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Southdown Juniors > Membership

American Junior Southdown Association

Purpose
To foster and promote youth activity and interest in the Southdown breed.

Objective
The objectives of the AJSA include but are not limited to:

Junior Member Spotlight

Shane Flanagen ~ Texas
Shane, pictured with his younger sister Avery and older sister Alyssa, showed the 2013 Champion Southdown Ewe in the Open Show.
2016 Reserve Supreme Champion Junior Ewe bred and owned by Shane Flanagen

You won’t find this word in the dictionary but the term “Agvocate” fittingly describes this young man and his passion to actively promote and educate in today’s modern agriculture. Shane Flanagen from Ballinger, TX is leading the way in his area by showing the importance of livestock production to consumers. “It starts by being a presence at major shows and assisting others.” With his family’s Southdown flock, Shane teaches novice 4-H families how to ethically raise and care for livestock and helps present on topics such as nutrition, selection, and showmanship. Shane completed the Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador short course program and now serves his local county extension agent as needed. “Most people haven’t been taught about the livestock industry. They need to understand how animals are cared for and where their food comes from.”

Shane’s experience in livestock production began at an early age with his 4-H sheep project. Today, his family work together and manage a 120 brood ewe flock in the heart of Runnels County. Shane is guided by his father Scott, who owns and operates his own successful vet practice. “He is the best man I know, very intelligent in breeding livestock.” This helps them out by utilizing the most current technology of embryo transfer and artificial insemination on key genetics in their flock. They focus on raising quality sheep that are productive and market lambs to fellow 4-H families for showing and breeding. He and his younger siblings, Avery and Ben, can be found at many of the state shows and have been very successful at exhibiting their breeding projects and competing in showmanship. By far his favorite memory with Southdowns was in 2016 at the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo. He was honored to exhibit the Reserve Supreme Champion Ewe with an embryo transfer daughter his family raised. “It is very unusual for a Southdown to win over other breeds at Texas shows.” The American and Texas Southdown Breeders Associations has been a great experience for Shane and his family by connecting them with other people who share their same passion for the breed. “There are great people in the breed and I have made a lot of friends by participating in their events.”

Taking on leadership roles has been an important step in building his skills to “Agvocate”. Shane has held several offices in his local 4-H club and currently serves as an ambassador for their district. Participating in livestock judging and parliamentary procedure has also improved is public speaking skills and critical thinking. It is no surprise Shane has an interest in continuing his education past high school in the animal sciences area and one day work in the livestock industry.

Shane, your hard work ethic and dedication to raising quality Southdowns is an excellent case of leading by example. Thank you for serving as an advocate for the livestock industry and the Southdown breed.

 

Membership
The Southdown breed leads the way for others to follow. It’s juniors are no different. The AJSA allows juniors to share a vital role in the promotion and advancement of the Southdown breed. Members are enthusiastic about helping each other and working together to improve the breed.

Join Here

Any youth under age 21 years old or younger as of January 1st of the current year is invited to become a member of the AJSA. To become a member, youth must complete the Junior Membership Application and submit this form to the ASBA along with payment of annual dues. Junior dues are to be paid annually to the ASBA to be considered a youth member in good standing. There is no lower age limit but junior members entering in ASBA sponsored junior shows must be physically capable of controlling and showing their own sheep, except in cases of physical disabilities. Junior members have the right to vote in person at American Junior Southdown Association meetings.  Junior membership does not give the right to vote at the ASBA Annual Meeting or regularly called meetings of the ASBA.  

The priviledges of membership include:

The ASBA fiscal year is October 1 to September 30.  Dues paying Junior members may transact business with the ASBA at rates for active members.

Proudly Promoting TEXAS HEREFORDS for 120 Years.