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association to retain members who reach age 21 and are no longer eligible for the junior program. “That’s one of the plusses that we have with our juniors,” she says. “We have managed to keep a lot of our junior members involved.” While the affiliate offers its Junior Heifer Show as a special, junior- focused event, the countless junior members are also actively involved with all other affiliate activities. During the Kentucky State Fair and NAILE, junior members can often be seen handing out ribbons, lining up classes and assisting in the ring. Juniors also help with set up and tear down at other event functions. “We include our juniors in all of our activities,” Beverly says. “We all work together as a group.” The future of the association’s junior program is a bright spot for the asso- ciation. In fact, the small-fry division is always the largest showmanship divi- sion during the group’s annual Junior Heifer Show. As a long-time junior youth advisor, seeing young people involved and passionate about Santa Gertrudis is a highlight for Beverly. KENTUCKY SANTA GERTRUDIS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

“My favorite part is the children,” she says. Having multiple generations from the same families involved in the associa- tion is another positive for the long- standing affiliate. The Heaths say it is fun to see young members serving in leadership positions that their parents or grandparents held years ago. For example, current association President Cody Mattingly’s father and grandfather both raised Santa Gertru- dis, and Cody was a junior member prior to becoming an active affiliate member. Vice President Courtney Lon- gacre’s grandfather was the affiliate’s second president; Courtney’s father

later served as president as well. Nolan Taylor was an active junior member who now serves as the affiliate’s sales chairman; Nolan’s father previously served as affiliate president. One of the Heath’s sons has also been affiliate president, following in Pat’s footsteps. With more than 40 years of involve- ment in the Kentucky Santa Gertrudis Association, Pat and Beverly are firm believers that local affiliate involvement is important for all breeders. “Affiliate involvement gives people the opportunity to get together with other people who have similar interests,” Bev- erly says. “We have a good time, and we enjoy each other’s company.”

Kentucky Santa Gertrudis Association members pose for a photo following an affiliate meeting in early 2020.

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