September/October 2023
President: Carla Jurgenson
Vice President: David Mool
Secretary: Clay Sellmeyer
Business Manager: Doug Turner
Past President: David Jenkins
Bureau County: John DeRycke
Central Illinois: Luke Lemenager
Illinois Valley: Open
Lamoine Valley: Tracy Rawlings
Logan County : Carla Jurgenson
Northern Illinois: Jarad Carroll
South Central: Richard Hurst
Wabash Valley: Shaye Harre
Directors at Large:
Grant Bedel
TJ Curtin
Jim Marsh
Bradley Wolter
Kyle Buetke
Jeff Dameron
Chris Cassady
Clay Sellmeyer
Dan Naughton
Greg McClure
David Mool
Bodee Schlipf
Brad Evans
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Minix Stockman Contest Winners Exhibit Well-Rounded Skills
Stockman award recognizes three juniors’ outstanding performances across three contests.
Judge, meat scientist, nutritionist – cattlemen wear many hats, and the winners of the Minix Stockman Contest at the National Junior Angus Show reflect some of the diverse skills needed to succeed. The award factors juniors’ performances in the judging contest, quiz bowl, written exam and skill-a-thon. The top contestant from each of the three age divisions with the highest combined scores were recognized at the 2023 NJAS, held July 1-8.
“The Stockman Contest is a unique avenue for junior members to not only test their knowledge, but also see how well-rounded they are,” said Caitlyn Brandt, director of events and junior activities. “They really have to understand all aspects of the industry, and that’s why this award is such an honor.”
The intermediate stockman was Audrey Curtin (center) of Illinois. She placed first in Intermediate B livestock judging, placed sixth in the skill-a-thon contest, and scored 34 points on the quiz bowl exam for the intermediate division. (For livestock judging contests, Intermediate and Junior divisions are split into A and B groups based on age.)
Beginning in 2022, the contest has been named the Minix Stockman Contest in honor of the late Ed and Wilma Minix of Black Witch Farm, Athens, Georgia. The Minix couple was passionate about supporting youth involved with livestock and helping them become leaders in the agricultural industry.
Each winner received a belt buckle, as well as cash awards: $750 for the senior division winner, $500 for the intermediate division winner, and $250 for the junior division winner.
Results of the 2023 NJAS, including shows, contests, awards and scholarships can be found at www.njas.info. Additional coverage is also available on the NJAA social media channels and in the September issue of the Angus Journal.
Mool Named 2023 Junior Angus Herdsman
Illinois showman awarded 2023 Junior Herdsman of the Year.
Many awards come down to one judge’s opinion on one day. However, the 2023 Junior Herdsman of the Year, Ashlyn Mool from Illinois, was selected by a large group of her peers as recognition for years of excellent work.
“Out of every show, every award, this is probably the most meaningful because this is when you’re retiring and is voted on by your juniors, and that means a lot to me,” Mool said.
The award was created to honor an outstanding member of the National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) in their last year of eligibility. The individual must display a strong work ethic, dedication to his or her animals, and have skills in preparing their cattle for exhibition to a high standard. In addition to the Junior Herdsman of the Year belt buckle, Mool received $500 towards Boviteq IVF services and $500 towards Purina product credit.
“We always joke that if there’s ever an opportunity to show a calf, she’s going to show a calf,” said Garrett Lampe, a mentor of Mool’s. “She absolutely loves the competition and the show ring part of it, but she’s taken a lot of ownership in the daily management and even inside their cow herd with cow-herd duties.”
Mool said her sister paved the way for her during her early years of association involvement. She has since carved a path of her own by serving in leadership roles at the state level and earning recognition as the Illinois 2023 Herdsman of the Year.
Mool said one of the most challenging aspects of her junior career has been balancing time commitments, but she continues to prioritize her learning and encourages other herdsmen to do the same.
