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Brand: YouHOW DOES THE WAY YOU

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Competition Can teaCh an inCredible amount of life skills – both in viCtory and defeat.

It’s a crazy world we live in. Baseball games with no scores being kept. Classes with no grades assigned. All with the idea that children can build self esteem by every child being “equal.”

But so much can be said about competition – the drive to win, the thrill of victory, and yes, the skill of learning to lose with grace.

Amara Danner, Chalmers, Ind.; Jill and Luke Harker, Hope, Ind.; and Mark Hoge, Good Hope, Ill., have learned a great deal from competition. And they say the benefits far outweigh any negatives that could arise from competing in the ring.

competItIonby chrIsty couch Lee


the competItorsAmArA is a fifth-year senior at Western Illinois University (WIU), majoring in

animal science, with minors in psychology and animal science.

Her family owns Purple Power Boar Stud and has exhibited champions on every level for many years. She says her greatest moments in the ring include exhibiting the third overall barrow at the World Pork Expo; and assisting her brother, Blake, when he claimed the reserve grand champion barrow title at the 2011 Indiana State Fair.

The Danners also have seen success with other species, as well. Amara was the first person from her county to win the championship title in the market goat, lamb, steer and barrow divisions. And the family claimed the champion Hampshire and third overall market lamb title at the Indiana State Fair, as well.

Jill and her husband, Danny, have two sons: Luke, 11, and Chase, 8. Both were actively involved in their national junior cattle associations as youth, with Danny serving on the American Junior Simmental Association junior board, and Jill serving on the National Junior Angus Association junior board, as well as being named Miss American Angus in 1994.

“Neither of us had a big cow herd, and we worked with what we had,” Jill says. “We didn’t necessarily go to every show to win. But our parents wanted us to have that experience.”

She says her grandparents taught her a great deal about what truly matters in the livestock show arena.

“Grandpa and grandma always met us as we were exiting the show ring, telling us, ‘I’m proud of you. You did a great job,’” she recalls. “It didn’t matter if we were standing at the top or bottom of the class. Grandpa would say that 25 years from now, the awards would be gone. But we would always remember the hard work we put into it, and the people and the friends we made. And I am proud to carry that over to my adulthood, and to now teach that to my children.”

Luke has been showing sheep and cattle for three years. For two years, he has claimed the grand champion market lamb title at his county fair, and the reserve champion title once. In addition, he captured Champion Hereford Heifer honors at the 2013 Indiana State Fair junior show. He also placed fourth overall in points, and earned the third overall natural-color wether award in the Indiana Junior Club Lamb Circuit (IJCLC).

Each year, the Harkers show throughout the IJCLC, in addition to the state and county fairs; Junior National Hereford Expo; Hoosier Beef Congress; Kentucky Beef Expo; and the North American International Livestock Exposition.

mArk is a self-proclaimed “judging coach’s kid,” and grew up showing cattle, lambs and hogs. His father, Dan, is the long-time Blackhawk Community College – East Campus judging team coach.

“Whether dad was judging livestock shows or at a contest, I always looked forward to his return when I was a kid, so that we could discuss what was there, what was good and what he found interesting about the caliber of livestock,” Mark says.

So, it comes as no surprise that he followed in his dad’s footsteps, becoming an associate professor of agriculture and livestock judging team coach at WIU. He and his wife, Katie, enjoy raising their sons, Carter, 8, and Nolan, 5, in the same way of his youth.

“I don’t think I ever attended a livestock show without my family there with me – grandparents, aunts, uncles and my sister included,” Mark says. “I wanted to be sure to try to provide the same opportunities for my kids, because those opportunities helped to shape me into the person I am. We enjoyed the event as a family, and we came home as a family.”

What truly shapes a person and builds family experiences are the lessons learned.

amara danner

mark hoge

luke harker

jill harker

competItIonby chrIsty couch Lee


Lessons LearnedAmara says, regardless of whether you win or lose, many lessons

can come from competition. The greatest of which for her, she says, is the ability to lose with grace.

