by Carter Hall
When applying to become an AJSA trustee, I stated that I am from a rural town in a small state.
West Virginia doesn’t have a junior association so we had to join a neighboring state’s group. Little did I know at the time how that state association would introduce me to my passion. I grew up in the Ohio Junior Simmental Association, which is active at the state, regional, and national levels.
Being an out-of-state member, there were some limitations that prohibited me from doing certain things like holding an office within the state association. I still tried to be as active as I could. I grew up participating in every show they offered and with that came every contest that was required. At nine years old I would see all the kids get called up as they placed in their various contests, but I rarely did that first couple of years; I was getting pretty upset I wouldn’t place. At that point, I decided the issue was me. I was getting out of the experience what I was putting into it. Minimal. So, I worked and worked, and studied and studied, and it paid off. I started placing in contests and shows. That was the light switch that flipped for me. You get out of the experience what you put into it.
by Carter Hall
At that point I wanted to soak up all the AJSA had to offer, and not just by winning banners but the experience of being part of something larger than just myself. This Association is a phenomenal way to become a better student, competitor, and cattleman. I wanted to learn all about the industry, how to improve my genetics on my farm, and the Simmental breed. More importantly, I wanted to give back to the Association that fostered the love I have for Simmental cattle. I had so many positive influences from the very start of my journey and wanted to be that for the younger exhibitors as I got older. My first mentor/mentee experience at the National Classic was probably the best thing that could have happened to me. My mentor encouraged me that week, hung out with me, helped with anything I needed, and was there to listen — even if I was being an annoying 10-year-old. He gave me the confidence to compete and put myself out there. It helped me see that there are other kids out there with those same passions regarding agriculture, and cattle specifically. My mentor and older members in my state association showed me year after year that I could be one that helped give back to the Simmental breed and mentor the younger kids starting in the Association. They led by example, and I wanted to do the same.
As I got older my passion for the Simmental breed continued to grow to the point of leading into my college experience and career path. Being involved with the AJSA helped me realize that I was not the only kid out there with a love for cattle even though it seemed that way growing up at home in West Virginia. Being the only kid in your high school who wanted to “be a farmer” was a lonely experience at times and the AJSA helped me see that others had those same passions for cattle and farming; every other kid there was into the same things that I liked. I never felt like an outsider with the AJSA as I have made lifelong friends from across the country and have been able to network with others in the cattle industry, specifically the Simmental breed.
At the end of the day, I am still a small-town kid from West Virginia who never had the fancy working facilities or the expensive show heifers, but had one of the richest AJSA experiences growing up with many exemplary past members guiding me and showing me that you get out of your experience what you put into it. I hope to inspire younger members like me to have the confidence to try something new, step out of their comfort zone, and embrace their experience wherever it leads them. Being a good leader isn’t always about how many banners you win (and I love winning them) but it’s about knowing the best qualities in others and helping them become their best self. During my time as a trustee, I want to help others be their best self whether it be as a student, competitor, cattle producer, or all of the above. What do you want to get out of your experience?
2024–2025 American Junior Simmental Association Board of Trustees by
Eastern Region
Carter Hall Ripley, WV 304-373-8427
Walker Housley Dayton, TN 423-599-8346
North Central Region
Noah Goss Kanopolis, KS 785-810-8636
Emerson Tarr LeRoy, IL 309-205-0860
South Central Region
Hallie Hackett Texarkana, TX 903-556-6758
Anna Sweat McCaskill, AR 870-200-7600
Western Region
Aribella Beins Deweyville, UT 435-452-2391
At-Large
Ella Fischer St. Joseph, MO 816-261-5991
Chase Harker Hope, IN 812-603-5371
Cecillia Newby Oswego, KS 620-717-8018
Anna Webel Farmington, IL 309-351-9223
