Twenty-nine National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) members claimed a gold medal in the 2024 Olympic year. They are recognized at the highest level attainable by a junior member as they receive the Gold Award. 

The award was established in 1980 by the American Angus Association and the 1980-81 National Junior Angus Board (NJAB). Applicants must be in their final year of membership and already received the Bronze and Silver Awards before Jan. 1 of 2024. Members must reap at least 3,000 points and may receive them through participation in contests at the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), Association-sponsored conferences, genetic testing with Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) and more. Gold Award recipients have proven themselves worthy of the high honor by going above and beyond to prove their dedication to the Angus breed. 

Alexandra Duckworth

As Alexandra Duckworth’s time with the NJAA comes to an end, she says
she looks back on her opportunities with gratitude. 

“While the banners and awards will fade and tarnish, the connections I have made while being a member of the NJAA will last a lifetime,” she explains.

Duckwrth is from Afton, Tenn., and has been active in the Tennessee Junior Angus Association (TJAA). She’s also participated in several contests at the NJAS. 

Her showring highlights include exhibiting the reserve grand champion female in the phenotype and genotype show (PGS) and reserve grand champion bred-and-owned PGS female at the 2023 NJAS.

The daughter of Lee and Lori Duckworth is a junior at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Duckworth is studying animal science with a bioscience concentration and statistics minor. She plans to pursue master’s and doctorate degrees in beef cattle genetics with hopes of becoming a professor after graduation.

“My involvement in the NJAA ultimately led me to pursue this career path, as it let me find my love in agriculture,” she says. “I hope to be able to leave an impact on the breed that built me.”

Allie Bieber

Allie Bieber of Waukon, Iowa is a fifth-generation Angus producer and displays a deep passion for the work that comes with her lineage. 

“My interest in the agricultural industry sparked at a young age following my dad across the farmyard,” she mentions. 

The daughter of Ed and Amy Bieber has extended state involvement with the breed as she served as the 2019 Iowa Angus Princess, 2020 Miss Iowa Angus, 2020-21 Iowa Junior Angus Association (IJAA) secretary and the 2021-22 IJAA president. 

Beyond her involvement with The Business Breed, Bieber recently graduated from Iowa State University with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business and a minor in animal science. She seeks a career within livestock sales or genetics while expanding her personal herd. 

“The pleasure of knowing that you can make a positive impact on the industry, those working in this field as well as consumers is what has driven me to follow in my family footsteps of raising my own livestock,” she says.

Allison Davis

At the age of just 9-years-old, Allison Davis began her journey with the NJAA. While reflecting on her membership, she says the relationships she’s built come to the front of her mind. 

“The time spent with my family preparing for and traveling to shows have been some of my favorite memories,” Davis comments. “There is something about being in the barns at 3 a.m. show mornings, with just the three of us that is peaceful.”

The daughter of Mark and Loretta Davis from Shelbyville, Tenn., is an agriculture communications junior at Kansas State University (K-State). Davis explains she wants to be employed within a youth membership department at an agricultural organization in the future. 

Whether it be attending the Leaders Engaged in Angus Development (LEAD) or Raising the Bar conferences, Davis says she is acquainted with the NJAA and believes her involvement with these activities have made her a stronger breeder.  

“As I am nearing the end of my junior career, I cannot imagine being raised any other way then in the Angus breed,” she says. 

The hard work ethic, responsibility and teamwork skills she’s gained from the organization are ones she believes will lead her to productivity in her adult life and society. 

Amanda Hoffmann

Amanda Hoffmann says she can only describe her feelings towards the Texas Junior Angus Association and breed as passion-filled.

The daughter of Otis and Christine Davis is from Schertz, Texas, and though newer to the show industry, she has grown up around beef cattle her entire life. Her first show she attended was the 2019 Texas Junior Angus Show and she says it was like love at first-site. 

“To me, the Texas Junior Angus Association is an organization where you are free to be yourself, learn and grow as both a cattleman and a person,” she says. 

Hoffmann has played an active role in the organization, helping plan and fundraise their state show alongside directors. Additionally, she explains she mentors younger members and offers advice to who may need help when preparing for a contest or show. 

