For livestock families, a Junior National is often the equivalent to a summer vacation. Families that spend time in the barn together, set goals, work hard to achieve them and know the satisfaction of achieving those goals. At BioZyme®, we call that #PreptoWin, and we were so excited to see many of our customers make it to the backdrops at their respective junior nationals this summer.
We want to shine our spotlight this month on two juniors who put in a little extra time in the barn and give 110% to everything they do. Blayklee Stelzer and Amelia Miller are both young exhibitors who achieved goals this summer at their respective junior national events. Blayklee is the daughter of Juston and Leslie and excelled at the VitaFerm® Junior National Hereford Exposition in Madison, Wisconsin, winning Junior Showmanship and showing two division champions. Amelia Miller reached her goal of leading the Grand Champion Bred-and-Owned Heifer at the National Junior Angus Show in Grand Island, Nebraska. The daughter of Alan and Theresa Miller also earned a position as one of the top five showman in the prestigious one-time-only National Showmanship Contest.
1. Tell us about yourself!
BS: My name is Blayklee Stelzer, 11, Oologah, Oklahoma. My parents and grandparents got me my first Mini Herefords in 2014 named Daisy and Donald.
AM: My name is Amelia Miller, and I am 20 years old from Gridley, Illinois. I grew up on my family’s show cattle operation, Prairie View Farms. I attended my first cattle show at 5 weeks old and began showing Angus cattle as soon as I was able. As I grew older, I branched out to showing not just Angus, but heifers in other breeds as well. I have been involved in the Illinois Junior Angus Association serving in various offices. I attend Texas A&M University majoring in Animal Science and am pursuing a meat science certificate. I am involved as the Social Chairman of the Out of State Ambassadors, Corresponding Secretary for Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, on the Beef Promotion Committee for Texas Aggie Cattlewomen, and on the Saddle and Sirloin Futurity Board.
2. What species/breeds do you show?
BS: Cattle – Hereford, Angus, Mini Hereford
AM: I show primarily Angus cattle.
3. Which Sure Champ® and Vita Charge® product do you use?
BS: VitaFerm® Concept•Aid® Mineral with HEAT® and ClariFly®, Sure Champ® Extreme with ClariFly®, Vita Charge® Gel, Vita Charge (Green Drench), Vita Charge Clench Gel
AM: My family uses VitaFerm Concept•Aid 5/S as the mineral for our entire cattle herd. For the show heifers, they additionally receive Vita Charge Liquid Boost on a regular basis.
4. What are the biggest benefits you have seen using our products?
BS: Cattle consistently stay on feed and continue to drink whether at home or on the show road. Benefits of ClariFly seem to be noticed when being fed the product. Cattle are less prone to being found in the pond on hot summer days when being fed Concept•Aid with HEAT.
AM: Our consistent use of 5/S mineral has done an amazing job with helping the reproductive success of our program and has improved foot health. The Liquid Boost helps with improving appetite and general health of the show heifers, especially when they are in high stress situations or going to shows.
5. What is your favorite show and why?
BS: My favorite show is either Hereford or Angus Junior Nationals because I get to meet new people, and they are some of the most competitive shows. I love the people in both associations.
AM: My favorite show would have to be Denver because of the rich history behind the show. I have attended the show many times and have spent many of those years with my family and friends celebrating my birthday during the heifer show.
6. What are your plans for the future?
BS: I plan on going to OSU and getting into veterinary school and become a vet for large animals.
AM: I plan to attend grad school for food science and work in food safety to help reduce food borne illnesses and advocate for farmers and ranchers in the food industry.
7. Who is your biggest role model and why?
BS: My biggest role models are my parents because they have always been there for me no matter what. They have always supported me and my brother. Another one of my greatest role models is Amberley Snyder because no matter what life threw at her and how hard things were, she never gave up at the hardest parts of her life.
AM: My dad has taught me so much about work ethic and passion for the cattle industry. He has built Prairie View Farms to where it is today carrying on the legacy that began with my great grandfather. My dad’s work ethic and intelligence is something my brothers and I are able to look up to as he has taught us so much about being humble and hardworking both in and out of the show ring.
8. What is your favorite/greatest accomplishment?
BS: My favorite accomplishment happened earlier this summer winning champion junior showman at the 2023 Junior National Hereford Expo.
AM: Winning Champion Bred and Owned Heifer at NJAS was a goal that I set for myself when I first started showing that seemed far-fetched at the time. This year, I was blessed to receive this honor and continued to have the best junior nationals I could have asked for. On top of this win, my other heifer won her class, and I was named 3rd overall showman. It was truly the week of a lifetime.
At BioZyme, we are glad to shine our spotlight on young exhibitors who know how to work hard to achieve their goals. Congratulations to both Amelia and Blayklee for accomplishing so much at your respective junior nationals this summer. Thank you for including VitaFerm, Sure Champ and Vita Charge products in your Formula4Success!
