Written by Brandt Gazaway, NALJA Social Media Chair

I first got my love for the industry at the age of five while helping my sister with her bottle calf project for the fall county livestock show. From that point, I knew I wanted to show cattle as soon as I could. Growing up in Stillwater, Oklahoma, I had the great opportunity to be surrounded by show cattle from a young age. One of the first mentors I had helped coach me along the way, the dos and don’ts, how to work hair, how to take care of an animal, and how to show the calf. This stuck with me as I bought steers from him for a couple of years and continued to learn more as I grew older. In 2020, I found myself back in the barn of my mentor to look for another steer. As we wrapped up the day, he encouraged me to find a breed, stick with it, and become a breeder. The Limousin breed was encouraged by my mentor.

In 2021, I attended my first junior nationals in Grand Island, Nebraska. While in attendance, I was fortunate enough to meet new friends and build connections with people all over the United States. Just a few years later, in early 2024, I was approached with a question asking if I would be interested in running for a position on the Limousin Junior Board. After considering what to do, I decided to give it a shot. That summer meant everything to me, and what the NALF staff did to make the summer run smoothly. Over the past year and a half, since the 2024 Jr. Nationals, I have been blessed with opportunities to grow friendships, meet new people, and welcome people to the breed. I’ve been fortunate enough to be on this board and be able to travel across the country with some amazing people.