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Mar. 21, 2013 Source: American Angus Assn news release The National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) is the highlight of the summer for many Angus families, and this year the event takes place July 5-11 in Kansas City, Mo. While the cattle shows are the main attraction, the week also includes the showmanship competition, junior activities and a variety of educational contests. "The National Junior Angus Show is more than a cattle show. It's a week-long vacation with friends and family," says Robin Ruff, junior activities director for the American Angus Association®. "It also gives youth a chance to expand their horizons and build life-long skills." Sponsored by the Missouri Angus and junior Angus associations, this year the NJAS is themed "Aberdeen in Twenty Thirteen." The week-long event kicks off Saturday, July 6 with the Parade of States during the Opening Ceremonies at Hale Arena, home of the American Royal. NJAS Cattle Shows More than 1,100 head of cattle are expected to walk through the NJAS showring this summer. Chris Mullinix, El Dorado, Kan., will select champions in the owned heifer division. Judging bred-and-owned heifers, cow-calf pairs, and bred-and-owned bulls will be Jonathan Perry, Fayetteville, Tenn. Steers will be evaluated by Ryan Rathmann, Lubbock, Texas. States will also compete for the Best Five Head, while individual members will vie for Junior Premier Breeder and the Silver Pitcher Award. The NJAS cattle ownership and postmark entry deadline is May 15. Junior members can save time by submitting their entries online. Simply log on to www.angus.org/njaa and provide the necessary information, including a Visa® or MasterCard® number to cover entry and bedding fees. Online entries are subject to the same entry deadlines as those submitted via mail. No late entries are accepted for any reason. NJAS Showmanship Contest The 47th Annual NJAS Showmanship Contest is sure to be an attention-grabbing event. Two junior Angus members from each state will be given the opportunity to compete for the title of "Top Showman." This year judges are Lacey Robinson, Olsburg, Kan.; Jason Hoffman, Thedford, Neb.; and Randy White, Waukomis, Okla. NJAS Carcass Steer Contest A different perspective to the traditional cattle show, the Carcass Steer Contest allows Angus juniors to increase their awareness of the important role Angus cattle play on the consumer's plate. Dr. Curtis and Ann Long of Briarwood Angus Farms, Butler, Mo., contribute cash prizes for the steer contest through their permanent endowment fund administered by the Angus Foundation. Long believes the contest teaches juniors more than how to care for an animal, but to also produce a high-quality product a consumer expects from the Angus breed: "Participants need to know the results of their cattle so they can learn, go home and make a better product for their customers." Educational Contests Outside the showring, hundreds of junior members will participate in more than a dozen educational contests. Youth can enter individually in the following: prepared and extemporaneous public speaking, career development, graphic design, writing, photography, livestock judging, video and poster competitions. In addition, each state can enter a team in the quiz bowl, team sales and fitting contests, as well as the American Angus Auxiliary-sponsored All-American Certified Angus Beef® (CAB®) Cook-Off, herdsmanship and scrapbook contests. Contest entry deadlines and further information about the NJAS are available at www.angus.org/njaa or by contacting the Junior Activities Department at 816-383-5100. A coloring session is also provided for those younger family members not able to participate in junior contests. Mentoring Program Beyond friendly competition, the NJAS mentoring program is a fun activity throughout the week that partners senior and novice members together to get to know one another and feel comfortable meeting other juniors. "During the NJAS Angus youth are encouraged to make friends and learn from each other," Ruff says. "The mentoring program can help prepare younger members for a successful future." NJAA Annual Meeting Also during the week of shows and competitions, the National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) hosts its annual meeting. Two delegates from each state will gather together to review the organization's bylaws and elect six new directors to the NJAA Board. The new directors and officers will be announced during the awards program at the conclusion of the week. The NJAS also takes time to recognize outstanding Angus youth. The Angus Foundation and American Angus Auxiliary will award a number of scholarships to deserving recent high school graduates and college students. ANGUS MEANS BUSINESS. The American Angus Association is the nation's largest beef breed organization, serving more than 25,000 members across the United States, Canada and several other countries. It's home to an extensive breed registry that grows by nearly 300,000 animals each year. The Association also provides programs and services to farmers, ranchers and others who rely on Angus to produce quality genetics for the beef industry and quality beef for consumers. For more information about Angus cattle and the American Angus Association, visit www.ANGUS.org. Tweet |
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