“In reality, nine out of 10 times, you’re not going to win, even if you want to win more than anything,” she says. “The biggest thing I’ve learned is how to maintain composure when we don’t win – especially when it means a lot to get that win.”

A person can learn a lot about himself or herself, as well as others, Amara says.

“You learn a lot about yourself through competition,” she says. “You also learn a lot about the people around you. Everyone’s personality is different. Whatever we do in life, interacting with people is crucial.”

Jill agrees. She says Luke has also learned how to work with a variety of personalities, which will carry into his future regardless of the career path he chooses.

“Not every animal learns the same way,” she says. “Luke has to teach a lamb to show differently than his calves. You can see his wheels turning. It brings out a different way of thinking.”

Luke says he has learned many life skills from showing livestock, the greatest of which could be the value of perseverance.

“You should never give up, just because you don’t do well the first time you show,” he says. “You get better with practice. ‘Practice makes perfect,’ I always say.”

He says he often sees classmates not carrying the same attitude.

“I don’t understand why my classmates give up so easily,” Luke says. “If they don’t win, they want to quit. I told them that it’s not all about winning. Sometimes, you have to come back and try harder.”

Showing livestock has also taught this sixth grader about the value of hard work, Jill says.

“He walks or runs his lambs every day,” she says. “The lambs know the routine, and they trust him. He took six lambs to the county fair and won four classes in a row. The judge got on the mic and said, ‘I’m not going to beat him just because he has won the past several classes. He’s bringing good sheep. But more importantly, if you want to beat him, you have to work as hard as he does.’ And when Luke showed in showmanship later that day, his lamb fell asleep in his hands. The lamb trusted him, and it was amazing.”

Jill says livestock shows can also help a youth excel in leadership areas, outside of the show ring.

“When you’re showing cattle, your strength may not be in the ring,” she says. “But it may be in selling your animal or yourself. It could be in public speaking or team sales. Maybe it’s the skillathon. People’s strengths show up in many different areas.”

Competition is a natural part of life, Mark says. And there’s nothing better than livestock shows and livestock judging to help develop competitive skills.

“I’ll never forget going to Carter’s first parent-teacher conference in kindergarten,” Mark says. “His teacher said we needed to tone down our son’s competitive nature. I said, ‘Ma’am, you can manage his competitive nature, but please don’t beat it out of him, because it’s a competitive world.’ We need to use every opportunity we have to teach our children how to appropriately handle competition – and the wins and losses that come with it.”

And those wins and losses are exactly what build character, Mark says.

character counts“Going up to shake hands of fierce competition, when they win

and you lose, is one of the greatest and toughest things a person can do,” he says.

Amara says competition also helps youth – and people, in general – grow.

“It allows a person to understand himself, and grow into the person he want to be,” she says. “When you get knocked down, you have the decision to get back up or to cry about it. The smartest decision is to get back up and try again.”

And, Jill says, livestock competition helps prepare a youth for life, in many ways.

“When you are applying for a scholarship or a job, you don’t get a consolation prize if you don’t get it. You either get the job, or you don’t,” she says. “You have to stand back and evaluate why you were not the right person for the job, or why the job wasn’t right for you.”

As well, Jill says, showing livestock helps a person keep life in perspective.

“It could be so much worse than not winning a show,” she says. “We have a roof over our heads. We have good-paying jobs. And we’re a family. We’re in this together, regardless of the outcome of the show.”

How a person handles success or failure truly defines his or her true character, Mark says.

“We don’t brag, because karma will keep people in check,” he says. “We love and cherish the wins, and we learn from our losses.”

In fact, losses in the ring or at a contest can also be a great motivation, Mark says.

“Sitting at a pen after we get beat at a show, or sitting at a table after we get beat at a judging contest is a tremendous motivation for me,” he says. “We can think about all of the ways it wasn’t our fault. Or we can take the responsibility to do better. We can sit back and think we got hustled. Or we can not let it happen again.”

Becoming content with successes can also keep a person from moving forward, Mark says.

