Michel Wendel, a Cuero FFA member, grooms his Maine-Anjou heifer prior to competition at the San Antonio Livestock Show. With beef, and dairy, cattle knowledge, plus the experiences he’s gained through FFA, Michael plans to work on a cattle ranch after high school. -- Staff photo by Carolyn Rost

Feb. 23, 2006 - Michael Wendel, a Cuero FFA member, said he plans to utilize what he’s learning now at his “real job” in the future.

Michael exhibited heifers at the recent San Antonio Stock Show, and came home with some good placings. The skills and discipline needed for the show ring are just some of the factors this high school senior considers to be stepping stones in building his career.

Upon graduation, this spring, Michael is looking forward to working on a farm or ranch, and has high hopes of being employed by Graham Land and Cattle Company in Gonzales. He knows he wants to continue in a career in the ranching profession, and is eager to learn all he can to be successful.

As a young boy, Michael was reared on a dairy farm that was in the family for three generations. His great-grandparents started the dairy, and it was later owned by Michael’s dad, Randy, his grandfather and an uncle. Five years ago, the decision was made to sell the dairy, but Michael’s parents, Randy and Perri, decided to raise Maine-Anjou cattle.

One of the Maine-Anjous Michael exhibited during the San Antonio Junior Breeding Heifer Show was “Daisy,” which Michael has a special bond. When Daisy was born, her mother decided she didn’t want anything thing to do with her new calf, so it became Michael’s job to provide Daisy all she needed.

Michael also exhibited a heifer, named “Katy” at the San Antonio event. He picked up a 12th place out of a class of 20, and a ninth place out of a class of nine, in the recent competition.

Last year, Michael placed fourth with Daisy’s mother at the Houston Livestock Show, so he understands how the shows work – you win a few and you loose a few! Now, Michael is readying his heifers, plus a steer, for competition at the Cuero Livestock Show set for early March.

Michael has been in FFA for six years, and his ag teacher at Cuero High School is Charles Hahn, who attended the San Antonio show with his students.

“I’ve enjoyed my years in FFA, and attending the shows,” said Michael, “and I’m looking forward to using my knowledge on a real job.”

As far as being in charge of feeding and care of his show cattle, Michael explained that FFA has helped him learn responsibility and to be more patient … especially, when teaching a heifer to lead! (He believes the heifers can be as stubborn as any youngster.) Even with teaching the show cattle to be lead, Michael said he’s “always had fun” with his animals.

Michael has an older sister who isn’t interested in showing animals, but his mom tries to take off from her position as a teacher’s aide in the Victoria School System to attend shows with her son. His dad, as a truck driver, doesn’t often get to see Michael show his animals.

As mom Perri noted, “someone has to support the habit (FFA),” and obviously, Randy is in complete agreement. They are looking forward to a successful ag career for their son, and back him, completely.