Care that comes full circle. That is more than just a slogan. It is the commitment that BioZyme® Inc., stands on. That is why it is important to the animal nutrition company to partner with breed associations on sponsoring junior livestock events that build leadership skills and teach responsibilities.
BioZyme, maker of Sure Champ® is a sponsor of the 2022 American-International Junior Charolais Association Junior National – Char-Cation, June 19-24 in Grand Island, Nebraska. Recently, Kaitlyn Chisum, Director of Youth Activities & Foundation, sat down with Sure Champ and gave some highlights of their event and advice on how exhibitors might #PreptoWin as they prepare to head out to Grand Island.
By the Numbers: 384 junior exhibitors from 31 states with 780 animal entries.
Sure Champ: Why is it important for young people and their families to participate in the Junior National?
Kaitlyn: These junior breed associations are not only about raising quality cattle but most importantly quality kids. Junior National provides families and youth a national platform to compete in not only just livestock shows but also to enhance personal development skills and build relationships with fellow young people and industry professionals from across the country.
Sure Champ: Do you have anything new or special planned for this year’s Char-Cation?
The planning committee has put together an awesome set of presenters for the leadership conference sessions! Our keynote speakers will be Docs Ben & Erin from Nat Geo Wild’s Heartland Docs, DVM TV show. I encourage everyone to attend these activities spread throughout our schedule to meet new people and learn a little bit along the way.
Sure Champ: What is your best piece of advice for exhibitors and participants who are preparing to attend?
This year’s Char-Cation may take the place of your family vacation for this summer so don’t forget to take advantage of all the opportunities available. You will have fun and make new friends along the way! Junior National has a busy schedule with lots of activities but take some time to relax with your family and friends on the free night after you participate in the Sure Champ Olympics! If it’s your first Junior National, don’t be afraid to pack your Hawaiian shirts, they are always sighted during the Charolais Junior National week.
Sure Champ: How does the Charolais Junior National set itself apart from other youth events?
We are very proud to offer a Leadership Conference experience along with our Junior National Show. Industry leaders and presenters provide educational sessions for all ages of participants. It promotes stronger relationships with our industry partners and helps us build better kids and future leaders of our industry. These aren’t just junior member events either. We welcome everyone to join in on the experience and learn from our speakers.
Sure Champ: What is your best Junior National memory?
Each one has its special moments and memories. One of my favorite parts of the job is working with the different Junior Board and Planning Committees each year, but if I had to pick my best memory, it would be during the Annual Awards Banquet in Brookings, South Dakota. I had the honor to present our AIJCF Scholarships that evening for the first time. As a former recipient myself it was quite a feeling reading off the 35 members’ names and the $48,000 worth of scholarship dollars awarded that night.
The Sure Champ Team hopes to see you and your family on Char-Cation in Grand Island! Look for us in our booth and at the Sure Champ Olympics!