“As soon as you break focus on continuing to do better and focus on your wins, someone will pass you,” he says. “We’d rather not talk about our wins, but rather focus on our next event.”

it’s not all about winning. sometimes, you have to come back and try harder.

luke harker

“


Lessons LearnedAmara says, regardless of whether you win or lose, many lessons

can come from competition. The greatest of which for her, she says, is the ability to lose with grace.

“In reality, nine out of 10 times, you’re not going to win, even if you want to win more than anything,” she says. “The biggest thing I’ve learned is how to maintain composure when we don’t win – especially when it means a lot to get that win.”

A person can learn a lot about himself or herself, as well as others, Amara says.

“You learn a lot about yourself through competition,” she says. “You also learn a lot about the people around you. Everyone’s personality is different. Whatever we do in life, interacting with people is crucial.”

Jill agrees. She says Luke has also learned how to work with a variety of personalities, which will carry into his future regardless of the career path he chooses.

“Not every animal learns the same way,” she says. “Luke has to teach a lamb to show differently than his calves. You can see his wheels turning. It brings out a different way of thinking.”

Luke says he has learned many life skills from showing livestock, the greatest of which could be the value of perseverance.

“You should never give up, just because you don’t do well the first time you show,” he says. “You get better with practice. ‘Practice makes perfect,’ I always say.”

He says he often sees classmates not carrying the same attitude.

“I don’t understand why my classmates give up so easily,” Luke says. “If they don’t win, they want to quit. I told them that it’s not all about winning. Sometimes, you have to come back and try harder.”

Showing livestock has also taught this sixth grader about the value of hard work, Jill says.

“He walks or runs his lambs every day,” she says. “The lambs know the routine, and they trust him. He took six lambs to the county fair and won four classes in a row. The judge got on the mic and said, ‘I’m not going to beat him just because he has won the past several classes. He’s bringing good sheep. But more importantly, if you want to beat him, you have to work as hard as he does.’ And when Luke showed in showmanship later that day, his lamb fell asleep in his hands. The lamb trusted him, and it was amazing.”

Jill says livestock shows can also help a youth excel in leadership areas, outside of the show ring.

“When you’re showing cattle, your strength may not be in the ring,” she says. “But it may be in selling your animal or yourself. It could be in public speaking or team sales. Maybe it’s the skillathon. People’s strengths show up in many different areas.”

Competition is a natural part of life, Mark says. And there’s nothing better than livestock shows and livestock judging to help develop competitive skills.

“I’ll never forget going to Carter’s first parent-teacher conference in kindergarten,” Mark says. “His teacher said we needed to tone down our son’s competitive nature. I said, ‘Ma’am, you can manage his competitive nature, but please don’t beat it out of him, because it’s a competitive world.’ We need to use every opportunity we have to teach our children how to appropriately handle competition – and the wins and losses that come with it.”

And those wins and losses are exactly what build character, Mark says.

character counts“Going up to shake hands of fierce competition, when they win

and you lose, is one of the greatest and toughest things a person can do,” he says.

Amara says competition also helps youth – and people, in general – grow.

“It allows a person to understand himself, and grow into the person he want to be,” she says. “When you get knocked down, you have the decision to get back up or to cry about it. The smartest decision is to get back up and try again.”

And, Jill says, livestock competition helps prepare a youth for life, in many ways.

“When you are applying for a scholarship or a job, you don’t get a consolation prize if you don’t get it. You either get the job, or you don’t,” she says. “You have to stand back and evaluate why you were not the right person for the job, or why the job wasn’t right for you.”

As well, Jill says, showing livestock helps a person keep life in perspective.

“It could be so much worse than not winning a show,” she says. “We have a roof over our heads. We have good-paying jobs. And we’re a family. We’re in this together, regardless of the outcome of the show.”

How a person handles success or failure truly defines his or her true character, Mark says.

“We don’t brag, because karma will keep people in check,” he says. “We love and cherish the wins, and we learn from our losses.”

