Amherst FFA to host 17th Annual Mid-Nebraska Spring Beef Show fundraiser
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Enthusiasm from numerous young cattle breeders will merge into one high energy event, when teen and pre-teen ranchers from across Nebraska, Kansas and Colorado show their cattle at the 17th Annual Mid-Nebraska Spring Beef Show Saturday, March 16 at 9 a.m. at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds in Kearney, Neb. Operated and hosted entirely by the Amherst, Nebraska FFA chapter, the event is also the largest fundraiser for their chapter and is a Junior Nebraska Cattlemen sanctioned show.
The Amherst FFA members don’t show cattle themselves at this event because they’re busy, literally running the show. The beef show is open to young livestock producers ages 8-21. Most are from Nebraska, but there are a few families who show cattle from Kansas and Colorado.
A total of 126 exhibitors showed 165 head of cattle last year. This year 200 head of cattle are expected. Amherst FFA plans to continue growing this event.
This event is a show, only. People don’t buy or sell animals at it.
There is a registration fee to exhibit at the show at $40 per head if pre-registered before March 11, 2024, and $50 a head to sign up after.
As Amherst FFA’s biggest fundraiser of the year, the chapter this year voted to donate some of the funds raised to a family whose young son recently had a liver transplant. Other donations will go toward defraying chapter expenses when attending state and national FFA conventions.
“Our beef show is near and dear to our FFA members’ hearts. It’s not just for our FFA chapter, but for families in need. Depending on how many entries we get, dictates how much money we receive, and our FFA chapter is extremely proud of it, and works very hard,” said Breanna Bosshamer, president of Amherst FFA chapter and a senior at Amherst Public School in Amherst, Neb.
THE WHOLE KIT AND KABOODLE
Over the past few weeks, Javelynn Graham, Amherst FFA historian who’s a senior at Amherst, has been organizing food items for the concession stands and scheduling members for different duties for the day of the show.
“I really enjoy getting to know the families who come to our beef show, and seeing the kids coming and carrying on their family tradition. It’s also great seeing older siblings helping their younger siblings or aunts and uncles helping,” Graham said.
Amherst FFA officers play a big role in organizing, setting up the event and securing sponsors for this fundraiser.
“Without the generous donations of our sponsors, the show would not be possible. Officers also select prizes. During the show, FFA members check in cattle, line up classes, are ring help, announce and run the concession stand,” said Maranda Kegley Martenson, adviser and agricultural education teacher, Amherst, Nebraska FFA. FFA members also help set up panels a couple days before the show. “It is hard to believe these are high school kids running this show,” added Martenson, who grew up showing in 4-H and FFA. In addition to teaching agriculture education for the past six years, Martenson is an alumnus of Amherst Public Schools. While in high school, she was involved with planning and helping host the Mid-Nebraska Spring Beef.
“FFA members work as a team to organize and market this show, all of which provides them with lifelong career skills. Maranda Martenson, the Amherst FFA adviser will do a fantastic job of leading students through a great experiential learning experience while providing exhibitors with a strong show opportunity,” said Stacie Turnbull, director of agriculture education and Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources career field specialist, Nebraska Department of Education.
Exhibitors don’t have to be FFA members. Also, there is no fee just to attend and watch the show. The show is divided into two rings with two different judges. One ring is for breeding heifers, including Angus breeding heifer, Charolais and Balancer breeding heifers and other breeds. The other category is market cattle.
Back in October, chapter officers had already started sending out sponsorship forms, then after Christmas they set up sponsorships and checked in with others to see if they received the chapter letter.
GIVING BACK
“Putting on this show is a way for our chapter to get involved, and even if kids aren’t participating in contests, they give back to the community,” Bosshamer said.
Bosshamer grew up on a ranch 10 miles outside of Amherst. and her family has a cow calf operation. After graduation, she plans on attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in the fall to study animal science and minor in ag communications and Engler Entrepreneurship (a program created by UNL with classes about leadership and entrepreneurship where students can create their own business).
Graham grew up on a farm and lives six miles outside of Amherst. Her grandfather raises a variety of birds, and people come from across the Midwest to their bird sales in Lexington. After graduation, Graham plans on attending Northeast Community College to first cover her general requirements, then transfer to University of Nebraska-Kearney and major in elementary education.
Amherst’s 45 FFA members will all be involved hosting the cattle show. An Amherst FFA advisory group will assist, as well as parents of chapter members.
TO REGISTER
Contestants must register using the Showman App: https://showman.app/shows#/mid-nebraska-spring-beef-show. This website has really helped with organizing the show. It allows us to check-in contestants and record the class placings more easily, Martenson said. There’s a QR code on the flyers and website, which people can quickly scan.
Show Hours: Begins 9 a.m. Saturday, March 16.
Check in: Participants may check in Friday March 15, 2024, from 5-9 p.m., or Saturday, March 16 from 5:30-8 a.m.
Deadline: The last day to submit online entries is March 15.
Entries are not accepted the day of show.
“Farming gives me a chance to spend time with my family, and provides skills,” Graham said. “I’ve learned so much responsibility and that I’m in charge of what happens to the animal and what they produce, and the responsibility that comes with that.”
“I have grown up with cattle my entire life,” said Bosshamer, “…and agriculture is an industry I’m very passionate about.”
For more information, contact Breanna Bosshamer at (308) 222-0584 or Brian Bosshamer at (308) 233-4446 or Maranda Martenson at (308) 238-1533. The event will be held at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds, East Arena and Ag Pavilion, 3807 N. Ave., Kearney, NE 68847.
