BEEF: It's my life!: January 2012

Ironically from the title, keeping up-to-date with this blog has been anything but successful! However, within the show cattle world, Hansen Farms Charolais has had some pretty good days.

With the fall semester over, I was able to go home for Christmas Break and focus on Show Cattle, Show Cattle, and some time in the barn...with the Show Cattle! (Which was totally fine with me!) The heifer I am showing this fall/winter and coming spring/summer is a Firewater heifer calf out of JM Ms Buffy. She is bred by Jordan Mack who was from Watertown, SD and killed tragically in a farming accident. A small reminder that life is short, and we have to take advantage of every situation presented to us. As much as we'd like to think so, our dear friends and family might not be there tomorrow to spend the afternoon with, might not be there to grab that lunch next week, and might not be there to watch us walk down the aisle or hold our first child. Nevertheless, this heifer is quite special to my brother and I and we are excited to see how successful we can make her in upcoming shows.

Now, let's backtrack some so I can fill you in on where we stand with this success. Since the last post was written way back before the South Dakota dirt fair, let's start there.

First thing, the Legislative Beef Showmanship Contest took place and I was once again a coach. This year, like my very first year, I was paired with Senator Larry Tidemann. Let's just say, we rocked! Yes, Champion Showman. I had the honor of accepting his award on stage at the concert in the grandstand that night. Very cool! Thanks to all the sponsors of that show that make it possible!

SD State Fair:
~4 class winners, 2 second places, 3 third places
~First place Junior Get of Sire, Second place breeders herd, Second place group of 5 head
~Junior heifer calf Champion
~Junior bull calf Champion
~Senior bull calf Champion
**Reserve Champion Bull (HF PZC BAZINGA 108)
**Champion Bull (TR PZC MR TURTON 0794 ET) owned with: Cavender Ranches, Thomas Ranch, Watje Livestock, & Nathan Suttles
**Supreme Champion Bull (TR PZC MR TURTON 0794 ET) owned with: Cavender Ranches, Thomas Ranch, Watje Livestock, & Nathan Suttles

North American International Livestock Exposition (Louisville, Kentucky):
**Champion Bull (TR PZC MR TURTON 0794 ET) owned with: Cavender Ranches, Thomas Ranch, Watje Livestock, & Nathan Suttles

Miner County Calf Show (Howard)-Champion Charolais heifer (HF JM ANGEL EYES 25Y)
Thanksgiving Blowout (Watertown)-Champion Charolais heifer (HF JM ANGEL EYES 25Y)
Brookings Winter Calf Show-Reserve Champion Charolais heifer (HF JM ANGEL EYES 25Y)
Davidson County Winter Calf Show (Mitchell)-Reserve Champion Charolais heifer (HF JM ANGEL EYES 25Y)

National Western Stock Show (Denver, Colorado):
~2nd place in class with heifer (HF JM ANGEL EYES 25Y)
**Champion Bull (CML DIABLO 2X) owned by numerous ranches and individuals, shown by Thomas Ranch

We are also getting ready for our First Bull Sale on March 27, 2012 in Aberdeen, SD! (Contact myself or BJ for more information.) Look for more details as we get closer to the date.

Hopefully I'll keep this more updated (I know I said that last semester too!). As South Dakota starts a new legislative session and bills start to hit the floor, more opinions may be streaming through my fingers, or my mouth, depending on how close you are to me. Remember: This is your state! Keep updated on legislative issues that arise and make your opinion known! There is ALWAYS 2 sides to every argument and your voice may be the one needed for change! Stay informed!