State/National Brahman championship settled in Waco

By MANDY SPIKES | Central Texas Edition

Youth from all over Texas were in Waco to compete in the 2003 TJBA show, judged here by Wes Marti from Cleburne. -- Photo by Mandy Spikes

July 24, 2003 -- For the first time in 22 years, the American Brahman Breeders Association brought their junior competition back to Waco. The event, which took place July 12-20, allowed young Brahman enthusiasts to show off their animals, as well as teach others why this breed is so meaningful to them.

"The American Junior Brahman Association (AJBA) has been around since 1980," stated Johnna Haarmeyer, director and treasurer of the AJBA. "Each year we hold an All American Junior Show for the kids to compete in. We travel to different states for these shows, rotating between Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. In 1999, we even went to Florida."

She said that through this event, the youth get to see their friends from the previous year, meet people who are new to the event, and show off their love for the Brahman breed.

"We have all kinds of events here. This is more than just a showing event. We have a quiz bowl, herdsman quiz, speaking competition, and the showing competition."

She added that she loves holding these events because the organization is able to help mold youth to become future leaders.

"My parents and older sister are how I got involved in the AJBA. My parents bought their first Brahman when they were first married 30 years ago. At three weeks old I was taken to my first show and started showing my own Brahman at three years old, in the peewee showmanship category."

Haarmeyer explained that this event would not be possible without the various supporters and sponsors. "We especially want to thank Allen Samuels for his generosity. Without his donation, we couldn't afforded to put on this show. We also want to thank our long-time supporters, the Wax Company."

Brandy Prehoda, another director for AJBA, said that being at this show is like being at a family reunion. "We are like a huge extended family. Everyone here loves and respects the Brahman breed."

Derrick Smith of Burton shows off his young bull Mr. V8 846/5, which placed first in the Jan 1- Feb. 28, 2002 category and won the Junior Champion Bull category at the event. The TJBA and AJBA took place July 12-20. -- Photo by Mandy Spikes

She stated that the kids at this show know a lot about responsibility. Every morning the kids have to get up in the morning and take care of their animal. "They have to attend to them like you attend to a young child," she explained.

Meeting people and showing her animals was the reason 14 year old Margo Kahla, of Alto, gave when asked why she liked being here. "I was listening to other people who showed last year and it sounded like a lot of fun to me. I prepared for the show by working with my animals every day."

Of all the features of the Brahman, Kahla likes their ears the best. "Their fun to play with. They are just beautiful animals. They have a classy look to them."

Her advice to any future participant is to relax and have a lot of fun. "Don't be shy while you are here. Go out and meet people."

"I have been showing Brahman for five years now," stated Jarrod Reese, of Normangee. "I do it because my family is very involved with it and I want to be close to my family. I like all the people I meet here.

"It's the greatest experience. I try to get into all the competitions to see how well I can do. To me, it's the highlight of the year. I especially like the speech, public speaking, and sales part of it.

He said through this event, he has been able to learn a lot about the beef industry.

The Texas Junior Brahman Association (TJBA) Queen for 2003, Kendra Pond, feels that it was a great honor for her to be chosen. "I am very excited that I will be able to represent the breed."

In order to qualify to be a TJBA queen candidate, the young ladies were tested on herdsman, public speaking, interview, and showmanship. "We did the events on three different days, and then the points were added up.

"I like the organization, as well as the people in it. We are like one big happy family. The first time I saw the Brahman, I fell in love with the breed."

As the new queen, Pond will have to go to Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, and the Fort Worth Brahman shows for the coming year. She will also go out to promote and represent the breed and hand out awards at the different shows.

For more information on the American Brahman Breeders Association or the AJBA, visit www.brahman.org.