Hoffmann is a junior at Texas A&M University (TAMU) where she studies animal science. She explains her admiration for the Angus breed has led her to pursue a goal to one day work for Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) as a geneticist. 

“Although I have not been involved with the Angus breed since birth, I have tried to become active in every way to leave my mark on the Association,” Hoffmann adds. 

She’s determined to continue involving herself in the Angus world whole-heartedly. 

Amelia Miller

The daughter of Alan and Theresa Miller, Amelia, can attest to the fact that when you’re a child of an Angus breeder, your involvement within the breed is meaningful. Attending her first show at just two-months old, Miller has grown up immersed in the Angus breed and has participated in many NJAA events.

“As I reflect on this past year of 2023 in particular, I was able to achieve goals that I had set at the age of eight and never would have dreamed of actually achieving,” Miller professes. “I received the honor of grand champion bred-and-owned heifer at the National Junior Angus Show and a few days later was selected as third overall showman.” 

The Gridley, Ill., native has attended LEAD and Raising the Bar conferences outside her involvement in the showring. Additionally, she says her participation in the quiz bowl and Auxiliary-sponsored All-American Certified Angus Beef^® (CAB) Cook-Off enlightened her of new agricultural ideas. 

Miller is a rising senior at TAMU, studying animal science. She intends to explore graduate school opportunities and find a career in educating consumers about the industry and create a safer food supply after college. 

Blake Long

Blake Long of Adair, Okla., says he appreciates the diverse experiences he was granted in his 13 years being involved in the NJAA.

“I realize how fortunate I have been to be given the opportunity to make many friends and memories that I will cherish for years to come,” he notes. “These opportunities have allowed me to travel the country seeing different parts of the world that many my age have never seen.”

Long has attended LEAD and Raising the Bar conferences, and competed in the Cook-Off contest at the NJAS. The gold medalist looks forward to transitioning to adult membership in the organization after his junior membership expires.

The son of Johnna Long is an animal science junior at Oklahoma State University (OSU) and member of their livestock judging team. Soon after receiving his bachelor’s, he hopes to obtain a master’s degree in ruminant nutrition. 

“While in college, I intend to grow my purebred Angus herd and I want to have a leadership role in the cattle industry,” he adds.

Burke Tuggle

Burke Tuggle, Attica, Ind., says being a member of the NJAA and Indiana Junior Angus Association (IJAA) have been rewarding experiences that have helped him develop a quality work ethic, good sportsmanship and communication skills. 

“Being a junior Angus member has been a very rewarding experience,” he adds. 

Whether it’s making new friends while attending LEAD conferences or competing in the showring at NJAS, he’s played an active role in the Angus breed during his junior membership. 

Tuggle has shown in several state previews, participated in showmanship contests and earned a certificate of achievement from the American Angus Auxiliary. A highlight of his showing career was being named the premier junior breeder at the Indiana Angus Preview Show in 2021. He currently serves as the membership director for the Indiana Junior Angus Association.

The son of Troy and Kim Tuggle says he appreciates scholarships from the Indiana Angus Association and Indiana Angus Auxiliary that have helped propel his studies in interdisciplinary agriculture at Purdue University. When Tuggle graduates in May, 2025 he hopes to be employed within the agricultural field and to continue improving his personal Angus cattle herd. 

David Bell

“Looking back is always a good thing,” says David Bell of Nottingham, Pa. “I can learn from my mistakes and grow and also smile about my victories.”

Bell has been involved with the Pennsylvania Junior Angus Association (PJAA) and says its gotten him out of his shell. 

“I remember starting out as a quiet, reserved member of the Angus association and didn’t want to participate in anything,” he says. 

The once-timid junior began to grow confidence and says he developed leadership skills throughout his Angus involvement. 

Aside from serving as a state director for the PJAA, Bell has exhibited livestock in many Pennsylvania preview shows. He’s competed in the livestock judging contest and quiz bowl at the NJAS. 

The son of Dave and Tiffany Bell, outlines his goals for the future are to work on farming equipment as a mechanic and continue developing his family’s cow herd. He plans to raise and sell show steers while assisting families throughout the show season in the future.  

