SG October 2023

“If one of us is successful, we’re all successful.” — Callie (Strait) Loden

Shared Goals Having been involved with SGBI in so many different roles over the years, Yancey is a firm believer that there is a seat at the table for anyone who wants to be involved. “If you’re new, or considering get ting involved in a bigger way, know that you are always welcome. We may all be making different decisions for our respective herds, but at the end of the day, we all have the same goals: improving the cattle we’re raising, en suring Santa Gertrudis has a place in the industry and continuing to market in ways that earn us the value we know our cattle deserve,” Yancey says. “When we recognize that we have much more to benefit from common goals than competition, it’s easier to reach out to one another, start conver sations and identify new opportunities that will make us all better,” he says. Long-Lasting Legacies Now watching a second genera tion of the Strait and Loden kids get involved in youth activities, Cyn thia stays involved with the South Texas junior affiliate and serves on the South Texas adult affiliate board. She and her husband, Y.N., had been active in encouraging the family’s involvement over the years, and she continues to carry on the tradition. When Y.N. passed away in 2021, the family established a memorial scholarship in his name with the Na tional Santa Gertrudis Youth Foun dation, providing academic opportu nities for youth who are involved with the breed.

“What a blessing it is to get to do what your father did, what his father did and what his father did,” Yancey says. “We count our blessings every day and are so grateful for the oppor tunities that have been provided to our family. We know Dad would be proud to support the successes of our next generation of Santa Gertrudis leaders.” “The Santa Gertrudis breed is our foundation and our focus,” Callie says. “It always will be. It’s just that important.” 5 REASONS TO GET INVOLVED WITH SGBI 1. You love the cattle “We love the cattle. We love the people,” Callie says. “We have a vested interest in making sure the Santa Gertrudis breed remains strong so our children can be a fifth generation of Santa Gertrudis breeders.” 2. You want a bright future for the next generation One of SGBI’s key missions is to secure the breed’s place in the beef cattle industry, protecting future generations and ensuring prosperous opportunities for Santa Gertrudis cattle. 3. You’re ready to give back From relationships to confidence to knowledge and skills, the opportunities youth members have to develop as leaders and individuals will only make them stronger advocates for the breed as adults. 4. Opportunities to have your voice heard Volunteers are always welcomed and needed in a variety of roles. Being involved means playing a part in the future of the breed and the organization. 5. Cooler dinner table conversations “The kids in our family are actively engaged in what we do on the ranch,” Cynthia says. “Dinner table conversations are often about breeding decisions, which cow looks best in the pen, who is going to run the ranch one day and who begs to differ. It’s a whole new level of fun and reminds you why you chose this way of life to begin with.”

From Friends’ Kids to Kids’ Friends Continued from 10

If your family is new to Santa Ger trudis and wondering how to get started, the Strait and Loden families say to dive on in. “We were all the new kids on the block at some point,” Cynthia says. “We wel come anybody who wants to be a part of making our breed and our kids better by stepping up and getting involved. “If one of us is successful, we’re all successful,” Callie continues. “Joining SGBI is about seeing the big picture, and it’s a privilege to be a part of it. What benefits us, benefits everyone, “When we were new to the organi zation, I was learning right alongside the kids,” Cynthia says. I loved watch ing their successes and seeing the re lationships they were building.” “Most of all,” she continues, “I love that everybody cheers for everybody. We still cherish those friendships we have made along the way, and it’s ex citing to see my granddaughters having some of those same great experiences.” Being involved with SGBI, especially at the youth level, provides so many opportunities for learning, relationship building and personal growth. From contests in public speaking to brain bowl, livestock judging, cattleman’s contest and photography, to leadership opportunities on the junior board and the chance to serve as breed royalty are just a few of the many possibilities open to youth in the organization. As the fifth generation now taking part in the fam ily business, the Strait and Loden girls are following in their parents’ footsteps as active members. “It’s amazing to see what they have accomplished as they’ve gotten older and more involved,” Cynthia says. “Both of Yancey and Heather’s daughters have been national prin cess. Avery is vice president of the junior board, and she has attended GOALS multiple times. Callie and Jake’s daughters are taking on a number of contests and learning so much every step of the way.” and we’re all better for it.” Cultivating Community

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SANTA GERTRUDIS SOURCE

OCTOBER 2023