesday’s activities include the popular sales talk contest, followed by the steer, cow/calf, and percentage female shows. The Simmental and Simbrah purebred female shows will be held Thursday morning starting at 8:00 am, with a Town Hall Meeting for adult members later that evening. The last day of the Classic will feature a new meats judging contest, and the team fitting competition. Contestants will be recognized for their accomplishments throughout the week at the Awards Banquet scheduled for 6:00 pm, with a youth dance and adult mixer immediately following.
Spectator admission to the National Classic is free of charge and the public is welcome to attend.
Headquartered in Bozeman, Montana, the American Simmental Association maintains the breed registries for the Simmental and Simbrah breeds of cattle. The organization has has an active adult and junior membership of nearly 8,000.