In fact, losses in the ring or at a contest can also be a great motivation, Mark says.

“Sitting at a pen after we get beat at a show, or sitting at a table after we get beat at a judging contest is a tremendous motivation for me,” he says. “We can think about all of the ways it wasn’t our fault. Or we can take the responsibility to do better. We can sit back and think we got hustled. Or we can not let it happen again.”

Becoming content with successes can also keep a person from moving forward, Mark says.

“As soon as you break focus on continuing to do better and focus on your wins, someone will pass you,” he says. “We’d rather not talk about our wins, but rather focus on our next event.”

it’s not all about winning. sometimes, you have to come back and try harder.

luke harker

“Becoming a parent can put a new spin on the value of competition,

as well, Jill and Mark say.

a parent’s perspectIveJill says being a show parent can sometimes be more difficult than

being in the ring, on your own.

“There are times I just wanted to walk in the ring and straighten that heifer out,” she says with a smile. “But the older your child gets, the easier it gets. They know more. They’re bigger.”

The rewards are also much greater, Jill says.

“Danny and I have never done what Luke has done,” she says. “To see your child accomplish something you never have – you just want to walk into that ring and grab them and hug them. There’s nothing like that million-dollar smile on their face when they’ve done well. That smile can just make your day.”

And the family connections are irreplaceable, Jill says.

“We started this project as a family, and at the end of the day, whether we win or lose, we’re still a family,” she says. “And to hear your child thank you for what he’s accomplished because of his family is incredible.”

Being a parent has helped Mark see the bigger picture, he says.

“What I’ve found is that my two boys have brought me a better perspective on why we show,” he says. “Before kids, I’d be lying if I said I could be happy by not winning. But now, if we can enjoy an event as a family with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins; and if our boys work hard and are kind and good people, then the show ring is doing its job.”

He says this attitude has carried over into his attitude with his judging teams, as well.

“In the past, if my team didn’t win multiple divisions, it was a failed attempt,” he says. “But age and being a parent has taught me that coaching is about the experience, and not about the contest. People will remember the stories they had with their teammates and their coach. If we can shave a few points off during each contest, that’s how we determine progress.”

Of course, Mark says, he does enjoy winning.

“I don’t know anyone on earth who doesn’t like to win,” he says. “Sometimes I’m not the best loser. But I think if we are going to hinge our entire satisfaction on whether we win or lose, we may have missed the point of what we’re doing.”

Yes, the thrill of winning is great. But sometimes, the greatest benefits and life lessons come from the process of competition, itself – not necessarily from the participation ribbon at the end of the day.

We love and cherish the wins, and we learn from our losses.

mark hoge

“ Lessons aboundAmara Danner, Chalmers, Ind.; Jill and Luke Harker, Hope, Ind.; and Mark Hoge, Good Hope, Ill., have learned a great deal from competition. These are a few of the greatest things they’ve taken from their years in the ring.

CoMMunICATIon Is key. “When I started showing when I was 6, I was shy and a little scared of pigs,” Amara says. “Now, I’m not afraid to talk to anyone. Showing has allowed me to come out of my shell, to talk to anyone, and to experience new and different things.”

sTrIve for HuMILITy. “If you don’t have humility, you have a long road ahead, in terms of friends and relationships,” Mark says. “Showing livestock and livestock judging can help develop humility.”

PerseverAnCe. “Showing livestock teaches our children to never give up,” Jill says. “In our family, we talk about that a lot.”

IT’s ALL AbouT PersPeCTIve. “We were at a t-ball game this summer, and the parents as they were so intensely focused on the game. I thought they were crazy people. I thought they were crazy people,” Mark says with a laugh. “But Katie quickly said, ‘Oh, no. You take that back. Have you ever seen yourself at a hog show?’ It’s all about perspective.”

keeP IT ToGeTHer. “Showing livestock has allowed me to maintain my composure in many situations,” Amara says. “Working with animals and people has allowed me to learn so much about myself, as well as working with people. Livestock has been crucial to the way I’ve grown up, and the human being I’ve become.”

