The Missouri State University Beef Cattle Show Team had a rewarding show season, competing at the Ozark Empire Fair (July 24-Aug. 2) in Springfield, the Missouri State Fair (Aug. 7-17) in Sedalia and the Northwest Arkansas District Fair (Sept. 14-20) in Harrison.  

For the team, this season was more than just about bringing home ribbons; it was about showcasing months of dedication and hard work. 

“Participating in these fairs give students a chance to represent the Journagan Ranch and take pride in what they’re doing, not just for themselves, but for the university and the program as a whole,” said Dr Adam McGee, assistant professor in the School of Agricultural Science and Conservation. 

A legacy rooted in generosity 

The team’s story began when local producers in Springfield donated their cattle. This foundation grew significantly in 2010 when the Journagan family made a generous decision to donate the Journagan Ranch to the Darr College of Agriculture. 

The 3,300-acre ranch, which came with a purebred Hereford herd, enabled students to gain hands-on ranching experience. Today, the ranch maintains a herd of over 300 and the team shows only cattle bred at the ranch. 

The work before the walk

Preparing 1,300-lb. heifers and 2,100-lb. bulls for the show ring demands relentless, daily effort.

The process begins with gently taming the calves. 

“Because of their size, you have to approach them with respect and care for them to trust you, before you can lead them around the show ring,” McGee said.  

From May through the summer, the team followed a rigorous schedule to get the cattle ready for show season.  

“Every day, we fed the cattle twice and walked them for exercise. We also followed an intensive grooming process where we rinsed and blow-dried them twice daily for two to three hours to achieve a desired look,” McGee said. 

As show season approached, they trimmed hair in key areas like the face and neck to give the cattle a more refined look, which highlighted their best features.

This effort paid off when the team’s two-year old bull was named Grand Champion in the senior division at the Ozark Empire Fair. They also won both the Grand and Reserve Champion titles at the Northwest Arkansas District Fair. 

Building skills beyond the classroom 

Shianne Moreland, instructor in the School of Agricultural Sciences and Conservation, is passionate about co-coaching the Show Team because of the hands-on experience it gives students.

“We coach them through strategies on how to control these animals and read their health through their appetite and behavior. This is a piece of education that is best learned through daily interaction with the animals,” she said.

For animal science majors Dixie Gruber and Isabelle Miller, joining the team allowed them to show cattle for the first time this year and develop professional skills. Their excellence was rewarded by winning the Top Exhibitor Herdsman Award for the open Herefords show at the Ozark Empire Fair.

“Being part of the team expanded my understanding of the agriculture industry and improved how I collaborate with others,” said senior Gruber.

Sophomore Miller added, “Working with the show cattle has been of great benefit to me, since I plan to work with large livestock. It’s helping me build confidence around these animals and preparing me for my future career.”   

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