Written By Shane Kendall, NALJA Director

Hard work is no stranger to those who call the beef industry a family. Throughout my many years in the livestock world, I have met many amazing, hardworking people who have paved my path through the opportunities given to me.

Opportunities can come at any point in your life. It is our responsibility to put in the dedication before they come to prepare us for what is ahead. Growing up in the show industry has taught me how to work hard. From the early mornings to the late nights, I now can look back on it and see how much it has prepared me for the future.

As you continue to work hard and develop your skills, opportunities will arise, and you cannot be afraid to take them. The Junior Board has been one of the recent opportunities I have had the privilege to be a part of. This all goes back to the tireless effort that you put in that leads to new opportunities. If my family had never driven 30 hours to South Dakota, and put in countless hours of work beforehand, I would likely not have had the opportunity to do something I enjoy and meet many amazing people in the Limousin breed.

Each day God gives us on this earth is an opportunity to work hard and obtain our goals. Remember that “the best time to start a goal was yesterday. The next best time is now.”

“Opportunities are usually disguised as hard work, so most people don’t recognize them.” – Ann Landers