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Junior National Preview

tentative SCHEDULE of EVENTS

FRIDAY - JUNE 12

12 p.m. Tack Only Move-in Begins Beef, Sheep, Swine Barn

6 p.m. Tieouts Open for Cattle (Move in continues overnight) Tieouts

SATURDAY - JUNE 13

6 a.m. Cattle may enter barns Beef, Sheep, Swine Barn

10 a.m. Cattle In Place VIP Club

11 a.m. State Advisor Meeting VIP Club

12 - 2 p.m. Cattle & Contest Check In, Steer Weigh In Expo Hall

4 p.m. New Exhibitor Meeting sponsored by Zinpro VIP Club

4:30 Contest Overview: What to Expect sponsored by Zinpro VIP Club

SUNDAY - JUNE 14

7 a.m. Influence Church Service sponsored by Influence Group

8 a.m. Salesmanship (Rookie, Jr, Int, Sr) sponsored by Zinpro

8 a.m. Public Speaking (Rookie, Jr, Int, Sr) sponsored by Zinpro

9 a.m. Maine-Anjou Queen Candidate Interviews

11 a.m. Sullivan Supply Educational Clinic

Noon Maine-Anjou Delegate Meeting

12:45 p.m. Maine-Anjou Princess Interviews

VIP Club

Expo Hall, Sheep Barn (Seniors)

VIP Conference Room

Five Points Bank Arena (Showring)

VIP Club

VIP Conference Room

1 p.m. Littles Activity sponsored by Trans Ova Genetics Expo Hall Quilt Room

1:15 p.m. A Minute for Moms Sip & Social Expo Hall Beef Pit

1:30 p.m. Chianina Membership Meeting VIP Club

2 p.m. Power Up Snack of the Day sponsored by Boviteq

2:30 p.m. Livestock Judging Contest sponsored by Zinpro

4:30 p.m. Princess Peach Queen & Princess Tea

6:30 p.m. State Pictures

7 p.m. Opening Ceremony

MONDAY - JUNE 15

8 a.m. Sullivan Supply Team Fitting Contest sponsored by Sullivan Supply

9 a.m. AMAA Board of Directors Meeting

9 a.m. ACA Board of Directors Meeting

1:30 p.m. Quiz Bowl (Rookie, Jr, Int, Sr) sponsored by Zinpro

2 p.m. Wowie Zowie Snack of the Day sponsored by Ohio Junior Maine/Chi Association

3 p.m. Littles Activity sponsored by Trans Ova Genetics

4:30 p.m. Dodge Ball Tournament sponsored by SC Online Sales

6:30 p.m. AJCA Fundraiser Auction

6-8 p.m. Island Oasis Water Park Fun Night

Ice Cream Parlor

Five Points Bank Arena (Showring)

Expo Hall Quilt Room

Five Points Bank Arena (Showring)

VIP Conference Room

Expo Hall Beef Pit

Expo Hall

Ohio Stalls, Swine Barn

Expo Hall Quilt Room

Swine Barn Show Arena

VIP Club

Island Oasis Water Park sponsored by Gensini Show Cattle, Wayne & Barb Ohlrichs, Kersten Cattle, Dunk Show Cattle & HPS Cattle Co.

TUESDAY - JUNE 16

7:30 a.m. Donors & Donuts sponsored by Trans Ova Genetics Five Points Bank Arena

7:30 a.m. Sullivan Supply Maine-Anjou Showmanship (Sr, Rk, Jr, Int.) sponsored by Sullivan Supply Five Points Bank Arena

8 a.m. Sullivan Supply Chianina Showmanship (Rk, Jr, Int., Sr.) sponsored by Sullivan Supply Five Points Bank Arena

1 p.m. Littles Activity sponsored by Trans Ova Genetics Expo Hall Quilt Room

4 p.m. Chianina Membership Meeting/Board Elections VIP

6:30 p.m. Herdsman Gathering & Maine-Anjou Meet Up sponsored by Maine-Anjou Herdsman Group VIP Club

WEDNESDAY - JUNE 17

7 a.m. Maine-Anjou Delegate Breakfast VIP Club

8 a.m. Prospect Steers, Progress Steers, B&O MaineTainer Bulls, Fullblood Females, Five Points Bank Arena (Showring) B&O Maine-Anjou Bulls, B&O Maine-Anjou Females, B&O MaineTainer Females, B&O Maine Angus Females, Owned Maine Angus Females

