WOW...WOW...WOW!!!!
It is impossible to put into words how all of us feel here at Star Lake this morning.
Yesterday in the National Western Hereford Female Show we were honored to have the National Reserve Grand Champion, three Division Champions and one Reserve Division Champion.
STAR KKH SSF Olivia 15U was selected as the National Reserve Grand Champion Female after claiming the Polled Junior Yearling Heifer Division Championship. Olivia is the current North American National Champion Female and was Reserve Grand Champion at the '09 Junior National Hereford Expo. Olivia is owned by Star Lake, Kasey Herman, BJ Herman & Sons and Buffalo Bend Farm. She is out of Keysha and sired by Online.
The Polled Spring Heifer Calf Division was won by Mallorie Phelps on STAR KKH SSF Mirror Image 286W a March 28th calf out of Brite Kessie and Titleist. Mallorie had shown this same calf to Reserve Grand Champion honors in the Junior Show two days prior. Mirror Image was purchased at our Fall Sale.
In the Polled Junior Heifer Calf Division the Star Lake showstring had a clean sweep claiming both Champion and Reserve. The Division Champion was STAR KKH SSF Keyshona 25W ET owned by Star Lake, Kasey K Herman and Sunnyside Stock Farm. Keyshona is a full sister to Olivia. The Reserve Division Championship was claimed by STAR H Southern Reign 39W ET who was purchased in our Fall Sale by Blakelee Hayes of Ada, Oklahoma.
As is the tradition in Denver all of the crowned Grand Champions are brought back to the ring for a Supreme Hereford selection that is sponsored by the Lane family. Judges Gary and Kathy Buchholz selected STAR TCF Shock & Awe 158W ET as the Supreme Champion Hereford for the 2010 National Western Stock Show. Shock & Awe is owned by Star Lake, TCF, Tennessee River Music and Buffalo Bend Farm. And yes upon the announcement Todd Herman threw his arms in the air, let go of the halter and the bull ran free.
The Breeder Groups concluded the show and Star Lake had the Champion Get of Sire and Group of Six. At the conclusion of the show we were awarded the Premier Breeder and Premier Exhibitor awards as well. In total a group of 19 purple banners that include the Supreme Hereford; Grand Champion Bull; Grand Champion Carload (11th year in a row); Reserve Grand (2); Division Bull Champions (4); Division Female Champions (4); Reserve Division Bulls (1); Reserve Division Females (1); Group Champions (2) and top Breeder and Exhibitor honors.
As I said in the first line - WOW...it is truly a humbling experience to see the years and hours of hard work by a talented group of individuals receive such accolades. After the show I stood center ring and just took in the scope and significance of the National Western venue; through misty eyes I thank so many for this incredible opportunity.
We want to take the opportunity to inform, educate, enlighten and encourage thoughts on topics that impact the technology and philosophy of Herefords and the cattle business.
