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national junior santa gertrudis association

donated heifer

What is the donated heifer program?

The NJSGS Donated Heifer Program rewards junior members for success in the show ring while connecting them with Santa Gertrudis breeders who are investing in the future of the breed. Through the generosity of participating breeders, 12 heifers are awarded each year to qualifying champions at the National Junior Santa Gertrudis Show.

Thank you to our 2026 heifer donors!

Double G Farms

Recipient: Kinsley Kubecka

Urbanosky Ranch

Recipient: Ryland McDaniel

Square Running M Cattle

Recipient: Avery Strait

777 Farms

Recipient: Morgan Soape

Wiley ranch

Recipient: Abigail Mitchell

Pitchford Cattle Company

Recipient: Kaelee Starnes

Stegall Farms

Recipient: Gentry Groves

Strait Ranches

Recipient: Re'Ana Villanueva

Wunderlich Farms

Recipient: Demi Hunter

Wendt Ranches Partners

Recipient: Tripp Nichols

In The Red Ranch

Recipient: Kaden Mullins

Ridge Point Ranch

Recipient: Hannah Schackleford

Invest in the next generation

Receiving a donated heifer is more than an award earned at Junior Nationals. The program helps junior members build their herds with Santa Gertrudis genetics while developing communication skills and relationships with established breeders.

Throughout the following year, recipients stay connected with their donor through letters and progress reports. Donors may also request that the heifer return to the following NJSGS to compete. The program gives juniors valuable experience while allowing breeders to make a direct investment in the next generation of the Santa Gertrudis breed.

Donate a heifer

The NJSGS Donated Heifer Program is made possible by Santa Gertrudis breeders who are willing to invest quality genetics in the next generation. Each donated female gives a junior the opportunity to grow their herd while creating a connection between the recipient and the breeder behind their new genetics.

Interested in donating a heifer?
Contact Callie Loden
callie@straitranches.com
210-837-1199

How do you receive a donated heifer?

Donated heifers are awarded to junior exhibitors earning the following honors at NJSGS:

  • Grand and Reserve Division Champions in the Purebred Female Show — 8 recipients
  • Grand and Reserve Champion STAR 5 Female — 2 recipients
  • Grand and Reserve Champion Bred & Owned Female — 2 recipients

A junior may receive a maximum of one donated heifer each year. If a junior qualifies more than once, the opportunity moves to the next eligible placing in the respective division.

At the conclusion of NJSGS, recipients draw for their assigned donor. Each recipient then works directly with that Santa Gertrudis breeder throughout the following year.

Receiving a donated heifer is more than winning a prize. Recipients are expected to stay in contact with their donor and provide letters and progress updates throughout the year. The program is intended to build relationships between junior members and Santa Gertrudis breeders while teaching responsibility and appreciation.

One of the most valuable parts of the Donated Heifer Program is the relationship created between the recipient and donor. Many past recipients have developed long-term relationships with breeders who have become mentors, resources and friends as they continue building their Santa Gertrudis herds.

FROM OUR JUNIORS

Rated 5 out of 5
“Relationships with breeders has always been a big plus for our family, but the chance to get added genetics for free that could possibly turn into future sales to go towards college funds is what I think is the most important.”
Rated 5 out of 5
“We feel as though this program gives our children a chance to build their futures in many different ways. The experience provides a very well-rounded learning experience for the recipients. As parents, we are appreciative to the volunteers who organize and make this program possible and to the breeders who donate to the class winners.”
Rated 5 out of 5
“My family looks forward to the Jr. Nationals every year in hopes of being a class winner and receiving a donated heifer. People not in "our" program can't believe it when I show off my heifer that I WON! It's the best program.”