MoMenTs To refLeCT. “Competition can teach a person to pause for reflection,” Mark says. “Whether I just judged a county fair or the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, I mentally walk through the event. What pairs could I have switched? That’s the only way to make progress. Whether it went well or went poorly, it’s important to reflect.”

fAMILy TIes. “Working with my 14-year-old brother, Blake, has helped us to have an incredible relationship,” Amara says. “We are very close, and I know it’s because of the many hours we’ve spent together in the barn.”

sHow your resPeCT. “You have to respect the judge’s opinion, because that’s their views at the time,” Jill says. “We talk a lot about respecting others’ opinions, values and personal property. You can’t just fly off the handle and say bad things about someone you disagree with.”

ALL AbouT APPreCIATIon. “Showing livestock and livestock judging can teach youth a great deal about being appreciative,” Mark says. “It’s important to show appreciation for those who put on the event and for those who attended the event. Thank your family or your judging team members for giving you a great year. It’s always important to show appreciation in all aspects of life.”


14 november/december 201316 november/december 2013

How does tHe way you present yourself affect your future?YouYou

by racHel stine

tecHnologyyour Vision

Visual

your Values your mission

Value content


How does tHe way you present yourself affect your future?YouYou

by racHel stine

tecHnologyyour Vision

Visual

your Values your mission

Value content

“taking the time to smile as you shake a hand and

listen to another’s personal story will make you

somebody they will remember and believe in.”Ryan Rathmann


“calling a person by name, remembering something about them, and following up also help to form lasting impressions.”

Ryan Rathmann


“calling a person by name, remembering something about them, and following up also help to form lasting impressions.”

Ryan Rathmann

In today’s culture, AmAndA RAdke says the virtual world is as existent as the “real” world. She says she often runs into people she’s Tweeted with or who have seen her blog.

In order to translate those connections in person, the biggest thing she recommends is a strong handshake and a smile. Get to know the people you interact with online – not only their name and face, but something about them.

And learn to separate the two worlds, she adds.

“Wherever you are, be all there. Many opportunities are missed because instead of talking, people spend all their time on their smartphones,” she says. “Be in the room, be visible and take part in the conversations around you.”

Bridging tHe Brand: online to in-person

Amanda R

adke

"get to know the people you interact with online – not only their name and face, but something about them."


Earn

ing a Living Outside the Show

Ring

What makes a

Is it the money, the hours or the chance to be your own boss? Maybe it’s

working with young people, teaching or guiding fellow ranchers toward a profit.

By Rhonda MccuRRy


Earn


Ring

What makes a

Is it the money, the hours or the chance to be your own boss? Maybe it’s

working with young people, teaching or guiding fellow ranchers toward a profit.

By Rhonda MccuRRy

Earn


Ring

In the case of these three work-driven people, it’s the benefit of working in

agriculture every day that makes them feel they’ve hit the jackpot of career choices.

Randy Blach says young people should keep an open mind when it comes to their career path. Being teachable, accountable

and having a great work ethic, he says, can help create tremendous opportunities in the job world.

Blach had planned to return to his family’s cattle ranch after graduating from Colorado State University with a bachelor of science in animal science and ag business. However, straight after college he began as a trainee for CattleFax, a membership organization to help cattle producers make profitable marketing and management decisions. He later became a market analyst for the company, serving several regions across the U.S. and remained in this role for 15 years. During that time he became a keynote speaker at hundreds of cattle and beef industry conventions, meetings and seminars.

Today, he serves as CEO of CattleFax and remains active in his family’s cow-calf, stocker and finished cattle operation near Yuma, Colo. Though he didn’t return to the ranch full-time, he says working in the cattle market is an experience that doesn’t feel like “work” to him.

“You never really experience markets to the degree you can until you work here,” Blach says. “I love it.”

About the progression of his work from college to his current job:

“I’m a Colorado native and grew up in a farming and ranching business near Yuma. I started my career at CattleFax in 1981 and once I got involved with markets I found that is where my passion and interests were. That’s how I ended up where I am today. I followed my passion.”

