by Kyla Nesheim,  editor/director of  communications

Journey = Destination

We all set out on different journeys throughout our lives with different destinations in mind. Whatever the journey may be, the destination is up to you. Journeys start at a young age and continue through the rest of our lives. There will be many journeys we will face everyday in our lives. Each and every one of us has a different destination in mind and a different journey. Some may be smooth riding and some may be rocky, some may be long and some may be short; however it may be, we all end up with a destination. We as individuals need to choose how to travel, take on and tackle our journeys.

Let’s take time to focus on junior Maine-Anjou exhibitor's journeys. Many of these talented junior exhibitors start their journeys at a young age traveling to shows across the country and continue to do so for a long time. Maine-Anjou cattle will be a part of their lives for many years. While some may only travel to a handful of shows or even one show and are only involved with the breed for a short time. Whether it is  one show you attend or many, youare promoting a great breed and contributing largely to the future. I'm sure you all have different destinations in mind, whether it be winning the national junior show; meeting new friends sharing the same interests; the beginning of heavy involvement within the breed; winning a local fair or your state fair; or  simply being involved. You are the future of this tremendous breed and what a bright future with a talented and great group of junior exhibitors.

For many junior exhibitors, it all leads up to the "big one" the national junior show and what an
event it was this year. Maine-Anjou junior members traveled from far and wide to Wichita Falls, Texas, for a week of Texas Hold `Em. A total of 315 cattle competed for national honors and 184 kids vied for top spots in the contests. Overall, it was a great week of fun, contests and shows.

The national junior show is a time when junior members' journeys are filled with laughter, smiles, competitive streaks, new friends, family and much more. Words can't describe the feelings these exhibitors experience during the week of junior nationals. New friendships are formed, bonds with their cattle become tighter and good clean competition and fun is shared by all in attendance.

The week kicked off with an array of contests. Many exhibitors compete for the overall sweepstakes honor while others simply participate in their favorite contests, increasing their overall knowledge and abilities. The enthusiasm was high all week with excited junior members ready to get involved. The week wrapped up with the shows. The best of the best in Maine-Anjou genetics competed for national champion honors.

In my mind, these junior Maine-Anjou members are one of a kind. Their journeys have only begun, yet they have accomplished more in their young lives than most ever will throughout a lifetime. They shine in every aspect of the business and they will lead the breed in the future and there's no doubt, they will do a superb job! I truly enjoy knowing so many of you and I hope to meet many more. I enjoy and cherish the time I get to spend with the many Maine-Anjou junior exhibitors. You are a joy to be around. Your destinations will be filled with many accomplishments and high honors.

A big thanks to the Texas Maine-Anjou Association for all their hard work in preparing for this show. It was a great one! Your dedication to the breed and its junior members is appreciated by many. Congratulations to B.J. Eick, AMAA youth director, for putting together a great national junior show and also to Kristi Bishop, our summer intern, for putting up with the staff at a stressful time and for all your hard work, you are greatly appreciated. We couldn't have done it without you! And thanks to everyone who was involved in helping in any way with this great event.

The national junior show is a journey seldom forgot by the many who attend. Keep up the good work juniors and may your journeys and destinations be fulfilled to your standards. See you down the road!