Meet your UJSSA JUNIOR BOARD LILLY ROE, ST. ANSGAR, IOWA High School Senior HOW AND WHEN DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED AS A MEMBER OF THE UJSSA? GRANDIN LEWIS, ROMNEY, WEST VIRGINIA High School Senior HOW AND WHEN DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED AS A MEMBER OF THE UJSSA?
I first got involved as a member of the UJSSA shortly after purchasing my first ewe. I called her Gem. Because of the UJSSA, I have made lifelong connections with people whom I know I can always reach out to for answers to any questions. WHICH UJSSA ACTIVITIES HAVE YOU ENJOYED PARTICIPATING IN THE MOST AND WHY? My favorite UJSSA activities have been the cooking contests and the National Suffolk Event as a whole. I enjoy the learning experience and the workshops along with meeting new people and getting to be a leader among my peers and the younger members. WHAT IS THE BEST PART ABOUT BEING A MEMBER OF UJSSA? For me, the best part of being a member of the UJSSA is the capacity to expand your horizon with people that love Suffolks. It is always great to meet new members, along with developing connections with breeders. WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE THINKING ABOUT JOINING THE UJSSA AND IN RAISING SUFFOLKS? Don’t be afraid to dip your feet in the water. Get involved and meet new people. I was shy, and have developed stronger speaking skills by being involved in the UJSSA. I encourage prospective UJSSA members to meet new people and have conversations with the diversity of breeders. Sometimes you will learn things you never knew. It takes that little effort to get involved and to push to become a stronger person. There are so many benefits to becoming a member of the UJSSA. Step in and get involved. BEAU HOWE, DANFORTH, ILLINOIS Freshman at Lincoln Land Community College HOW AND WHEN DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED AS A MEMBER OF THE UJSSA? Following my time at Lincoln Land, I plan to pursue a Major in Ag Business at a four-year school and continue livestock judging. HOW AND WHEN DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED AS A MEMBER OF THE UJSSA? I got involved with Suffolks in 2017, when breeders such as the MacCauley’s and Evan Snyder convinced me that I should raise Suffolks. continued>>
In 2022, I became very interested in my late grandfather’s involvement with Suffolk sheep. While researching the breed and learning about the association, I learned about the “Win a Suffolk Ewe Lamb” contest and applied. In 2023, I won a Suffolk ewe lamb from MacCauley Suffolks. She further ignited my passion for the breed and inspired me to compete in junior shows. I met Suffolk breeders and fellow exhibitors, and everyone was so welcoming and helpful. I applied to be an intern for the UJSSA and was elated when I was accepted. WHICH UJSSA ACTIVITIES HAVE YOU ENJOYED PARTICIPATING IN THE MOST AND WHY? I really enjoy showing my Suffolks, competing in contests, and mentoring younger members. I loved helping with The Event, The All American Junior Breeding Sheep Show, and working with my fellow directors on projects to promote the UJSSA. WHAT IS THE BEST PART ABOUT BEING A MEMBER OF UJSSA? The best part about being a UJSSA member? I can’t pick just one! I love collaborating with fellow members to organize events and promote the breed, networking with members and breeders, and the numerous scholarship opportunities. WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE THINKING ABOUT JOINING THE UJSSA AND IN RAISING SUFFOLKS? Don’t delay, Join us at the UJSSA! You won’t find a warmer and more inviting group of members! There are literally opportunities for everyone. The Event is a wonderful opportunity to sample much of what our breed and the UJSSA have to offer. You can buy or sell Suffolks, attend educational sessions, compete in the junior show, showmanship, skill-a-thon or cooking contests. Plus you can visit with breeders, consignors, and exhibitors from across the country and enjoy a delicious lamb supper at our annual banquet. SUFFOLK YOUTH LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY! DIRECTOR & INTERN APPLICATIONS DUE MAY 1 ST AT SUFFOLKS.ORG
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