8:45 a.m. Chianina Prospect Steers, B&O Chianina Bulls, B&O Chiangus Bulls,

Bank Arena (Showring) B&O Chi-Composite Bulls, Progress Steers, B&O Chianina Females, B&O Chi-Composite Females, B&O Chiangus Females, Owned Chiangus Females

6:30 p.m. Awards Ceremony Expo Hall

THURSDAY - JUNE 18

8 a.m. Owned Maine-Anjou Female Show, Owned MaineTainer Female Show Five Points Bank Arena (Showring)

8 a.m. Owned Chi-Composite Female Show, Owned Chianina Show, Five Points Bank Arena (Showring) Supreme Chianina Breeding Animal Selection

**Cattle are released after their respective show. All tack and cattle must be out of the stalling barns by Midnight on Thursday, June 18. Cattle may stay in tieouts overnight on the night of June 18.

important show information

AGE DIVISIONS -

Age divisions are determined on January 1 of the year of the show.

• Rookie - 4-8 years of age

• Junior - 9-12 years of age

• Intermediate - 13-16 years of age

• Senior - 17-22 years of age

You must have a birthday AFTER JANUARY 1, 2004 to be eligible for the 2026 show.

CONTESTANT NUMBER -

Contestants will be assigned a unique contestant number after entries are closed. Contestants will receive this number on their exhibitor packet handed out at check-in. Contestants will need this contestant number to enter all contests on-site.

EXHIBITOR T-SHIRTS -

Show shirts are provided and required to be worn for all cattle shows. Buck Cattle Company is the sponsor for the MaineAnjou cattle show shirt. You will pick up your show shirts at check-in. Thank you to Buck Cattle Company for donating the exhibitor t-shirts! **Showmanship will not have a required t-shirt this year.

COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT -

Each state is encouraged to participate in the community service project. This year, we will collect household supplies for Willow Rising. Visit our website for full list of items.

OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER -

The official photographer is Next Level Images. Backdrops and candid photos can be purchased on their website, nextlevelimages.com.

LIVE BROADCAST -

Walton Webcasting provides A live broadcast on all show days (including showmanship). Shows are available through their website, waltonwebcasting.com. Trans Ova Genetics sponsors the webcast.

STATE BASKETS -

Any state wanting to participate will bring an item or basket with the theme of their choice. Half of the proceeds for each item will be donated back to the state association it belongs to. The other half of the proceeds will be given towards the 2027 National Junior Maine-Anjou Show.

contests -

For a complete listing of all things contests, visit our website and read through the Exhibitor Handbook. Below are some highlights of important and new things for 2026.

After submitting entries, each contestant will be assigned a contestant number. The contestant number is needed to sign up for contests on-site.

• Exhibitors are automatically entered in livestock judging. Scantrons will be used. A practice scantron is available on our website.

• Showmanship (Chi & Maine) must be signed up for on the entry site when entering cattle.

• NEW Photos & videos are due May 15th. Photo & Video entries must be submitted via Formstack online.

• NEW Team Fitting teams will now have 4 people. Team Fitting & Quiz Bowl teams will sign up at contest check-in at the show.

• Speech & Sales contestants will sign up at contest check-in at the show.

• Speech & Video contestants have specific topics for each division.

golf carts -

NEW - Fonner Park no longer allows the use of personal ATV’s on the grounds during event. A golf cart rental is available. Call 402-499-9806 and ask for Don.

STALL SIGNS -

Each exhibitor will receive a complimentary stall sign for their animals sponsored by Wilson Cattle Co., Charlie, Deven, Hendrix and Riggins.

stalling & bedding information

BEEF & SHEEP BARN

Beef & Sheep barn cattle ties.

Swine barn cattle ties.

TIE-OUTS

Permanent tie-out panels.

BEDDING

Provided in barn & tie-outs.

SWINE BARN

TATTOO VERIFICATION & CHECK IN

If your paper has been stamped with an AMAA or state association verification stamp, like the examples below, you do not need to have your tattoo checked. If your paper does not have one of these stamps, it will need to be checked prior to check-in. A chute will be setup in the barn to bring your animals for tattoo check.

MAINE ANGUS COLOR VERIFICATION

Maine Angus papers must have an additional stamp verifying their color.

