Ali Merritt, Sidney High School seniorand member of the Montana JR Registered Red Angus Association, was awarded Overall Grand Champion Red Angus Bull with her March born bull calf and Overall Reserve Champion Red Angus Bull with her yearling bull at Northern International Livestock Exposition (NILE).
Merritt explained that the exposition was held virtually this year, so contestants participated in a virtual show where pictures and videos of animals were submitted to be judged. This year, she represented her own cattle company, AJM Red Angus, and exhibited two March born bull calves, one yearling bull, and a cow and calf pair in the Registered Red Angus Show for NILE.
The NILE is one of Merritt's favorite shows that she has participated in so far. She said, "It is such an outstanding event as you get to meet people from across the states and other states as well. It is a great learning experience where people are always willing to teach you. It offers so much diversity in exhibiting different livestock. It's very enjoyable to watch as every class of animals is high quality and outstanding and different from the last."
Merritt has been showing a variety of animals for many years and she claims that cattle are her favorite. "For 11 years, I have shown many animals, but cattle I found to be my true passion. My favorite thing is everything; every bump in the road to being awarded Champion at shows has been the best moments. I have met so many people who have taught me so much about the industry," stated Merritt.
Merritt started showing her own registered Red Angus herd in 2016. She said, "I started showing the breed when I purchased my first registered Red Angus cow after the NILE. At this time, I also became a member of the Montana Jr. Red Angus Association; I am currently the association's vice president and I now have a high-quality herd of a couple pairs of registered Red Angus which I take pride in exhibiting. Through the years I have become certified to artificially Inseminate cattle to help better my herds genetics and to raise good calves."
When asked what she is most proud of she responded," I am most proud of how I have properly learned how to select certain cattle genetics to have them raise calves I am more than happy with."
Last fall, she was awarded the Montana 4-H State Award for her excellence with her breeding Red Angus projects, which enabled her to attend National 4-H Congress.
Her future goals include enjoying her last year as a Forever Bud 4-H club member and to exhibit her projects to the best of her ability. She also hopes to assist others to help them with their projects. "I really enjoy working with 4-H members."
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