Gary Reichel and Kevin Johansen have been friends and competitors in and out of the show ring for many years. They are both accomplished showmen and both are very good at evaluating and preparing show calves for show and sale. They began Calf Quest in 2001 as a way for young people interested in showing beef animals to purchase good quality, started show calves to take home and finish. The quality of the offering has steadily improved and this year is no doubt the strongest set of calves that they have assembled. If you have any questions, feel free to ask Gary and Kevin, they both can talk cattle and have a genuine interest in how these calves do down the road. Giving a young person an opportunity to participate in the livestock industry is why they do this.

They are two young men who have been there. As one of their mom's stated, "Everyone starts somewhere." That's what they did and they hope every youth can enjoy the successes that they have enjoyed. That very motivation is what started Calf Quest.

Through the years things change but not friendships. Kevin is now married and wife, Jamie has become an important asset to Calf Quest helping with pictures and fliers. She is completing her education to become a Vocational Agriculture Instructor. Kevin is a trained Ultrasound Technician and continues working in the cattle industry both through 5J Charolais, Bull Brokers, and as a farm manager in southern Missouri. Gary is a Vocational Agriculture Instructor at Eldon High School, Eldon, MO; is a trained embryologist and A I Technician, and assists in managing Reichel Farms and is a consultant for Petree Farms, where he and David Petree are among ten who have an interest in a Simmental bull raised by Janssen Farms in Iowa. "Shock and Awe" will be used on many of the commercial cows owned by Reichels and Petrees.