“It’s hard to believe that this is my last year showing as a junior, and I will hold the memories and friendships I have close and reflect on them in the years to come,” Bell says. 

Elizabeth Rone

When 10-year-old, Elizabeth Rone began her journey with The Business Breed, she was a shy little girl who didn’t know many people. However, as the activity-filled week of her first NJAS went on, she gained friendships she still fosters today.

Rone hails from Courtland, Miss., and says she’s grown tremendously while being an NJAA member. 

“I fondly remember my first prepared public speaking contest in 2014 at the NJAS; I could hardly get the first sentence out,” she says. “Now, I advocate on my college campus about the beef industry in 2024.”

The daughter of Cammie and George Rone is a junior studying agricultural communications with a minor in animal science at Texas Tech University. She explains her post-graduation plans include working for an agricultural operation in Mississippi or Texas while advocating for the beef industry. 

Rone has held the office of president and vice president for the Mississippi Junior Angus Association, was crowned the Mississippi Angus Queen, and participated in the Raising the Bar conference. 

“My love for this breed and Association has only grown over time in the NJAA, I hope to one day raise my children in the same Association that gave me so many skills and life lessons,” Rone says.

Ella Jordan

“Looking back on my time in the NJAA, a few words come to mind — hard work, encouragement and teamwork,” says Ella Jordan, Savannah, Mo.

Monica Jordan’s daughter says she knows the friendships she’s made as a junior will last forever. 

“A moment I remember vividly was last year at [NJAS] when my brother got the reserve grand champion steer slap, and our cheerleaders on the sidelines were cheering louder than ever,” Jordan says, noting the love and support shown by all that day was powerful. 

The K-State junior is studying animal science and industry and hopes to be employed by an agricultural company working in the communications or marketing divisions following graduation. She has also developed a passion for photography and hopes to investigate business pursuits to capture special moments for others in the future. 

Jordan has served as president and vice president in the Missouri Junior Angus Association (MJAA), attended Association-sponsored leadership conferences and was a voting delegate at the 2023 NJAS. Additionally, she has competed in career development and showmanship contests. 

While her junior years in the organization comes to an end, Jordan says she is grateful for each opportunity she was given.

“My time in this association will be one that I cherish for a lifetime.”

Hunter Royer

“Being a part of the NJAA isn’t about winning the banner, beating someone in class, or being the best of the best — it truly is about forging lifelong friendships,” explains this New Richmond, Ind. resident.  

Royer is the daughter of Steve and Cassie Royer. During her junior membership, she reigned as the 2022 Indiana Angus Queen, participated in the Angus Mentoring Program (AMP) and found success in the showring at state and national levels. 

The animal science student has minors in food science and marketing at Oklahoma State University. After graduating this spring, she says she looks forward to a future career serving the agricultural industry. 

Royer is considering a pathway within meat science or lobbying, where she can use her knowledge and skills to leave a positive mark on the ag sector. She explains her passion to help others in her career stems from lessons learned in her junior membership.

She says, “The NJAA is not all about being the ‘best of the best’ but is a breed Association that lifts every junior member up and brings them in to be a part of the Angus family.”

Issac Rhode

Issac Rhode’s participation in NJAA activities surpasses taking the lead of a halter. 

“My most vivid memory from that first show [NJAS] was my participation in the NJAA mentor program,” he says. 

He explains a great relationship was formed with his mentor Lauren Grimes, and they still connect years after their introduction. Other contests fueled Rhode’s development at the show, too. 

“I learned so much about Certified Angus Beef and developed public speaking skills through the Cook-Off skits,” he says. 

The son of Jeff Rhode from Stewartsville, Mo., will complete his senior year at the University of Missouri-Columbia studying agriculture with animal science, agriculture business management and leadership emphasis areas. He’s been fortunate to earn scholarships from the Missouri Angus Auxiliary, American Angus Auxiliary and NJAA to help support his education. 

As Rhode looks towards the future, he hopes to find full-time employment within agriculture, continue to raise his family’s registered Angus cattle herd and volunteer with the Missouri Angus and Cattlemen’s Associations. 

