CALF_News_August_September_2019

41 CALF News • August | September 2019 • www.calfnews.net JOHNSON CONCRETE LIVESTOCK WATERERS THE BEST NAME IN CATTLE WATERERS www.JohnsonConcreteProducts.com Trusted by Livestock Owners Everywhere! JOHNSON CONCRETE LIVESTOCK WATERERS 109 East B Street Hastings, Neb. 68901 phone: (402) 463-1359 toll free: (800) 752-1670 Built with features to last, Johnson Waterers withstand punishing weather and prove to be dependable year after year. TOUGH, DEPENDABLE CONSTRUCTION  See us for all your water trough needs.  We are #1 in water trough parts and services. Designed for the most punishing environments, our livestock waterers stand the test of time and deliver performance unequaled in the industry. Southdown sheep and sell them across the United States. They started the flock in 2004 and have expanded it since. Ten years after the Southdowns appeared, Boer goat does arrived, and Blake is raising his own meat goats, as well. He describes the goat project as a lot of work, but fun to kid out and fun to watch them develop. What’s in the future? A high school junior, Blake plans to attend UNL’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and earn degrees in animal science and ag business. He is considering the Paul Engler Agricultural Entrepreneurship Program and is defi- nitely interested in becoming a member of the livestock judging team. He looks for- ward to meeting more people who share his interests and studying with them, and also sees himself studying under excellent professors who will further his education in terms of agriculture. Recognizing the long road ahead, Blake wants to keep moving forward with his Herefords and Southdowns. He has a love for the Texas Panhandle, and knows he has time to figure out how to real- ize his dream – owning his own place. Having a close relationship with his brothers, he wants to include them in his future, as well. Blake sees himself perhaps working as a representative for a phar- maceutical company or other ag-related business along his path to the future. Parting thoughts Blake is most proud of his abil- ity to show any specie of livestock at a high level. In 2018, he was named Elite Showmanship Champion at the Nebraska State Fair. It is the pre- mier, end-of-the-year 4-H contest in Nebraska, with qualified representa- tion from across the state. Blake won or placed high in several divisions of the competition, as well as winning the overall honor and returning home with a check for $2,300. Blake recognizes the important role his parents have played in his livestock experience.“I couldn’t be doing what I’m doing now without their support,” he says.“If they hadn’t been with livestock in their own youth, I don’t know where I’d be right now.” Those are wise and gracious words from someone who, predictably, will continue to be successful.  Blake Bruns, center, captured the Elite Showman title at the 2018 Nebraska State Fair, showing all species of meat animals. 620-427-4200 www.fcsmfg.com FCS MANUFACTURING, INC. 3430 EE Rd. Gridley, Kan. 66852 PATENT PENDING! NO. 29/694.456 ADVANTAGE SERIES Overhead Feed 20% more storage than a round bin, better clean-out than a square! Experience the Advantage!