Kansas City, Mo. � Leadership development, Hereford cattle and fun highlighted the 2010 Program for Reaching Individuals Determined to Excel (PRIDE) Convention Aug. 2-4 in Boise, Idaho. More than 110 individuals from 23 states participated in this event, hosted by the National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA).
Celeste Settrini, Salinas, Calif., kicked off the conference with her message about not being afraid to be yourself and the importance of becoming an agricultural advocate. Currently serving as California Women for Agriculture president, Celeste and her family have a Hereford ranch near Salinas and she works in sales and marketing for Fresh Network LLC.
�Celeste shared her story with Hereford youth,� explains Danielle Starr, NJHA board member from Manawa, Wis. �One part of her journey that resonated with me was when she was not elected to the junior Hereford board the first time she ran. Instead of giving up or changing herself, she ran again the following year. Her experience proves that while you may not reach your goal the first time, don't lose confidence, be the person you have become and try again.�
Wednesday morning participants learned about the Master's of Beef Advocacy (MBA) program sponsored by the beef checkoff. Hereford youth were challenged to complete the MBA program by Oct. 1, and will have the opportunity to participate in a graduation ceremony during the American Hereford Association Annual Meeting weekend in Kansas City, Mo.
NJHA board members led a series of leadership workshops, including marketing scenarios, how to handle different personalities during a meeting, and another for state association presidents and vice presidents.
A highlight of the event was the opportunity to tour Idaho Hereford ranches, said PRIDE attendee Steven Stiner from Union Star, Mo. During the event participants visited Shaw Cattle Co., Caldwell; Split Butte Livestock, Minidoka; Heritage Cattle Co., Buhl; and Colyer Herefords, Bruneau.
Another unforgettable experience was the whitewater rafting trip. Teamwork and fun was enjoyed by all as 14 rafts made their way down the Payette River.
PRIDE would not be possible without the support of numerous sponsors. A big thank you goes to the ranch tour hosts along with Northwest Farm Credit Services, Allflex and Hereford Youth Foundation of America.
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