Ruby Bell is the 14-year-old daughter of Steven and Julie Bell of Bristow, Oklahoma. Her family owns and operates Bell Cattle Company and this past week, Ruby exhibited the Grand Champion Bred and Owned Female at the Charolais Junior Nationals in Brookings, South Dakota.
Ruby said Elvira, a purebred Charolais heifer, has been special to show because her family bred and raised her.
“This win is very special to my family and I,” Ruby said. “We raised this heifer who is out of our very first Charolais donor cow that my sister, Abby, showed.”
Watching Elvira grow and mature from a young calf to a yearling heifer has been rewarding and fun to watch. Preparing Elvira for junior nationals required dedication and long hours spent in the show barn alongside her family.
“It is special to think back on all of the memories with Elvira,” Ruby said. “From halter breaking her to washing her every day, it is rewarding to show one you have raised.”
It is no secret, showing livestock is a family affair for the Bell Family. Ruby and her siblings have grown up on their family’s large cattle operation where their roots for agriculture was instilled. They have been exhibiting heifers and steers at the local, state, and national level for many years. Their involvement with 4-H and FFA shaped them into young advocates for the livestock and agriculture industries.
Ruby was also the Champion Intermediate Showman and Reserve Champion in the Owned Show.
Ruby could not have achieved this goal of hers without the help and support of her family. She is thankful that during these crazy times, the AIJCA planned an outstanding livestock show and conference, allowing exhibitors to do what they love which is showing cattle.
“I would like to thank my family, Tony and Brandy Jeff’s, and the entire crew,” Ruby said. “This is truly a family affair.”