Salers: “Seeing Clearly in Colorado”
2020 National Salers Junior Show Results
Salers enthusiasts and junior exhibitors gathered in Sterling from the 15th through the 19th of June to participate in the annual Salers Junior National Show. Junior members took part in a wide variety of contests and events throughout the Junior National, and after a week spent in Sterling, CO. our juniors walked away with leadership skills, awards, memories and of course lifelong friendships.
The 15th started the Junior National with the Advertising contest, evaluated by Ben Cooley. This contest allows junior members to develop skills in marketing and design. The Senior division winner was Brittany Hirsch, Thayer, MO; Kaylie McKay, Hiawatha, KS, won the Intermediate division, and Camden Kruse, Galva, KS. had the best advertisement from the Junior Division.
The photography contest was evaluated by Cate Doubet, Sterling, CO, and Junior members were scored on the overall quality of their entered picture. Christian Hirsch, Thayer, MO, took the winning shot for the Senior division, Wyatt Pastour, Mitchellville, IA, won the Intermediate Division, Isabelle Peterson, Wayland, IA, took top honors in the Junior division, and the high-point photo from the Peewee division belonged to Jaxson Van Haur, Valier, MT.
Tuesday morning, Salers junior exhibitors competed in the No Fit Showmanship contest. Lauren Frederick, Sterling, KS. took home champion Senior Showman honors, Olivia Prunty, Runnels, IA. won the Intermediate division, the Junior division champion was Brynn Kruse, Galva, KS., and winning the Peewee division was Jaxson Van Haur, Valier, MT. Following completion of the No-Fit Showmanship, Champion and Reserve winners from their respective age divisions re-entered the ring to compete for the Overall Showman title. Lauren Frederick, Sterling, KS was named the Champion Overall Showman and Reserve Overall Showman went to Brittany Hirsch, Thayer, MO. Paul Hill, Nunn, CO. judged the No Fit Showmanship competition and worked very well with the junior members.
The Livestock Judging contest took place later on the 16th and was evaluated by Sydney Bowman, Fort Lupton, CO. This contest allows Junior members to test their evaluation and public speaking skills in a fashion that is relevant to the livestock industry. Lauren Frederick, Sterling, KS., took home High Individual honors in the Senior division, Kaylie McKay, Hiawatha, KS., won the Intermediate division, Kyler Geffert, Hiawatha, KS, was the High Individual Junior, and Chesney Doubet, Parker, CO, won the Peewee division.
Later that afternoon the 2020/2021 Queen and Princess were selected. The ASJA Queen and Princess represent the American Salers Association throughout the year by attending National Salers Shows. The new Queen of the American Salers Junior Association is Amelia Liebhart, MO, and the 2020/2021 Princess is Shiloh Neal, Valier, MT.
On Wednesday, junior members had the opportunity to test their cattle and Salers breed knowledge during the Quiz Bowl Competition. In the Peewee/Junior division, the Champion team consisted of Easton Liebhart, Maryville, MO; Camden Kruse, Galva, KS; and Karsen McKay, Hiawatha, KS. The Champion Intermediate/Senior team included Brittany Hirsch, Thayer, MO; Taylor Phillips, Lees Summit, MO; Kaylie McKay, Hiawatha, KS; and Wyatt Pastour, Mitchellville, IA.
Junior members’ public speaking skills were tested on the afternoon of the 17th with the Speech contest. After researching topics related to the agriculture industry, competitors delivered a timed speech to a panel of judges comprised of Lindsey McPeake, Bend, OR, and Clay Carlson, Stoneham, CO. Matthew Price, Mountain View, MO, won the Senior division, Tanner Dohrman, Marshall, MO was the top Intermediate score, the Junior Division winner was Kyler Geffert, Hiawatha, KS., and Chesney Doubet, Parker, CO, won the Peewee competition.
Levi Zwirn, Otis, CO. judged the social-distancing-approved Individual Fitting contest on the 18th. Members were divided into two age divisions and were evaluated on their ability to completely fit their calf in just 45 minutes. In the Junior/Peewee division, Isabelle Peterson, Wayland, IA, was awarded Champion honors and Ashley Schrag, Mound Ridge, KS, was named Reserve Champion. In the Intermediate/Senior division, the Champion was Matthew Price, Mountain View, MO, and Reserve Champion was Lauren Frederick, Sterling, KS.
