February is the month of love, and we LOVE these two showmen! Rylee Short from Masonville, Iowa and Jaci Falkenstien from Barlett, Kansas are our Sure Champ Junior Spotlight for the month of February!
Rylee is no stranger to the show ring. With her parent’s extensive background in the Maine-Anjou, Chianina and Shorthorn breeds, it is evident that Rylee has those same passions within the cattle industry. Whether she has a show harness on or her National Maine-Anjou Princess tiara, Rylee is guaranteed to have a smile on her face. Rylee’s hard work does not go unnoticed, and it is clear her future is bright. Although Rylee is only 13, Rylee has accomplished a lot, which gives her the determination to continue her success. Alongside her family, Rylee raises high-quality cattle to sell to juniors to help them achieve their goals! We are honored to have Rylee as a junior spotlight this month!
It is a known fact that 15-year-old Jaci has grown up around the show ring. While looking up to her older sister, she found her passion for showing goats. Jaci’s family has been raising and showing goats for as long as she can remember. Although Jaci has shown other species, she knows her true passion lies within the goat industry. Even though Jaci credits her love to the show ring, she also has seen the true value of the industry by raising goats. Her family dreamed of winning the Kansas State Fair with a goat they raised. Jaci accomplished this in 2019, and ever since, her family has been helping others to do the same by raising and selling high-quality goats. We are thrilled to feature Jaci in the spotlight!
Both Rylee and Jaci give some insight into their feeding programs along with some advice they would give to younger showmen.
What is your favorite show and why?
Rylee: Maine and Chi Junior Nationals is one of my favorites because it’s a great way for juniors from across the country to meet for a week and have fun. It is such a great experience spending a week away from home and getting to hang out with people that I love to learn from!
Jaci: I would say my favorite show would be either the Aksarben Stock Show or the National Western Stock Show. These are my favorite because when we go to these places the volunteers and the people that work there are very helpful. This gives us the opportunity to get to know other showmen and their families. It’s these networks and friendships that make this industry enjoyable!
Which Sure Champ® and Vita Charge® products do you use?
Rylee: Sure Champ® Joint Juice is a great product to use at shows on concrete and during winter with frozen ground. Another favorite in our barn is the Vita Charge® Stress Tub. The Stress Tub is always a great thing to have when helping with stress, keeping my heifers on feed and giving them extra nutrients. My heifers love them!
Jaci: We use Vita Charge® Gel when the show goats go off feed or quit drinking water. The show goats always get a pump of Vita Charge® Liquid Boost® in their water. We use DuraFerm® Concept-Aid® free choice mineral for all our breeding does.
What are the biggest benefits you have seen using BioZyme® products?
Rylee: I know that my cattle will be provided with great and trusted products. We invest a lot in the success and well-being of our cattle and appreciate that the BioZyme team works hard to provide the best for top results.
Jaci: The Vita Charge Liquid Boost helps the show goats stay on feed and water. We see the Vita Charge Gel work well when the wethers go off feed. Ultimately, we can see all of the products we use help with gut health.
Any advice to younger showmen?
Rylee: You can never be too little or too young to do anything. No matter what, keep your head up and work hard and you can do millions! One of my favorite quotes is “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs
Jaci: My best advice would be to work hard and try your absolute best. If you really want something and you put all the hard work and determination in, you will get something out of it. It may not always be the win you wanted, but when the dust has settled, you will see how much you have grown as a person and what you have learned from the experience. No matter whether you are winning or losing, always be humble.
Whether these showmen are in the ring, working in the barn or excelling in extracurricular activities, there is no doubt that BOTH girls are hardworking! Success does not come easy, and sometimes, it might take a while to achieve. Rylee and Jaci are an inspiration to all because no matter how old you are, if you have the heart, grit and determination, you can achieve anything! Rylee and Jaci are proving that each and every day!