The people who have directly impacted his career choice and are responsible for where he is today:

“I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of good mentors in my life and realized there’s a number of people along the way who can have a major influence on your career if you’ll just listen to them.

First was my father. He had a big influence on me as far as providing a good work ethic. All of us had key roles in the operation as we followed through with college. The late Robert Taylor, professor of animal science at Colorado State, also had a major influence on me.

Also, the past CEO of CattleFax is a great friend and incredible man to work with and learn from, Topper Thorpe. I’ve also worked with numerous, very talented employees here that have done wonderful things in the industry.

Why Randy chose this career path and his motivation to obtain his current position:

“I followed my passion for the cattle industry and found it in markets. I love this opportunity to work with cattlemen from all over the world, sharing insights we’ve learned after analyzing these markets the way we have. I really enjoy what I do and work with some of the best people in the world.”

“I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of good mentors in my life and realized there’s a number of people along the way who can have a major influence on your career if you’ll just listen to them.”

CattleFax


Jill casten never had a well-defined career map. Instead she credits her experience with internships and the connections with

her mentors that have led her to the position she holds today.

As the director of training and development for the American Farm Bureau Federation, Casten is responsible for developing leadership programs and training events for more than 6.1 million Farm Bureau members across the country.

After graduating from K-State with a bachelor of science in agricultural economics, Casten earned a master’s degree in leadership education from the University of Nebraska. Following several jobs in ag education, she worked toward a Ph.D in that area, completing her coursework in 2011 at Virginia Tech.

“I took the initiative to find educational opportunities to build my skill-set and knowledge in leadership, education and communication,” she says. “But most importantly, it was my network that opened up the doors to allow me down this career path. Each job I’ve taken was because someone in my network thought I might be a fit for the position and valued my experience enough to encourage me to apply.”

About the progression of her work from college to her current job:“My first ‘real-job’ was actually working for former U.S. Senator Sam Brownback in his Topeka office as a constituent services representative. I really wanted to pursue a career path that let me work with leadership programs so my next move was to take the role of a collegiate program manager at the National FFA Organization. I worked to create and develop opportunities for college students through leadership and career development.

In 2007, I left FFA to go back to school and chose Virginia Tech to get my Ph.D. in agricultural and extension education. In September 2010, I took this position as the director of training and development at the American Farm Bureau Federation.”

The people who have directly impacted her career choice and are responsible for where she is today:

“My parents provided me opportunities to develop my talents and interests at an early age. Whether it was through school, 4-H, music lessons, athletics or even chores at home, I was taught the values

of hard work, responsibility and always giving your best effort. It was through many of these experiences I found what I enjoyed and excelled at. I’ve carried their support and encouragement with me in all that I’ve accomplished.

As I enrolled at K-State, I found great advice and guidance from Jackie McClaskey, who served as the assistant dean in our college. As my employer in my on-campus job, she gave me challenging and significant projects where I learned how to put my communication and organization skills to work. She also served as a great role model for me as a confident and smart woman who taught me the value of having a great network. She not only surrounded herself with good people but she looked for ways to help others in their development and careers beyond college.

I came to my current position through my friend and colleague, Dan Durheim. I had first met him when I worked at National FFA. We kept in touch as I moved on to graduate school and three years into my Ph.D., he called to tell me about this opening at American Farm Bureau.”

Why Jill chose this career path and her motivation to obtain her current position:

“I believe I have chosen this career path because it combines my love for agriculture and my desire to help build strong leaders for our industry through education and development. It wasn’t what I had planned, for sure, but it was too great of an opportunity to pass up.

I loved the idea of getting to help grow and shape the leadership programming for such a great organization with members who were making a difference all across America. It’s definitely a unique position to be able to bring my understanding of leadership to our volunteers by helping them grow and build their skills to be better advocates and the voice for agriculture to our elected officials and in their rural communities.”

American Farm Bureau Federation

“It wasn’t what I had planned, for sure, but it was too great of an opportunity to pass up.”