STATE VERIFICATION STAMP

State association verification stamps are also accepted.

***Chi-composite registration papers will look identical to high percentage Chianina papers, but the Chianina percentage under the breed percentages will be less than 6.25%.

TATTOO VERIFICATION & CHECK IN

If your paper has been stamped with an ACA or state association verification stamp, like the examples below, you do not need to have your tattoo checked. If your paper does not have one of these stamps, it will need to be checked prior to check-in. A chute will be setup in the barn to bring your animals for tattoo check.

JUDGES INFORMATION

JACK WARD PLATTSBURG, MISSOURI

OWNED MAINE-ANJOU FEMALES

OWNED MAINE ANGUS FEMALES

BRED & OWNED MAINETAINER FEMALES BRED & OWNED BULLS PROSPECT STEERS

Jack started with the American Hereford Association in 2003 and currently serves as the executive vice-president. His initial role was Chief Operations Officer and Director of Breed Improvement. Jack received his bachelor of science degree in Agriculture Economics from Purdue University, and an Associates of Science degree from Black Hawk College, East Campus Jack and his wife Mary Ann have two grown sons and together with their sons, they operate Ward Brothers Livestock. Jack has served on various boards and advisory committees including the Beef Improvement Federation board, Germ-Plasm preservation committee, Ultrasound Guidelines Council and National Beef Cattle Evaluation advisory committee. Additionally, he is a member of the American Royal board of directors. Ward has traveled around the United States and into 7 different countries to judge livestock shows and present lectures on beef cattle genetic improvement.

SKYLER SCOTTEN LUBBOCK, TEXAS

OWNED MAINETAINER FEMALES

BRED & OWNED MAINE-ANJOU FEMALES

BRED & OWNED MAINE ANGUS FEMALES FULLBLOOD FEMALES PROGRESS STEERS

Skyler Scotten hails from Nevada, Missouri, where he grew up on a diversified livestock operation. His family continues to raise show cattle, sheep, and goats, and they enjoy working with exhibitors across the country. He received a bachelor’s degree in animal science and a master’s degree in ruminant nutrition. Skyler currently resides in Lubbock, Texas, where he is a Ph.D. candidate and Livestock Judging Coach at Texas Tech University. His research focuses on phenotypic measures of mature beef cows and how these traits relate to efficiency and sustainability across varying environments and regions of the United States.

ED & MANDY RAITHEL FALLS CITY, NEBRASKA SHOWMANSHIP

Ed and Mandy Raithel of Falls City, Nebraska, have a lifetime of cattle experience across multiple breeds, stockmanship, and industry involvement. Together, they have managed Herbster Angus Farms for the last 28 years, where they focus on building cattle that combine structural integrity, maternal strength, and real-world performance. Their Angus and Simmental programs emphasize cattle that work in practical environments while still competing at a high level in today’s industry. They manage 300 head of cows and have a bull sale each spring. Mandy is a dedicated cattlewoman and entrepreneur, known for her attention to detail, discipline, and eye for presentation—qualities that translate directly into the show ring. Ed is deeply rooted in cattle production, with a strong understanding of phenotype, functionality, and the kind of cattle that stand the test of time. His practical, no-nonsense approach to evaluation has earned respect across multiple facets of the business. As parents and mentors, Ed and Mandy are passionate about investing in the next generation of cattlemen and women. They believe showmanship is about more than winning banners—it is about developing work ethic, confidence, and pride in doing things right. They are honored to evaluate this year’s exhibitors and look forward to watching the future of the beef industry compete in the ring.

BEDDING

Provided in barn & tie-outs.

JUDGES INFORMATION

CRAIG SANDS STILLWATER, OKLAHOMA

OWNED CHIANINA FEMALES

OWNED CHIANGUS FEMALES

BRED & OWNED CHI-COMPOSITE FEMALES

PROSPECT & PROGRESS STEERS

Hailing from Stillwater, Okla., Craig Sand grew up in southern Wisconsin on a Limousin cow/calf operation. He and his wife, Jessica, have been married for 24 years and are proud parents to two sons – Colton, who works full time with Craig at Circle M Farms, and Coy, who is heavily involved in performance horses and rodeoing.

Craig has managed show and sale cattle for 27 years and was named National Limousin Herdsman of the Year in 2004. He has exhibited cattle nationwide and currently manages show and sale cattle for Circle M Farms in Stillwater, Okla. With decades of experience, Craig is ready to join us and help exhibitors chase that next star on the scoreboard.

