Greetings from Kentucky!

Well, the winter here in Kentucky has been a little strange this year. We've had a little snow, a lot of rain, some ice and too much wind with some warm days, some cool days and a lot of very cold days. I've come to decide if you do not like the weather in Kentucky, just wait and it will change.

Another year is off to a great start, but my how the time flies by. March is here and with cows calving and a lot of farm work to be done, calves to break, expos to attend, photos to take, a wedding in May and before you know it, it will be time to make plans to go to the Junior National. As a parent of two boys who worked hard to attend Junior Nationals for years and who are still close to kids they grew up with seeing once and sometimes twice a year at cattle shows, it's hard to explain the relationships that come from those events. When we took our boys to Junior Nationals and the North American, those were 2 weeks we were together as a team, besides the county fairs and all the hours in the barn. I know for some people it is hard to get away for a week, but for us it was worth everything we gave up to get the boys there. Once you go to two or three Junior Nationals, it's in your blood. So if your kids or grandkids like showing cattle, load them up and bring them to Junior Nationals. They will have so much fun and so will you. It was always our family vacation.

Since I'm a shutterbug, I would encourage all the juniors to get out there and take photos of what's going on at your farm. It's always neat to see all the photos you bring to the contest.

AJCA members, don't forget about the ACLA Scholarships available to you. The scholarship contest is open to any high school senior who is a member of the AJCA. The deadline to submit your application is May 1. Please contact Sue Comer at (765) 874-2228 to request an application. The application is a detailed account, so don't delay in requesting your copy.

Also, our National Queen Contest will once again take place at the Junior National. The contest is open to all young ladies ages 16-21. This is a great opportunity to travel and meet breeders from across the country while representing the Chi breed. The entry process is simple. Submit a recent photo, a resume outlining your ACA/AJCA cattle activities and shows, along with your school and community activities, and a short essay explaining why you feel you should be chosen as queen. These documents should be sent to Marna Higgins, Queen Contest Chairperson, at 9845 Statesville Rd., Watertown, TN 37184. If you have any questions, please contact Marna at (615) 273-2656. Deadline to enter is May 1.

Good luck to everyone at the spring shows.
Until next time,

Melissa Beckett

ACA Ladies Auxiliary Directors

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