Jacob Krusemark

Jacob Krusemark reminisces on his time as an NJAA member happily and appreciates growth opportunities that  have presented themselves throughout his journey. 

“The skills I’ve gained in the last 11 years have totally transformed me into someone who is capable and excited for the future,” Krusemark explains. 

He’s come a very long way from exhibiting his first Angus steer at the county fair as he now travels to shows throughout the Midwest to compete at a higher level. He and his father, Jeremy Krusemark, have learned several lessons about the show industry throughout the years.

The Burlington, Wis., native has been active with contests at the NJAS, some including contests like livestock judging, team fitting, quiz bowl and the skill-a-thon. He’s also participated in AMP. 

Krusemark is employed by Henning Landscaping and says he hopes to steward a personal cattle herd now that he’s exiting the NJAA. 

“Leaving the show ring for good isn’t something I’m very excited for, but I plan to take the skills I have gained and use them to start my own herd of Angus cattle,” he comments.

Jacqueline Bramhall

The only regret Jacqueline Bramhall of Lovettsville, Va., has when it comes to the NJAA, is that she didn’t get involved sooner.

The daughter of Pamela and Michael Bramhall’s passion for Angus cattle is clear through her involvement. She served as president, treasurer and queen of the Virginia Junior Angus Association; has attended leadership conferences hosted by NJAA; and participated in the NJAS. 

Bramhall is a junior working towards her bachelor’s degree in animal science and industry from K-State. She aspires to obtain a doctorate degree in animal nutrition, focusing on ruminant nutrition so she may help future junior members formulate diet rations for their show cattle projects.

“My hope is that after I finish my time in school, I will be able to start my own operation and start breeding show heifers to sell with the stock that I have shown throughout my time in the Association,” she says. 

The NJAA has made a large impact on Bramhall’s life, and though her time as a junior slows, she hopes to become a mentor to future NJAA members. 

Jayce Dickerson

Jayce Dickerson, Paradise, Kan., exits the NJAA with a plethora of knowledge and says he hopes he has encouraged the next generation of showmen.

The son of Stephanie and David Dickerson reminisces on warm pastimes spent with his family doing what they loved all together.

“Windshield time spent with family and friends is irreplaceable, and I hope other families take advantage of the captive time in the truck,” he explains.

Dickerson shares he has been a leader in both the NJAA and Kansas Junior Angus Association (KJAA) by holding officer positions and attending conferences such as LEAD and Raising the Bar. He’s been president, vice president, treasurer and secretary of the KJAA. Additionally, his honors in the showring include exhibiting at the NJAS, Western Regional and Kansas Angus preview shows. 

Following completion of his junior membership, Dickerson will continue to educate himself in ranch-management while working for Bar S Ranch. In the future, he plans to return to his family’s operation, utilizing the established customer base for networking contacts and the skills he’s obtained through NJAA involvement when expanding the operation. 

Johnathon Kinder

At 8-years-old, Johnathon Kinder knew he wanted to be a cattleman. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather, Graham Hooper, he says he has been involved in the livestock industry and hopes to keep learning along the way.

Willis and Cindy Kinder’s son has participated in photography, livestock judging and quiz bowl contests at the NJAS, as well as represented the state of Idaho for showmanship in 2021. 

Kinder says he is particularly fond of this memory and remembers the showmanship event vividly. 

“That contest was the biggest show I had ever been in, and it was the most perfect show ever,” Kinder shares. 

The junior member has earned his EMS technical certificate and is pursuing an associates degree in fire science from the College of Southern Idaho. He hopes to service his community in the future through being a nurse, EMT or paramedic. 

“My education will never end, because we all know that you learn something new every day,” he says. “The first thing that I learned as a young lad and I will always remember, is that beef is king and it is hard work to be the king.”

Jordyn Wickard

The Business Breed has been a part of Jordyn Wickard’s heritage for generations, and she says her love for the industry has increased throughout her adolescence. 

“I have grown up around the Angus family, and being in agriculture is not only a hobby, but a lifestyle,” she explains.

Wickard hails from Greenfield, Ind., and is the daughter of Chris and Julia Wickard. She’s been actively involved with the Indiana Junior Angus Association through serving as president, vice president, regional director, secretary and communications director, as well as competing at the Indiana Angus Preview Show each year she was eligible. She also found success in extemporaneous public speaking and career development contests at the NJAS, where she placed within the top three in each category. 

