National Jr. Gelbvieh Show Set To Break Records In Iowa
10/02/2009 02:49PM
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The American Gelbvieh Junior Association (AGJA) reports record setting entries for the 2009 Pride of the Heartland Classic to be held July 6 through July 11 in Des Moines, Iowa.
“Over 325 Gelbvieh and Balancer animals by 170 exhibitors have been entered for the National Jr. Classic,” said Dana Stewart, American Gelbvieh Association Director of Member Services. “The 2009 show is set to break a record for the number of animals exhibited in the 28-year history of the Jr. Classic.”
The Pride of the Heartland Classic is the premier event for the Gelbvieh breed. The weeklong event is filled with educational activities, youth development, and exhibition of some of the best beef animals of the breed across the United States. Besides showing livestock, members of the American Gelbvieh Junior Association, ages 8-21, will participate in leadership contests including quiz bowl, poster design, sales talk, photography, advertising design, creative writing, and ambassador. Also, the juniors will compete in showmanship, including peewee showmanship for youth under age eight, a team fitting contest, judging contest, and carcass contest.
“Participating at a national level show is an excellent opportunity for young Gelbvieh breeders, as well as anyone who has an interest in beef cattle, to gain experience at a nationally competitive level. The AGJA has a well-established reputation for providing real industry experience through the contests at regional and national shows, in addition to fostering a true family-friendly atmosphere,” says Stewart.
Several fun events have been planned for the week to allow juniors and their families from different parts of the country a chance to relax and get to know one another. One feature is sure to be the Tailgating Showdown and Flag Football Frenzy. The Iowa Barnstormers, Des Moines arena football club, will be the referees for the flag football game. The juniors will also be treated to an afternoon at Adventureland Amusement Park.
In addition, five junior members and leadership will be elected to serve on the ten-member team of the AGJA Board of Directors.
A Town Hall meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 9 at 1:30 p.m. This is an excellent opportunity for all members to have an open discussion on topics facing the Gelbvieh breed including technology, marketing and AGA programs.
The cattle will be shown starting on Friday, July 10 with the market steers, Gelbvieh and Balancer bred-and-owned bulls, and the AGJA National Balancer Female Show, evaluated by Tyler Cates, Moduc, Ind. On Saturday, July 11 will be the AGJA National Gelbvieh Female Show with Dr. Chris Skaggs, College Station, Texas evaluating the entries.
The week will conclude with an awards banquet on Saturday night to recognize the juniors’ efforts and accomplishments during the Jr. Classic. Contact the American Gelbvieh Association at 303-465-2333 or email danas@gelbvieh.org to reserve your tickets for the banquet. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.gelbvieh.org.
The 2010 National Jr. Gelbvieh Show will be held in College Station, Texas, July 4 – 9. The Texas Gelbvieh Jr. Association is already making plans to host the 2010 LoneStar Classic.