Riley and his niece Paisley

Meet Riley Zoss ?

Riley is no stranger to the Focus Marketing Group crew, as he has helped us at several South Dakota events in the past. This summer, we’re super excited that Riley will be working with us at The Grand Fiesta Maine-Anjou & Chianina National Jr. Show in Grand Island, Nebraska. This guy is one of the best out there, and knows exactly how to capture a moment! Help us welcome Riley to his first Maine / Chi Jr. Nationals.

Read a little bit more about Riley below.

Share a little bit about yourself.

I was born and raised in Letcher, South Dakota on a large commercial Simmental operation. Throughout my junior career I showed sheep, goats and horses along with Simmental and Hereford Cattle. Growing up in agriculture led me to further my education at Mitchell Technical Institute in Mitchell, SD. I graduated in 2014 with a degree in Agricultural Business and Animal Science. I know reside on my Great-Grandparents Family Farm near Forestburg, SD. My father and I run a small herd of registered Simmental cattle, and the bulls raised from the registered herd are the genetics we use in our commercial herd.

Riley in the zone at the SD State Fair

How long have you been a photographer?

Photography has been apart of my life ever since I joined 4-H at 8 years old. In 2014, I took a more serious approach to furthering my skills in photography. When I am not helping Focus Marketing Group, I take family and senior pictures. Robin and Kyla and everyone else at Focus Marketing Group have helped me become the photographer I am today.

What?s your favorite memory from your own years showing livestock?

When it comes to favorite memories showing livestock its hard to choose just one, but the first memory that comes to mind was when my family won Reserve Grand Champion Hereford Steer at the 2014 South Dakota State Fair. The reason that win was so memorable was because we purchased that Hereford Steer at the local sale barn as a bull calf. It?s a true testament that hard work and determination pays off.

Why are you looking forward to the Maine/Chi Jr. Nationals?

This being my first ever Maine/Chi Junior Nationals, I am excited to meet new people in the livestock industry. I am also excited to be able to picture some of the best Maine/Chi cattle in the breed while in Grand Island, NE.

Tell us something you think others would be surprised to know about you.

When I am not doing photography, I am working at my full-time job in Mitchell, South Dakota at Mitchell Technical Institute as an Admission Representative for the Agricultural and Engineering programs. Everyday I have the privilege to help students further their education at the same school that opened many doors for me. Agricultural education is so important for our next generation and it is the mission of Mitchell Technical Institute to provide skills for success in technical careers.