TLBT Youth Chairmen and Directors

TLBT Youth Chairmen

Bonnie and Sam Scott - Ohio - Meet Bonnie and Sam

Division Youth Directors

Division A - Shannon Smith - Meet Shannon
Phone: 601-783-6401
Box 69, Magnolia, MS 39652

Division B - Cindy Dennis - Meet Cindy
Phone: (512) 856-2718
PO Box 86, Coupland, TX
E-mail: crd1226@msn.com

Division C - Marie Barker & Patty Kluge - Meet Marie & Patty
Marie: Phone: (970) 587-4833
PO Box 913, Johnstown, CO 80534
E-mail: mblbarker@aol.com
Patty: Phone: (319) 655-7936
1617 F 52 Trail, North English, IA

Youth Chairmen - Sam and Bonnie Scott

In 1989, Sam and Bonnie Scott began their involvement with Texas Longhorns. They started with four cow-calf pairs, one young bull...and two daughters. Today their herd numbers 62 head and their extended family has grown to include over 300 '"TLBT children"

The Scotts' transition from small farmers in Langsville, Ohio, to Chairmen of the TLBAA's large youth group, the Texas Longhorn Breeders of Tomorrow, began gradually. After purchasing their first cattle, they joined the TLBAA and its Heartland affiliate in 1990. Both Sam and Bonnie helped with the Heartland for several years, and Sam has served as president of the affiliate. Despite a trucking business that has kept him very busy for the last 20 years, Sam has worked, with the help of members and family, the Heartland booth at N.A.I.L.E. in Kentucky the largest stock show in the East. Bonnie is fortunate to have an office job in her home, having held an elected office with a government unit for the past 20 years.

The Heartland is where the Scotts first started helping with the youth and with setting up shows. Bonnie credits Larry Barker, past president of Heartland and now Membership Services Director for the TLBAA, with getting the Scotts involved in the youth show aspect of the TLBAA. "Larry and, of course, our two daughters, Michele and Rebecca," says Bonnie. "They both loved the travel and people, and one special cow, Annie, hooked them forever."

The Scotts were instrumental in organizing the first Heartland Youth Qualifying Show in 1992. That year they traveled to the World Show and the National Youth Show in Fort Worth and the hard working couple was hooked, too. They've been involved with the youth and its shows ever since.

Through the years, the couple has worked quietly and willingly behind the scenes at the National Youth Shows, volunteering for whatever was necessary--sorting ribbons, helping in the show office, or working the gates in the set-up area. They were a natural choice for the job of TLBT Chairmen when TLBAA President Tim Miller asked them to serve in 1996.

"When we started as Chairmen, Sam and I set some basic goals," says Bonnie. "We wanted to help the youth to become a real part of the organization. We also wanted to support and promote the youth who make up the membership."

The Scotts are well on their way to reaching their goals. "With the three new division directors, we will have more contact with all the members, not just the ones who show," Bonnie comments. "And as for the members, they are being seen more now for what they bring to the organization than before. Our future hope is to bring more and more of our youth to the front. They all have that common bond, Texas Longhorns, but some of the youth show in a different way. We want to let them each show us their other skills, art, photography, writing, knowledge, public speaking, showmanship and so much more."

When asked what is the best thing about working with the TLBT, Bonnie quickly replies, "The youth themselves. My rewards are making things work for the youth by doing the smallest of things. Seeing them get so excited over things they have had a hand in. Watching the youth do their best at whatever it is, and then seeing the parents or grandparents be so very proud of them. Your youth are truly caring, giving, and hard working young people."

What special time in the TLBT comes to mind? "Several things," says Bonnie. "Of course, seeing my own children show-hearing a speech from a very young member-watching another young man show for the first time with the help of a friend-seeing grown members come back with their ideas and families."

Asked to name one special moment, Bonnie replied, "That's a hard one. Perhaps, getting a hug when I needed it from a very special member who is now grown. Whenever I see her or hear from her, I always smile. Actually there are so many special things that I just cannot list them all."

"I can't emphasize enough that I could not do this without the help of so many people-from affiliate members to the TLBAA Board and Officers to the ones who man the main office. It takes so many to make this work. No one can do it on their own."

Has life changed that much for the "little lady in the shoe" since 1996? Not really. She and Sam still operate Valley View Farms on their land and on that of her father, Frank Puckett, where Bonnie grew up. Their girls are still connected with farming. Michele works for Producers Livestock Association and a farm supply, while Rebecca and her husband have farms near by. And as for Annie, that special cow. She still rules, and now there is a new showman in the wings who has already shown her in Pee Wee at a Heartland show-grandson Jayden.

Youth Director, Division A - Shannon Smith

Dear Longhorn Breeders,

First let me introduce myself. My name is Shannon Smith. I was born and raised in Magnolia, Mississippi, and graduated in 1992 from the University of Mississippi with a major in business. My family and I own JS Longhorns in Magnolia. We’ve raised Longhorn cattle for the past six years and have been actively showing Longhorns for the past four. We also raise and show quarter horses and miniature horses. As a family, we also operate a business, Jimmy Smith Leasing, Inc., that deals with disaster relief services. We work in the aftermath of things like hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes. For the past three years, I’ve served as the Dixie Texas Longhorn Association show chairman.

