By Blake Jackson
According to Brianna Record, a student at Missouri State University, members of the university’s Beef Cattle Show Team spend months preparing purebred Hereford cattle long before they enter the show ring.
Students are responsible for daily tasks such as feeding, washing, grooming, and training the animals, gaining valuable hands-on experience in livestock management along the way.
A key part of the program’s success comes from Journagan Ranch, a 3,300-acre cattle operation donated to Missouri State University by Leo Journagan and his family in 2010. All of the show cattle are bred and raised on the ranch, providing students with direct involvement in the entire production process.
The team recently competed at both the Ozark Empire Fair and the Missouri State Fair, where students showcased the results of months of preparation. According to team coach and farm operations manager Garrett Kirk, the experience extends beyond competition.
“You work for the brand and reputation. When you go in public, you’re the face of the team,” Kirk said.
Students can now participate in a for-credit show cattle internship through the Darr College of Agriculture, combining classroom learning with practical livestock experience.
One participant, senior Isabelle Miller, completed 240 hours of internship work this summer. Her responsibilities included feeding, washing, drying, walking, and training show cattle.
Miller developed a close connection with a heifer named Nelly while practicing showmanship, the skill of presenting cattle in the ring. She credits the program with helping her strengthen her livestock skills and industry knowledge.
Kirk believes students gain much more than show-ring experience.
“Students also learn how to have an open mind because there are different ways to accomplish the same goal,” Kirk said.
The team’s hard work produced strong results this year. A Hereford bull named Dexter, shown by graduate student Grace Manning, earned Reserve Grand Champion honors at the Ozark Empire Fair and later received Reserve Division Champion Hereford Bull recognition at the Missouri State Fair.
“This achievement shows the community that Journagan Ranch and Missouri State can raise good, quality animals,” Miller said.
While winning awards is rewarding, the program’s broader purpose is student development. Through livestock care, teamwork, and competition, participants build leadership, responsibility, and work ethic that will benefit them throughout their careers.
“You’re not going to find a set of harder working students,” he said.
Miller, who plans to pursue a career in ranch management and livestock coaching after graduating in 2027, encourages other students to get involved.
“Be willing to put in a lot of effort, jump in where needed and get your hands dirty — metaphorically and for real,” she said.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-erdinhasdemir
Categories: Missouri, Education, Livestock, Beef Cattle