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ops leadership skills. The pride that SGBI membership has in the associa- tion’s youth program is understandable – it is one of the nation’s best and is comprised of exceptional young cattle producers. Can our junior program become even better? Sure, it can. While all research and studies mention that participation in a junior program enhances industry knowledge, it is not a major theme. Industry knowledge ranked sixth in the Texas Tech study and third (out of three) in the SGBI project. This data tells me that SGBI has an opportu- nity to assist our junior members in becoming better educated about the beef industry and the role that profit- able seedstock production plays in the competitive seedstock sector. As America’s Data Driven and Profit Proven breed, we recognize that the development of new expected progeny differences, indices and other genetic tools will continue to strengthen the breed’s industry presence. Involving our association’s young people in SGBI’s efforts to develop and offer cutting- edge selection and decision-making

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT By John Ford (361) 592-9357 | jford@santagertrudis.com

A nyone who spent time at the trudis Breeders International’s (SGBI) youth program is one of the best in the nation. More than 250 young cattle- men and cattlewomen exhibited more than 600 outstanding Santa Gertrudis animals during the week-long event. In addition to the show, juniors partici- pated in numerous leadership and life skills activities. The entire week was supported by dedicated volunteers committed to developing the next generation of active SGBI members. Having a long history with youth livestock programs, I am confident that a young person who cares for an animal project has a better under- standing of life than a young person who has not had a beef cattle-related experience. My belief is supported by university and Extension research, as well as the ongoing Santa Gertrudis Youth Foundation-funded study. SGBI’s junior exhibitors often refer to the breed’s youth association, National Junior Santa Gertrudis Association (NJSGA), as their Gert Family , and a Texas Tech University study con- firms that the development of social relationships is considered one of the most important components of youth livestock program participation. Social interaction is a learned behav- ior and one of life’s most important skills. Social relationships serve as the foundation for positive interactions with others and can greatly impact career choice. Preliminary data from the SGBI-funded youth program research project also supports Texas Tech’s find- ings. SGBI junior members who took part in the foundation study stated they consider the social aspect of NJSGA participation one of the most impor- tant elements of the breed’s junior association. Surprisingly, leadership develop- ment was not a theme mentioned in National Junior Santa Gertrudis Show earlier this summer quickly recognized that the Santa Ger-

the Texas Tech study. However, the SGBI study found that both parents and members consider leadership develop- ment an extremely important com- ponent of the breed’s junior program. SGBI juniors and their parents agreed that the leadership oppportunities NJSGA offers support a young person’s transition into adulthood and provides the skills necessary to become respon- sible citizens and valued members of their community. All studies clearly indicate involve- ment in a youth livestock program is a rewarding experience that advances social relationships, fosters coopera- tion, enhances self-reliance and devel-

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SGBI Kalli Kimble, Kingsbury, Texas, was elected to lead the organization in the coming year as president. The 2019-2020 officer team also includes Vice Presi- dent Ryan Hess, Stephenville, Texas; Secretary Hadley Brooks, Krum, Texas; and Treasurer JD Chism, Pontotoc, Miss. The following district directors were also elected: Calli Green, Holden, La.; Erin Kay Daniel, Magnolia, Ark.; Taylor Jans- sen, Palacios, Texas; Landon Stem, Anderson, Texas; Leighton McCulley, Summit, Miss.; Kelsie Edenfield, Altha, Fla.; Javid Sanchez, Bosque, N.M.; Levi Nelson, Krum, Texas; and Casey Kelly, Spring, Texas. 2019-2020 NJSGA Board of Directors NATIONAL JUNIOR SANTA GERTRUDIS ASSOCIATION (NJSGA) MEMBERS were elected to serve on the NJSGA Board of Directors at the 2019 National Junior Santa Gertrudis Show, June 22-29 in Bryan, Texas.

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SANTA GERTRUDIS USA