The closing event was the Salers and Optimizer cattle show, which was held Friday, June 19th. Mat Lewis had the honor of judging the show. Mat resides in Illiff, Co. where he runs a Limousin and Angus seedstock operation with his wife and daughters. Mat chose Kaylie McKay’s of Hiawatha, KS. KM Stella’s Game Changer Steer to win the show. He was crowned the Supreme Champion Steer, after being named the Grand Champion Heavyweight Steer. Kaylie’s steer, KM Stella’s Game Changer, sired by STP Indiana Jones, weighed in at 1122 pounds. Olivia Prunty of Runnels, IA. had the Reserve Supreme Champion Steer. This steer, STP Greenhand, sired by STP Minion, weighed in at 1124 pounds. He earlier was named the Reserve Champion Heavyweight Steer.
Christian Hirsch, Thayer, MO., showed the Grand Champion Salers Bull. CBH Gunsmoke 003G was born March 16, 2019 and was sired by JCGC XL 029X. The Reserve Champion Salers Bull was exhibited by Kayden Geffert of Hiawatha, KS. Kayden showed KEG Toostie’s Pay Day 03H, born January 10, 2020 and sired by KJM Ferdinand 801F.
Ashley Salyers of Billings, MO. exhibited the Grand Champion Optimizer Bull. SSS Hercules 52AH was born on January 2, 2020 and was sired by IR Front Range B775. Christian Hirsch of Thayer, MO showed the Reserve Champion Optimizer Bull. This bull, CBH Gold Digger 005G, was born April 2, 2019 and was sired by JCGC XL 029X.
In the Optimizer Heifer Show, Mat chose DJF Miss 880F, owned by Landon Liebhart, of Maryville, MO to win it. This Septermber 3, 2018 born heifer, daughter of DJF Border Line 815A, was named the Grand Champion Optimizer Heifer. The Reserve Grand Champion Optimizer Heifer was exhibited by Christian Hirsch, Thayer, MO. Christian showed JB Gabbana, born October 7, 2019, out of MAC Wyndham 54W.
Brittany Hirsch of Thayer, MO. exhibited WWCS Exclusive 310F and heifer calf CBH Rocking T Havana 013H to be named Grand Champion Optimizer Cow/Calf Pair. The cow is a January 23, 2018 born daughter of Connealy Consensus 7229. The heifer calf was born May 3, 2020 and sired by JCGC Wide Load 1948W.
In the Salers Heifer Show, Brittany Hirsch of Thayer, MO. won Grand Champion Salers Heifer with CBH Fancy 002F, a December 12, 2018, daughter of JCGC XL 029X. Earlier named the Champion Senior Yearling Heifer. Reserve Grand Champion Salers Heifer was won by WWCS Glamourous 390G, born January 21, 2019, a daughter of STP LMB Dr Jones. WWCS Glamourous was exhibited by Lauren Frederick of Sterling, KS.
Kayden Geffert exhibited the Grand Champion Salers Cow/Calf Pair. HA Ten Charlie 7115E was the dam of the January 10, 2020 born bull calf KEG Tootsie’s Pay Day 03H, sired by KJM Ferdinand 801F. HA Ten Charlie 7115E is the daughter of WWCS Ten Charlie 113C and is a September 15, 2017 born. KEG Tootsie’s Pay Day 03H was also named the Reserve Champion Bull. Ashley Salyers of Billings, MO. exhibited SSS Ms Anne 52MA and bull calf SSS Hercules 52AH to be named Reserve Grand Champion Salers Cow/Calf Pair. The cow is a January 24,2013 born, daughter of GGT P BK Salvo 225X. The Bull calf, January 2, 2020 born and was sired by IR Front Range B775, was also named the Champion Optimizer Bull.