She currently studies agricultural communications at Purdue University and will graduate in May, 2026. Wickard’s broad career goal is to find a job within the livestock industry that allows her to share the story of agriculture with others. 

As she reflects on her time in the NJAA, she says, “I am so thankful that the National Junior Angus Association ‘built a fire,’ and even in the coldest moments of life, I knew I always had a flame burning with the Angus family.” 

Kacey Dethlefs

“I am a fourth-generation Angus producer of Dethlefs Angus Ranch and am proud to say that Angus is in my blood,” explains Kacey Dethlefs of Ravenna, Neb.

Dethlefs introduction to the showring wasn’t necessarily ideal, but she says she didn’t mind the outcome. While showing in the ring for the first time on a national stage, she began having an asthma attack. However, the judge encouraged her to continue showing because he favored her heifer. After some help from an Angus regional manager, she stayed in the ring and says she made her mark on that NJAS. 

Outside the ring, the daughter of Craig and Laurie Dethlefs has completed an internship through the Angus Foundation’s Talon Youth Internship Program, served as secretary and Angus Queen for the Nebraska Junior Angus Association, and participated in AMP at NJAS.

The animal science senior participates in the Beef Scholars Program with an additional minor in agribusiness entrepreneurship at University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). She plans to pursue a career within cattle reproduction. Dethlefs shares her passion for the topic stems from her ag background and the Talon internship.

“Growing up on a ranch taught me the grit and determination it takes to pursue what you are passionate about,” she adds. 

Kerrigan Mobley

With Kerrigan Mobley’s last NJAS quickly approaching, she had tried to be a role model for others. 

“If I can inspire one young member to be involved and to just be kind, then that is a job well done,” she says.

Mobley explains she’s appreciated travel, leadership and character-development opportunities that have been provided to her while in the NJAA. The daughter of Wyatt and Josie Mobley is from Diagonal, Iowa, and has been a member of the IJAA. She’s competed in the skill-a-thon and fitting contest while exhibiting cattle at the NJAS. 

The junior at Northwest Missouri State University declared a major in agriculture studies with a minor in animal business. While her career goals for the future are not specific, she says she intends to job shadow at her local vet clinic and Werner Feed Efficiency to learn more about potential employment opportunities. 

She says, “This Association has blessed me with many fond memories that I can one day pass down to the next generation of Mobley Angus.”  
Though Mobley is sad to leave her junior career behind, she is excited for her next chapter of life. 

Lani LeBeouf

The only way Lani LeBeouf says she can accurately describe her involvement with the NJAA is with one word: “evolutionary.” 
“Overall, my career as a junior member in the National Junior Angus Association has been transformative and played a huge role in shaping who I am today,” she says.

The daughter of Angie and Kurt LeBeouf is a midwifery student who is employed by the Natural Birth Center in Lafayette, La. 

With hard work and determination, she says she will graduate in the fall of 2026 and hopes to work at or open her own birthing center or private practice. She also hopes to consider missionary work after graduation. 

The junior is from Deridder, La., and her involvement extends beyond the confines of a showring. She’s participated in contests like extemporaneous speaking and the CAB Cook-off at the NJAS in addition to clocking green-jacket time while serving on the 2022-24 NJAB. 

“[The NJAB] has given me the opportunity to develop my leadership skills, work collaboratively with others and make meaningful contributions to the organization,” she explains.

LeBeouf says her sense of purpose and community has been strengthened throughout her time spent with The Business Breed. She hopes to give back to the organization in the future by serving as a role model to younger members. 

Lizzie Schafer

The daughter of Sue and Aaron Schafer, Lizzie, says she is grateful for experiences as a junior member.

“Over the past 13 years of being involved in this organization, I am proud to say that I have taken advantage of every single opportunity offered and have learned some of the most valuable lessons of my life,” Schafer says. 

Those opportunities included competing in contests at the NJAS, stewarding her personal show cattle projects and exhibiting at shows across the nation.

