SG_USA_August_2021

JERRY CATES, ROLAND SANCHEZ AND JESSICA SANCHEZ 2021 NJSGS DEDICATION

Jerry was proud of cattle, but his joy in life was his grandkids. For as many years as I can remember, each summer vacation destination was the NJSGS. The last two years were tough on him, but he wasn’t going to miss the annual event. Last year, he checked himself out of the hospital to attend. While each of his grandkids have many fond (and funny) memories of Old Dad at junior nationals, their memories all tie back to the love Jerry had for the breed and the people. “The kindness and love he showed to everyone around him and everyone involved in this breed is hands down one of the memories that I cherish the most,” Cooper Cates said. Jerry had no idea how he touched so many and how much he was loved. We are humbled for the kindness the junior organization has extended to our family. Roland Sanchez and Jessica Sanchez Red Doc Farm, Dr. Roland “Doc” Sanchez and family began their adven- ture in the 1960s. While in high school, Roland walked through the stalls of the New Mexico State Fair and saw Santa Gertrudis cattle. He dreamed of one day bringing these beautiful animals into his

T he 2021 National Junior Santa Gertrudis Show (NJSGS) was dedicated in memory of three deserving individuals – Dr. Roland Sanchez, Jessica Sanchez and Jerry Cates – who the Santa Gertrudis family said goodbye to last year. The article below contains excerpts from the speeches given during the NJSGS. Jerry Cates Jerry Cates was known to most as “Old Dad.” Following a four-year battle with cancer, Jerry passed away in January with his family at his side. In the mid-‘60s, Jerry showed a Santa Gertrudis heifer named Sweet- heart that he purchased from the Cartwright Ranch. After high school, he married the love of his life, Patri- cia. They had two children, Michael and Shana. Jerry wanted his children to have the same experience he did

showing “God’s cattle.” In the late ‘70s, he went to a sale where he purchased three lots. When Mom wrote the check, she told him, “That puts us in the red.” He said, “Yes, it does. Red-headed kids, red cattle and the checkbook in red. I guess that makes us the In the Red Ranch” – Santa Gertrudis Breeders International herd No. 8712. Little did he know back then how he would impact so many people. For the next 40-plus years, Jerry built a small, high-quality herd. Not only did he give his children the opportunity to win, he’s giving his grandchildren and many more generations to come the opportu- nity to show off “God’s cattle.” Jerry never met a stranger. He loved people. He loved talking with people. He loved knowing people. When Jerry left a conversation, you were going to get a two-armed hug followed by, “I love you.”

SANTA GERTRUDIS ASSOCIAT ION South Texas Junior Congratulat s All Junior National Participants! Congratulations to all our 2021 NJSGS Exhibitors! Amy Brewer Arden Ellen Strait Avery Elizabeth Strait Kalli Kimble Landon Southern Madison Maglievaz

CONTINUED ON PAGE 45 

Briana Rios Caleb Bram Cameron Southern James Noonan

Madisyn Douglas Peyton Hoffpauir Piper Loden Tanner Lawrence Thomas Smith Trustyn Cumberland Wade Southern

Jana Justiss Jase Miller Jaycie Miller

Wait ‘Til Next Year!

36

SANTA GERTRUDIS USA