Jill casten never had a well-defined career map. Instead she credits her experience with internships and the connections with

her mentors that have led her to the position she holds today.

As the director of training and development for the American Farm Bureau Federation, Casten is responsible for developing leadership programs and training events for more than 6.1 million Farm Bureau members across the country.

After graduating from K-State with a bachelor of science in agricultural economics, Casten earned a master’s degree in leadership education from the University of Nebraska. Following several jobs in ag education, she worked toward a Ph.D in that area, completing her coursework in 2011 at Virginia Tech.

“I took the initiative to find educational opportunities to build my skill-set and knowledge in leadership, education and communication,” she says. “But most importantly, it was my network that opened up the doors to allow me down this career path. Each job I’ve taken was because someone in my network thought I might be a fit for the position and valued my experience enough to encourage me to apply.”

About the progression of her work from college to her current job:“My first ‘real-job’ was actually working for former U.S. Senator Sam Brownback in his Topeka office as a constituent services representative. I really wanted to pursue a career path that let me work with leadership programs so my next move was to take the role of a collegiate program manager at the National FFA Organization. I worked to create and develop opportunities for college students through leadership and career development.

In 2007, I left FFA to go back to school and chose Virginia Tech to get my Ph.D. in agricultural and extension education. In September 2010, I took this position as the director of training and development at the American Farm Bureau Federation.”

The people who have directly impacted her career choice and are responsible for where she is today:

“My parents provided me opportunities to develop my talents and interests at an early age. Whether it was through school, 4-H, music lessons, athletics or even chores at home, I was taught the values

of hard work, responsibility and always giving your best effort. It was through many of these experiences I found what I enjoyed and excelled at. I’ve carried their support and encouragement with me in all that I’ve accomplished.

As I enrolled at K-State, I found great advice and guidance from Jackie McClaskey, who served as the assistant dean in our college. As my employer in my on-campus job, she gave me challenging and significant projects where I learned how to put my communication and organization skills to work. She also served as a great role model for me as a confident and smart woman who taught me the value of having a great network. She not only surrounded herself with good people but she looked for ways to help others in their development and careers beyond college.

I came to my current position through my friend and colleague, Dan Durheim. I had first met him when I worked at National FFA. We kept in touch as I moved on to graduate school and three years into my Ph.D., he called to tell me about this opening at American Farm Bureau.”

Why Jill chose this career path and her motivation to obtain her current position:

“I believe I have chosen this career path because it combines my love for agriculture and my desire to help build strong leaders for our industry through education and development. It wasn’t what I had planned, for sure, but it was too great of an opportunity to pass up.

I loved the idea of getting to help grow and shape the leadership programming for such a great organization with members who were making a difference all across America. It’s definitely a unique position to be able to bring my understanding of leadership to our volunteers by helping them grow and build their skills to be better advocates and the voice for agriculture to our elected officials and in their rural communities.”

American Farm Bureau Federation

“It wasn’t what I had planned, for sure, but it was too great of an opportunity to pass up.”

When dan shike was assigned to be a mentor to a freshman student during his time at Black Hawk College – East

Campus (BHE), he knew he wanted to teach others.

An Illinois farm kid, Shike enjoyed being a part of his family’s cattle operation and attended BHE on a livestock judging scholarship. He then went on to Kansas State University (K-State) to pursue a bachelor of science degree in animal science and industry and was a member of K-State’s livestock judging team.

Shike returned to his home state and the University of Illinois (U of I) in the fall of 2000 to obtain a master’s degree and Ph.D. in ruminant nutrition.

Today, as an assistant professor of animal sciences, Shike says he has found his career calling because it combines his two passions – cattle and teaching.

“Sometimes my wife jokes that we don’t really have hobbies outside of livestock,” he says. “She may be partially right. I’ve loved cattle from a young age and I liked teaching and I thought the best way to study in college was to help my roommates. To be honest, that was the extent of how I studied. I figured if I knew the subject well enough to teach others then I was ready for the test.”