Schafer is a junior studying animal science with a minor in agriculture communications at K-State. She says her chosen field of study will guide her towards new skills to help her efficiently promote her family’s farm. She plans to return to her hometown of Owaneco, Ill., after graduating to continue the Schafer’s legacy while advocating for producers. 

“Sometimes, it seems as though farmers and ranchers are never thanked for their labor and sacrifice to provide food for the growing population,” she says. “As a producer and agriculture journalist, I hope to bring the struggles the American farmer faces to the eyes of consumers.”  

Mackenzie Malson

“I will be forever grateful for being born into the Angus family and for my family’s Angus operation,” says Mackenzie Malson, a junior member from Parma, Idaho.

Growing up with black-hided cattle, the daughter of Josh and Maggie Malson claims she has a strong passion for advocating on behalf of the industry that feeds and fuels the world. Since serving as the Idaho FFA Association’s State Treasurer last year, her love for the industry has flourished.

Malson is a junior at K-State studying agricultural economics and global food systems leadership with minors in international agriculture and agricultural communications. She aspires for a career within communicating on behalf of the hard-working men and women who deliver beef products to our dining room tables.

Her honors in the showring include exhibiting at local, state and national levels, with accolades being supreme grand champion female at the Idaho Junior Beef Exposition and Pacific International Junior Livestock Show. Malson has served as chairman of the Idaho Junior Angus Association and attended the Raising the Bar conference.

Inside or out of the ring, Malson says her love for the breed is vibrant. She plans to continue showing until her junior membership expires and plans to stay involved with her family’s operation.

Mary Wood

Whether it be serving on the NJAB or as Angus royalty, Mary Wood of Willow Spring, N.C., says her time as a junior member has not been wasted. 

The daughter of Jeff Wood reigned as Miss American Angus in 2022, served as a national director in 2023 and was named chairman of the NJAB at the 2024 NJAS. 

Other highlights of her junior career include representing her state as the NJAS showmanship contestant and participating in various contests at the same event.

“The NJAA has provided me with a multitude of opportunities and experiences that have assisted in cultivating my passion for the Angus industry,” Wood says. “I can truly say the last eleven years within the NJAA have allowed me to grow into the individual I am today.”

Currently enrolled as a senior studying agricultural communications and agricultural leadership at Oklahoma State University, Wood dreams of a career within communications and consumer relations. 

“My passion for the Angus breed has inspired me to work with producers and consumers to share our story,” she says.  

Wood credits her passion for sharing the story of the industry with others to her time spent in leadership roles in the Association. She hopes throughout her adulthood, she can continue to be a leader and active member within the breed and organization.  

McKenzie Kostel

After attending her first state show and NJAS, McKenzie Kostel says she found two, very important things: the Angus family and a home within the breed. 

The McKinney, Texas, native stepped outside of her comfort zone at her first state show by participating in the sales talk contest. She placed fifth in the intermediate division, only one spot away from qualifying for the national team. Instead of giving up, she took a spot on the senior team when asked to by an advisor.

“Fifteen-year-old me very hesitantly said yes, but looking back, this was one of the best decisions of my life,” Kostel says. “To some this may be ‘just a contest,’ but to my younger self it was so much more.”

Her team won the senior division at the national level, kickstarting her involvement with the Association. 

The daughter of Terry and Tracy Johns attends TAMU. Her goal is to pursue a master’s degree in ruminant nutrition after obtaining a bachelor’s in animal science in December 2025. 

Kostel aspires to own a feed store and hopes to continue as the herd manager for Wynngate Farms. 

She says, “My junior career coming to an end is a very bittersweet time, but I know that this is only the beginning.” 

Payton Frank

Being born a few states away from his family farm didn’t keep Wentzville, Mo., local, Payton Frank from connecting with agriculture. 

“When I was ten, we moved back from Wisconsin to be closer to family and to our cattle operation in central Missouri,” Frank says. “This move allowed me the opportunity to contribute to the farm on a regular basis and to start my own small herd.”

In addition to raising Angus cattle, Frank has been involved in the NJAA through serving as a state director and attending events like the NJAS, Raising the Bar and, his favorite, the Beef Improvement Federation conference. He also served as the 2024 Missouri Angus Auxiliary Ambassador in the showring. 