In the Bred & Owned Heifer Show there was both a Optimizer and Salers division. In the Bred & Owned Salers division, both heifers were exhibited by Brittany Hirsch of Thayer, MO. The Grand Champion Bred & Owned Salers Heifer was CBH Fancy 002F, a December 2, 2018 born daughter of JCGC XL 029X. She was earlier named the Grand Champion Salers Heifer. The Reserve Champion Bred & Owned Salers Hiefer was CBH Gucci 004G. This is a March 22, 2019 born heifer, sired by JCGC Wide Load 1948W. In the Optimizer Division, both Grand and Reserve Bred & Owned Heifers were exhibited by Olivia Prunty of Runnels, IA. OP Gretta, born May 7, 2019 out of STP Minion, was named the Grand Champion Bred & Owned Optimizer Heifer. Reserve Champion Bred & Owned Optimizer Heifer went to OP Gypsy. She is a March 9, 2019 born daughter to the sire STP Eddie.
Each year, the American Salers Junior Association recognizes an honorary member. For going above-and-beyond to make the 2020 Junior National take place and for her help with all Junior Association activities, ASJA Junior Board sponsor Jessica Street, Cave City, AR. was named the 2020 Honorary Member.
During the Junior National, members have the opportunity to earn points relating to their placings while showing their cattle and while competing in five individual and two team contests. These points then decide the Champion Exhibitor awards for each division.
Champion Senior Exhibitor Brittany Hirsch, Thayer, MO
Reserve Champion Senior Exhibitor Christian Hirsch, Thayer, MO
Champion Intermediate Exhibitor Landon Liebhart, Maryville, MO
Reserve Champion Intermediate Exhibitor Olivia Prunty, Runnels, IA
Champion Junior Exhibitor Braydon Clough, Brighton, IA
Reserve Champion Junior Exhibitor Camden Kruse, Galva, KS
Champion Peewee Exhibitor Chesney Doubet, Parker, CO
Reserve Champion Peewee Exhibitor Jaxson Van Haur, Valier, MT
Overall Exhibitor awards are conducted on the point system, excluding age divisions. Placings in members’ respective contests go toward their total score, and the Top Ten Overall Exhibitors are awarded.
- Brittany Hirsch, Thayer, MO
- Christian Hirsch, Thayer, MO
- Camden Kruse, Galva, KS
- Braydon Clough, Brighton, IA
- Brynn Kruse, Galva, KS
- Lauren Frederick, Sterling, KS
- Matthew Price, Mountain View, MO
- Landon Liebhart, Maryville, MO
- Olivia Prunty, Runnels, IA
- Kayden Geffert, Hiawatha, KS
Summary of Show Winners
Grand Champion Optimizer Cow/Calf Pair
Brittany Hirsch, Thayer, MO. – WWCS Exclusive 310F, born January 23, 2018, Sire: Connealy Consensus 7229 Heifer Calf: CBH Rocking T Havana 013H, born May 3, 2020, Sire: JCGC Wide Load 1948W
Grand Champion Salers Cow/Calf Pair
Kayden Geffert, Hiawatha, KS. – HA Ten Charlie 7115E, born September 15, 2017, Sire: WWCS Ten Charlie 113C Bull Calf: KEG Tootsie’s Pay Day 03H, born January 10, 2020, Sire: KJM Ferdinand 801F
Reserve Champion Salers Cow/Calf Pair
Ashley Salyers, Billings, MO – SSS Ms Anne 52MA, born January 24, 2013, Sire: GGT P BK Salvo 225X Bull Calf: SSS Hercules 52AH, born January 2, 2020, Sire: IR Front Range B775
Supreme Champion Steer
Kaylie McKay, Hiawatha, KS – KM Stella’s Game Changer, born March 19, 2019, weight: 1122 lbs. Sire: STP Indiana Jones. Earlier named Champion Heavyweight Steer.
