A Junior Journey
by Joe Miller, Youth Programs

Many organizations, agencies and businesses have a mission statement. The purpose of mission statements is to give direction and unification to the group. In 1996, the Youth Committee recommended, and the association board adopted, the following mission statement for the youth programs of the Brown Swiss Cattle Breeders' Association.

"The purpose of the youth programs of the Brown Swiss Cattle Breeders' Association of America is to provide experiences for junior members to expand their knowledge of the dairy industry and Brown Swiss cattle. The Bell Ringer program is to provide opportunities for youth to compare animal type and conformation. The Production and Cheese Yield contests encourage youth to develop sound profitable animals. The Youth Achievemnet program provides recognition for youth who develop productive cattle and positive leadership skills. The Ambassador program allows youth to develop speaking, organization and public reasoning skills. The Scholarship/Grant is to assist in the education of youth or herd growth by youth ownership."

Thus, the mission statement is the basic idea or purpose for each of the junior programs/contests. As we evaluate each program, we should be asking, "Are the rules for the program helping junior members to experience and broaden their knowledge of the dairy industry?"

When junior members participate in the various programs, they can measure their accomplishments and success with other junior members from across the nation.

The question becomes, "Which is the most important - to win a trophy at any expense or learn by comparison?"

To buy a known winner is a long-term investment. Yes, if the winner is past two years of age when purchased, she is not eligible to participate in Brown Swiss junior programs. The challenge and excitement comes from developing quality, high-producing offspring from that winner.

The next question you must ask yourself is, "Which is more gratifying - to have bred and developed a winner or to buy a winner?"

When you have a question or an idea you would like discussed in this column, contact Joseph M. Miller, Youth Programs Coordinator, at phone (937) 997-3144.