TODD HERMAN LIMA, OHIO

BRED & OWNED CHIANINA FEMALES

BRED & OWNED CHIANGUS FEMALES

OWNED CHI-COMPOSITE FEMALES

BRED & OWNED BULLS

Todd Herman grew up on a diversified livestock operation in Edgerton, Ohio. Today, he manages the cow herd at Jones Show Cattle and raises Hereford cattle with his wife Kim; his parents, Jim and Beth Herman; as well as his daughter Kasey and her husband, Dan.

A graduate of Michigan State University, Todd began his career with ACE Polled Herefords, later known as Star Lake Cattle Ranch. He has judged shows across the United States and brings a deep understanding of cattle evaluation to the ring. We’re excited to welcome Todd as he helps guide exhibitors through another Junior National adventure.

JEANENE & DAWSON DAL PORTO ANSELMO, NEBRASKA SHOWMANSHIP

Jeanene and Dawson Dal Porto are lifelong Angus breeders that currently reside in Nebraska. Alongside Jeanene’s husband and Dawson’s dad, David, they own and operate Dal Porto Livestock, a respected, and nationally renowned registered and commercial Angus program that is based out of Nebraska and California.

Their program hosts two annual bull sales each year – a spring sale in Nebraska and a fall sale in California – as well as a fall female sale at their ranch in Anselmo, Neb., where they offer both elite show heifers and performance-driven Angus cattle.

Dawson, raised in the show ring and seasoned through hands-on ranch experience, brings a sharp eye for cattle along with a deep commitment to hard work and sportsmanship. Dawson served on the National Junior Angus Board and is actively engaged with their customers who are also involved in the National Junior Angus Association.

Jeanene adds years of experience in cattle selection and program development, and is widely recognized for her passion for mentoring youth within the livestock industry. Together, the Dal Portos combine practical knowledge, industry experience, and a genuine enthusiasm for developing the next generation. They are proud to be part of the Chianina junior national show and look forward to evaluating our outstanding group of showmen.

fun stuff for everybody

LITTLES ACTIVITY SPONSORED BY TRANS OVA GENETICS

The National Junior Heifer Show is a family event for all ages—and that includes our youngest attendees! With no minimum age requirement, we’re excited to offer special afternoon activities designed just for our Littles. Join us for three fun-filled afternoons featuring hands-on activities like cookie decorating, heifer cutout coloring, and more. Each session will last approximately 30 minutes, and all materials will be provided. Littles Activities are open to youth ages 3–8. The cost to participate is $20 and includes all activity materials, a t-shirt, and a goodie bag. You can sign up your Little at cmanjhs.fairwire.com. Participants do not need to have an animal entered in the show to join in the fun!

DODGEBALL SPONSORED BY SC ONLINE SALES

Dodge, duck, dip, dive DODGE!

Thank you SC Online Sales for hosting the most EPIC dodget ball tournament each year. Open to all attendees, Dodgeball will be broke out by division, with all 4 divisions getting a chance at victory! Thank you to SC for hosting a fun afternoon activity again this summer!

WATER PARK SPONSORED BY GENSINI SHOW CATTLE

Join us, Monday, June 15 from 6-8 p.m. at Island Oasis Waterpark! All exhibitors/attendees are free to come thanks to the Gensini Family! Towels provided by Kersten Cattle, Dunk Cattle Co., Wayne & Barb Ohlrichs, HPS Cattle Co, Hadley, Preston & Shaylee Hartman!

fun stuff for everybody

SULLIVAN SUPPLY EDUCATIONAL CLINIC SPONSORED BY SULLIVAN SUPPLY

Sullivan Supply offers a free, hands-on educational clinic for all exhibitors and skill levels, focusing on grooming, clipping, showmanship, and daily care. Led by expert “professors,” join us on Sunday, June 14 at 11 a.m. in the Showring!

SNACKS! SPONSORED BY TRANS OVA GENETICS, BOVITEQ, SURE CHAMP & OHIO JUNIOR MAINE/CHI

Join us for snacks of the day! Sunday, Monday & Tuesday!

A MINUTE FOR MOMS SOCIAL

Calling all moms! Something just for you! Join us, Sunday, June 14 for fun and fellowship while at the junior national! Grab bags available! We hope to see you there!