Joseph Schultheis is no stranger to cattle or hard work. A third-generation 4-H member and rancher, Joseph has been immersed in the cattle business his entire life. He maintains his own herd, works alongside his father and grandfather, and competes in local livestock shows—earning top honors such as Reserve Champion Market Beef and Grand Champion Born and Raised Beef just last year.

This year, Joseph is taking on a new challenge that connects tradition with opportunity: raising a Hereford steer through the prestigious National Western Catch-A-Calf (CAC) Program. While his family’s ranching roots run deep in Angus cattle, Joseph is excited to welcome a Hereford to the herd—a first for their operation.

The CAC program, which began in 1935, has awarded more than 3,000 head of cattle to youth across the western United States. Each year, 40 4-H members from Colorado, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Kansas are selected to participate. At one of the National Western Stock Show rodeos, participants race to catch a calf in the arena. Those who succeed are awarded a steer from Day Cattle Company in Lubbock Texas, which they will care for and raise over the course of the year, culminating in a return to Denver next spring to show the animal as a market-ready steer.

Joseph’s connection to the program runs even deeper—his father, Joe, participated in the CAC program when he was a young 4-H member, continuing a family legacy of hands-on learning and leadership in agriculture. When Joseph had the opportunity to apply, there was no hesitation. He was selected and attended the CAC kickoff event at the National Western Stock Show in January.

The Catch-A-Calf program is more than a show opportunity; it’s a year-long, real-world introduction to the responsibilities of modern beef production. Participants are judged not just on showmanship, but on the fundamentals of livestock management—record keeping, rate of gain, feed efficiency, and carcass quality. Youth also participate in panel interviews and give industry-related speeches, developing essential skills in communication, critical thinking, and business. All these tasks are extensions of what local 4-H programs teach, and completing the CAC program allows participants to build upon the skills they have been developing. Local 4-H participants also are offered leadership opportunities – ranging from leading a 4-H club, to serving on district and statewide committees in various roles. 4-H also allows for community service and public speaking opportunities as part of their clubs.

“It’s a lot of record keeping,” Joseph said. “But I’ve had some experience with that already through 4-H.”

Participants are supported by sponsors who help purchase the calves and provide ongoing mentorship throughout the year. Joseph’s sponsor, Ron Carpenter from Creede, receives regular letters updating him on Joseph’s progress. Some sponsors even attend county fairs or other shows to support their participants. With over 50 donors involved—from individuals to large agricultural companies—the CAC program is a true community investment in the future of agriculture.

For Joseph, the experience is already paying off. “I’m most excited to show him,” he said. “I can’t wait to see all my hard work pay off. I’ve learned so much already and am really looking forward to returning to the National Western next year.”

But Joseph’s summer doesn’t stop with the CAC program. He’s also preparing his market beef and swine projects for the upcoming Gunnison County Fair and Jr. Livestock Auction. When he’s not in the barn, he’s helping on the ranch with his grandfather or working with his dad at the family’s dirt work business. He even runs his own lawn care company in Gunnison.

“I work with my cattle every day,” Joseph said. “I’ve also been watching the new Hereford steer closely for signs of elevation sickness. Coming from Texas to Gunnison is a big change for him.”

Joseph’s determination, work ethic, and passion for livestock make him a shining example of how 4-H and programs like Catch-A-Calf are helping to cultivate the next generation of ranchers. You can catch Joseph and his CAC steer at the Jr. Livestock 4-H and FFA Beef Show on Friday, July 11 at 10:30 a.m.—a testament to the future of agriculture, grounded in tradition and driven by youth.

-Written by Gunnison County CSU Extension County Director and Ag Agent, Hannah Cranor-Kersting