I am responsible for Division A which covers quite a large territory. I plan to send letters to the youth in Division A and let them know of some things I plan on taking place this year. As a Youth Chairman for the TLBT, I’m really excited about this upcoming year.

I was asked to help with the TLBT to bring some new ideas into the association. After brainstorming, contacting other breed associations, and putting all my ideas together, I came up with a few objectives I would like to accomplish this year. Some of the ideas that I have come up with besides having a regional Gold Merit competition including having some sort of a field day for the youth -— preferably held during or in conjunction with another Longhorn event such as the Dixie National in Jackson, Mississippi, or the Hope, Arkansas show. These field days would teach the youth such things as what judges are looking for during showmanship classes, what the judges are saying when they use their “terms” to critique cattle in the show ring, what a person looks for when judging, buying or critiquing cattle, the internal and external anatomy of a Longhorn cow and bull, and how to be someone in the show ring who understands show ring etiquette. To gain the interest of the younger youth at some upcoming function, I plan to have coloring contests, pin the horn on the bull, bob for apples and other activities.

I want to encourage the youth to bring prized trophies, ribbons, pictures, plaques, buckles or other Longhorn memorabilia to display on a table for all to observe at the World Show. The table would represent all Division A youth.

As show chairman for the Dixie Texas Longhorn Association for the past three years, I have been very successful in getting sponsors to make donations for our youth program. I would like to encourage each affiliate in Division A to do the same.

TLBT means exactly what it says—Texas Longhorn Breeders of Tomorrow!!! The youth is our future, so let’s do what we can to get each and every one more involved and excited about being a TLBT member.

Sincerely, Shannon Smith

Youth Director, Division B - Cindy Dennis

Cindy Dennis of Coupland, Texas, has been appointed as Division B Youth Director. She replaces Russell E. Fairchild, who resigned to focus on his family and new occupation.

Cindy and her husband, George, have raised Texas Longhorns since 1989. They bred and raised the 1998 World Grand Champion Haltered Female, HD Edge’s Emmy, and the 1999 World Grand Champion Non-Haltered Female, HD Edge’s Beauty.

They have three daughters, Katie, 16, Kari, 15, and Keely, 5, who are actively involved in TLBT. Katie began showing at the age of three, Kari at age 2, and Keely all her life. Katie serves as vice-president of the TLBT and Kari is a director.

Cindy received the TLBAA’s Top Hand Award at the 2002 World Show. The busy lady is an RN at Seton Medical Center, and George is head of the data processing dept. at Citizen’s Insurance in Austin.

“Cindy is an ideal choice for the youth director position. She and George are totally involved with kids and cattle,” said Larry Barker, TLBAA Director of Promotions & Events.

Youth Directors, Division C - Marie Barker & Patty Kluge

Marie Barker, Johnstown, Colorado, and Patty Kluge, North English, IA, have been appointed as Region C Youth Directors. They replace Gretchen Kinder of Oklahoma, who resigned to focus on her college education and wedding plans.

Marie and her husband, Larry, have been in the Longhorn business since 1995 starting with three head. As of this year, their herd has grown to 34 head. The Barkers raise the cattle to show, rope, ride, and also have a large customer base for the lean meat. They also own and/or manage 120 acres growing grass and alfalfa hay.

Their son Brandon, 10, has been very active in showing cattle for his family as well as others in the industry. He is also in 4-H with cattle, horses and judging. Both he and his dad enjoy roping. Their daughter, Breanna, is also starting to show at the tender age of two and is a very outdoors type of person.

The entire family is active in the Mountains & Plains affiliate, and Larry was elected as president for 2002. Marie has co-chaired the growing affiliate youth group. By trade, Larry is a Test Engineering Manager for a contract manufacturing company. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Electronic Engineering and a Master’s degree in Business Administration. For many years, Marie has worked at home to be with the children and to help on the farm.

Patricia A. Kluge lives on a 200-acre farm in North English, Iowa. She was born and raised on a farm in northern Indiana and has been showing cattle for about 28 years. While managing an Indiana farm in 1988, Patty bought her first Texas Longhorns from Don L. King, now TLBAA President/CEO, and later began fitting and showing cattle for him. Since that time she has managed several Texas Longhorn operations. She has helped with Longhorn sales, managed lean beef programs, and now raises Texas Longhorn cattle with Robert O’Meara, a Texas Longhorn breeder for 28 years who is employed as a human resource director for K-Mart Corporation in Iowa City.

Patty, business manager of the English Valley Nursing Care Center, has exhibited numerous champions at both the affiliate and national level. She serves as director of the Iowa youth group and serves as ring steward for the National Youth Show. Her children, Hannah, 12, and Gideon, 9, have been showing Texas Longhorns since they both were two years old and are still very active in the youth shows.

“Patty and Marie are both qualified individuals who are highly motivated into seeing the TLBT program progress,” said Larry Barker, TLBAA Director of Promotion and Events. “I don’t think we could have found any one better to represent the youth of Division C.”

"Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America"

2315 N. Main Ste. 402, Fort Worth, TX 76106
PHONE (817) 625-6241 FAX (817) 625-1388
E-mail: tlbaa@tlbaa.org