The junior at UNL is studying agricultural engineering and will graduate in 2026. After receiving his degree, the son of Doug and Laree Frank hopes to enter the industry and eventually, end up back on the family farm. 

He says, “I hope to bring the knowledge and skills I gain through college and my future career back home to benefit and improve our farm, our community and provide the following generations with the same opportunities I have been given.”

Rachel Smith

Rachel Smith of Stromsburg, Neb., explains she has had high hopes throughout her time in the NJAA. 

Whether it was running for Miss American Angus or Nebraska Angus Queen, the daughter of Heather Trumble explains she has strived to get involved in the breed. 

Smith says she’s accomplished personal goals of exhibiting a bull and cow-calf pair at the NJAS and found success in contests like the CAB Cook-off and graphic design, but still has other bucket-list items to cross-off in her future with Angus. 

“My goal is to raise and sell docile, well-worked-with cattle that will be good for young juniors,” she notes. “I also want them to be the best blend of phenotype and genotype so they can start a good herd for the juniors I sell to.”

The music education and performance major will graduate from Hastings College this spring and plans to start a herd of Angus cattle after. She appreciates the breed for its ability to bring people together as a team.

“For every goal I tried to complete, there has been someone there I could ask and rely on for help and guidance,” she says. “It is through these connections that I learned how to adapt to any situation I am given.”

Ryan Borer

For junior members like Ryan Borer, involvement with the Angus breed is thrilling.

“A true focus on producing and exhibiting high-quality livestock drives me upward each and every day,” he notes.

The son of John and Ginger Borer says he has gained a variety of practical skills as a junior member like leadership and responsibility. He’s served his state association as director and secretary, was a voting delegate at the 2021 NJAS and competed on the first-place team fitting contest team in 2019. Borer’s confidence in fitting, interviewing and cattle evaluation have grown due to his membership. 

“NJAA has played a valuable role in developing me as an individual and influencing my career choice,” he says. 

The TAMU animal science student is on the pre-veterinary tract with a specialization in large-animal chiropractic medicine. 

With this chosen career path, he hopes to continue educating youth and consumers around him about positivity regarding animal care and welfare. 

Sawyer Styles

“Over the past twelve years, the National Junior Angus Association has been a cornerstone of growth, friendship and excellence for countless young individuals passionate about the Angus breed,” says Sawyer Styles, Brentford, S.D.

The NJAB education director explains from her first NJAS at only 8 years-old, she knew she was about to embark on the journey of a lifetime. Opportunities to grow, lead and learn have been plentiful for the daughter of Chris and Erica Styles. 

She has served as her state’s Angus Queen in addition to capturing honors in the showring at the state and national levels.

Styles is a junior studying animal science with a specialization in industry relations at South Dakota State University. Her plans after graduation are to advocate on behalf of the breed and advance genetics within her family’s herd. She says she’s excited for opportunities to connect with fellow breeders and contribute towards Angus advancement in the future. 

“As I stand on the threshold of a new chapter, I carry with me the lessons learned, memories cherished and the profound sense of gratitude for the privilege of being part of something [NJAA] truly extraordinary,” she explains

Seth Cox

Seth Cox from Eagle Point, Ore., began his junior career at just 4 years old. Though it’s bittersweet ending his junior membership after several years of involvement, Cox describes his time in the NJAA as gratifying. 

“It is humbling to see an industry that cares so much for the younger generations and the future of the Angus breed,” Cox adds. 

The third-generation Angus breeder says he’s enjoyed participating many times at the NJAS, whether it be on the end of the halter or as a voting delegate. Additionally, he’s built friendships within the breed in his own state association, but he says he looks back on the relationships he built with juniors from coast-to-coast at Angus events especially fondly.

Cox is an agribusiness junior at OSU and is active in the college of agriculture and Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity on campus. When he graduates, he plans to enter the workforce in a capacity that allows him to advocate for the breed and educate consumers on its positive relevance to agriculture. 

He says, “Aiding and educating the general public to both the understanding and the approval of our goals and traditions as Angus breeders can do remarkable things for our industry as a whole.”