Sammi Schrag – she’s a 5th generation shorthorn breeder who was born into the business and has loved every second of it.
The 16-year-old high school sophomore lives in Marion, South Dakota on her family’s ranch. Schrag Shorthorns runs 100 shorthorn cows, 50 recips and hosts two annual production sales a year.
Sammi’s passion isn’t just for the showring. The well-rounded junior puts her leadership skills to work as the president of her FFA Chapter and 4-H Club as well as the vice president of the South Dakota Shorthorn Junior Association. Outside of her ag duties she enjoys cheerleading, basketball, student council, band and church youth group. To balance it all and stay organized, she’s a huge list maker! “If it isn’t on my list, it doesn’t get done. I think lists are a huge help,” says Sammi.
Her junior show career has been based around the people she’s involved with, friends she makes and letting her competitive spirit shine while chasing down those champion banners. “I don’t think there is a better feeling in the world than knowing you have your heifer stuck and giving the judge the ‘I dare you to beat me’ look,” says Sammi. Her most humbling feeling is when she’s able to help younger showman. Being able to give back and become a mentor herself has allowed her to reflect on those who shaped her into the showman and person that she’s becoming.
“I can only hope to be half the role model I had,” says Sammi.
:: Sammi’s Stats ::
Biggest wins – Champion Intermediate Showman at Shorthorn Jr. Nationals, Supreme Heifer at the SD State Fair, Supreme Champion Heifer SD Summer Spotlight, Reserve Grand Champion Purebred Shorthorn at Jr. Nationals, and Reserve Champion Shorthorn at NWSS Jr. Show
Best barn memory – Jamming to loud music while my brother is making a foam beard out of the soap!
Lucky show accessory – I don’t remember how or why it started, but I always wear animal printed socks to show in. I don’t know if you call it lucky, but for some reason I always have!
Least favorite barn task – Definately breaking down. How do I get out of it? I don’t.
Favorite feed supplement – As long as I can remember, Sure Champ! It’s a great product that has definately helped us hang more purple banners and get “more wins”.
What/who motivates you – Besides my parents, some girls I have always looked up to are Hannah Winegardner, Calli Bayer, and Bailey Core. They exemplify what showing is all about and when I’m out in the barn or in the showring I think, “What would they do?”