About the progression of his work from college to his current job:

“I graduated from K-State in the spring of 2000 and accepted an assistantship at the U of I to work on a master’s degree in ruminant nutrition. I began working with the livestock judging team as an assistant coach for a year then became the head coach in 2001. Six years later, I was hired as a visiting assistant professor and began teaching beef production. I served as the head coach of the livestock judging team until 2011. Now I am the coordinator for the livestock and meats judging program and am in a tenure-track position with a 50-percent teaching and 50-percent research role. My specialty is cow-calf nutrition and management and livestock evaluation.”

The people who have directly impacted his career choice and are responsible for where he is today:

“I wouldn’t be in the career I am today without my family. My grandpa, Kenneth Shike, raised cattle and farmed his whole life, and my grandpa, William Hunter, was a veterinarian and Angus breeder. My dad, Daryl, is a corn and soybean farmer and cattle producer.

My brother went to BHE where he was a member of the livestock judging team, too. These men helped me develop my passion for beef cattle production and my interest in cow-calf nutrition.

My mother, Jane, was an elementary teacher and was very instrumental in encouraging me to pursue an advanced degree. She always believed I had a future in teaching. My parents gave my brother and I the freedom to make decisions on our livestock purchases and breeding program. Little did I realize at the time how much we were learning during that process.

When I went off to college, my judging coaches made a huge impact in my career choice, as well. Lee Denzer and Dan Hoge were both very influential during my experience at BHE. When I transferred to K-State, Scott Schaake was someone I looked up to and still do today. Since then, they have all continued to give me opportunities and open doors for me to judge livestock shows throughout the country. They helped shape my career path by developing my skills as an evaluator, teacher and person.

When I came to the U of I, Doug Parrett helped me navigate through graduate school and encouraged me as a coach, researcher and teacher. He tried to recruit me from high school and stayed in contact with me through the whole process, saying this is where I ultimately needed to be. He never gave up on me and has become a close friend and mentor.”

Why Dan chose this career path and his motivation to obtain his current position:

“I love working with young people – whether that’s teaching beef production in the classroom, coaching students at a workout or interacting with kids while sorting a major show.

The timing worked out for me and doors were opened to help me find the position I’m in now. I am fortunate to be in a role where I can mentor and work with young people every day. And every day I am either researching or teaching about cattle.

I am very interested in making sure that the questions I answer as a researcher and teacher are directly applicable to producers, like my dad and brother, to help make their cattle perform better and ultimately help them be more profitable in their operations. My career has never felt like a job. I consider myself pretty fortunate to look forward to it each day.”

“My career has never felt like a job. I consider myself pretty fortunate to look forward to it each day”.

University of Illi nois


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To locate a Lindner United dealer near you, visit dealers.lindnerunited.com

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855-876-9951 ∙ [email protected]

champion crossbred Gilt & top seller 2013 Ohio State FairShown by Christopher Nott

Grand champion 4-H market Hog2013 Iowa State FairShown by Morgan Brinning

Grand champion Barrow overall & champion crossbred2013 Wisconsin State FairShown by the Luety Family

Grand champion Purebred Breeding Gilt & champion duroc 2013 Iowa State Fair FFA Breeding Gilt Show Shown by Elizabeth Jones

supreme champion Gilt & champion Hampshire2013 Minnesota State FairShown by Wildung Showpigs

Grand champion overall Gilt & champion Yorkshire 2013 NJSA Eastern RegionalShown by Morgan Miller

3rd overall Barrow & champion Yorkshire 2013 NSR Summer SpectacularShown by Dylan McCafferty

champion FFa Hampshire & 4th overall Barrow2013 Missouri State FairShown by Brent Boland

Grand champion Barrow overall & champion spot2013 Team Purebred Jr NationalsShown by Dylan McCafferty

Grand champion Barrow overall & champion duroc2013 Indiana State FairShown by Cole Wilcox

5th overall Gilt & reserve champion Yorkshire2013 NSR Summer SpectacularShown by Abby Taylor

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