Reserve Supreme Champion Steer
Olivia Prunty, Runnels, IA – STP Greenhand, born March 7, 2019, weight: 1124 lbs., Sire: STP Minion Earlier named Reserve Champion Heavyweight Steer
Champion Lightweight Steer
Matthew Price, Mountain View, MO – MPS Gold, born June 1, 2019, weight: 1022 lbs., Sire: Patisovwer Broker 574B
Reserve Champion Lightweight Steer
Camden Kruse, Galva, KS – CJK Mr. Gilligan, born April 1, 2019, weight: 930 lbs., Sire: JSR Jamaca 855U
Grand Champion Optimizer Bull
Ashley Salyers, Billings, MO – SSS Hercules 52AH, born January 2, 2020, Sire: IR Front Range B775
Reserve Champion Optimizer Bull
Christian Hirsch, Thayer, MO – CBH Gold Digger 005G, born April 2, 2019, Sire: JCGC XL 029X
Grand Champion Salers Bull
Christian Hirsch, Thayer, MO – CBH Gunsmoke 003G, born March 16, 2019, Sire: JCGC XL 029X
Reserve Champion Salers Bull
Kayden Geffert, Hiawatha, KS – KEG Tootsie’s Pay Day 03H, born January 10, 2020, Sire: KJM Ferdinand 801F
Grand Champion Optimizer Heifer
Landon Liebhart, Maryville, MO – DJF Miss 880F, born September 3, 2018, Sire: DJF Border Line 815A.
Reserve Grand Champion Optimizer Heifer
Christian Hirsch, Thayer, MO – JB Gabbana 9G, born October 7, 2019, Sire: MAC Wyndham 54W
Grand Champion Bred & Owned Optimizer Heifer
Olivia Prunty, Runnels, IA – OP Gretta, born May 7, 2019, Sire: STP Minion
Reserve Champion Bred & Owned Optimizer Heifer
Olivia Prunty, Runnels, IA – OP Gypsy, born March 9, 2019, Sire: STP Eddie
Grand Champion Salers Heifer
Brittany Hirsch, Thayer, MO – CBH Fancy 002F, born December 12, 2018, Sire: JCGC XL 029X. Earlier named Champion Senior Yearling Heifer.
Reserve Grand Champion Salers Heifer
Lauren Frederick, Sterling, KS – WWCS Glamourous 390G, born January 21, 2019, Sire: STP LMB Dr Jones. Earlier named Champion Junior Yearling Heifer.
Grand Champion No-Fit Senior Showman Lauren Frederick, Sterling, KS
Reserve Champion No-Fit Senior Showman Brittany Hirsch, Thayer, MO
Grand Champion No-Fit Intermediate Showman Olivia Prunty, Runnels, IA
Reserve Champion No-Fit Intermediate Showman Landon Liebhart, Maryville, MO
Grand Champion No-Fit Junior Showman Brynn Kruse, Galva, KS
Reserve Champion No-Fit Junior Showman Braydon Clough, Brighton, IA.
Grand Champion No-Fit Peewee Showman Jaxson Van Haur, Valier, MT
Reserve Champion No-Fit Peewee Showman Chesney Doubet, Parker, CO
Following the completion of the No-Fit Showmanship, Champion and Reserve winners from each division re-entered the show ring for the selection of the Overall Showman.
Grand Champion Overall Showman Lauren Frederick, Sterling, KS
Reserve Grand Champion Overall Showman Brittany Hirsch, Thayer, MO
ASA Royalty
- Queen – Amelia Liebhart, MO.
- Princess – Shiloh Neal, MT
- Junior Salers Princess– Mattie McKee, MO
- Salers Junior Miss – Ashley Schrag, KS
- Little Salers Princess – Chesney Doubet, CO
At the conclusion of the show Premier Exhibitor and Premier Breeder awards were presented. The ASJA Premier Exhibitor Award is named the Brenton Salyers Premier Exhibitor award.
Brenton Salyers Premier Exhibitor Award Ashley Salyers, Billings, MO.
Premier Breeder Ashley Salyers, Billings, MO.
The Herdsman Award is named in honor of Justin Rose and was presented at the Closing Banquet on the 19th.
Justin Rose Herdsman Award Wyatt Pastour, Mitchellville, IA
The ASJA is the junior association of the American Salers Association. Its mission is to enhance the Salers breed, involve and educate junior Salers enthusiasts, and develop future leaders for the Beef Cattle Industry.
Each year for the past 29 years the ASJA has held Junior National Show events where ASJA members compete with members from across the United States. The highlight of the Junior National is the National Heifer, Steer, Bull Calf and Cow/Calf Show. The week is also full of educational workshops and events unique to each junior show location.