“You have to be able to learn and adjust because every animal is different,” she said. “Even now as a retiring junior I’m still asking a lot of questions.”
A Junior Herdsman of the Year award recipient also shows qualities of working well with others.
“She’s just a pretty incredible young lady,” Lampe said. “You can tell a lot of young people look up to her.”
One of her favorite parts of working with younger juniors is teaching them how to improve their showmanship skills.
“Six or seven years ago, I was not the best showman myself and then Gretchen and Garrett Lampe really helped me bloom into a showman, so I want to pass that along and help other kids,” she said.
Although Mool will age out of the NJAA, she plans to continue being involved with the breed as she and her family expand their herd. She will also continue her studies of agribusiness at Iowa State University in the fall of 2023.
To learn more about the NJAA or to view NJAS results, visit www.njaa.info. Additional coverage is also available on the NJAA social media channels and in the September issue of the Angus Journal.
— Written by Sarah Kocher, Angus CommunicationsAngus Youth “Kick It In Cali” at the 2023 LEAD Conference
National Junior Angus Association members gather in Modesto, California
National Junior Angus Association members from 28 states and Canada gathered for the Leaders Engaged in Angus Development conference August 3-6 in Modesto, California. Attendees experienced the state’s diverse agriculture and enhanced their leadership skills through activities and speakers. With 132 junior members in attendance, the conference allowed youth to network and form relationships with peers from a variety of backgrounds.
The LEAD conference travels to a new state annually, designed to expose NJAA members to different sectors of the agriculture industry. While exploring the region, youth gain perspective on unique agricultural practices, explore potential career opportunities and develop as future industry leaders.
“LEAD provides our NJAA members with countless new experiences and opportunities for personal growth,” said Madeline Bauer, senior events coordinator at the American Angus Association®. “Juniors are having fun, but beyond that, they’re forming lifelong friendships and gaining exposure to completely unfamiliar agricultural operations.”
Upon arrival, conference attendees heard a keynote message from Fernando-Sam Sin, professional rodeo photographer, and enjoyed networking with fellow juniors. Educational tours on Friday allowed the group to explore the diverse scope of California agriculture, and each were family-owned operations. Stops included E. & J. Gallo Winery, the largest wine producer in the world; Fiscalini Farmstead, a dairy farm established in 1914 which makes award-winning, artisan cheese; Ratto Bros., a company farming over 1,000 acres to produce more than 35 vegetable varieties; and Duarte Nursery, the largest permanent crops nursery in the United States. Attendees spent the evening at Vintage Angus Ranch, visiting educational stations covering topics like livestock photography and marketing, hot branding, in-vitro fertilization and pregnancy checking.
Saturday started with an early wake-up call as juniors loaded the buses and traveled to Yosemite National Park. After a morning exploring the park and enjoying scenic views, attendees visited one of California’s largest independent almond processors, Minturn Nut Company. The day’s final stop was Schnoor Park, where attendees heard from past NJAA members and sisters Amanda, Kirbe and Sydney Schnoor on how their junior Angus involvement shaped their careers.
After a Sunday morning devotional and time to reflect on their experiences, juniors prepared to travel home. While they had to say their goodbyes, they left equipped with new memories, experiences and friendships to carry with them.
Kathryn Coleman, NJAA events director, said it was rewarding to bring the LEAD conference to California and assist in coordinating the event.
“LEAD was extra special this year, being able to bring it back to my home state — I really embraced the role as the events director,” said Coleman, “Knowing that most of these juniors don’t have the opportunity to see the west or fully comprehend what all it has to offer on the agricultural side, I wanted to deliver just that and to give 110 percent to this conference.”
The Angus Foundation makes the LEAD conference possible with support from the Angus Fund, which provides unrestricted dollars to further the Foundation’s mission of enhancing education, youth and research for the breed. To learn more about the LEAD conference, visit njaa.info.
These juniors represented Illinois at the 2023 LEAD (Leaders Engaged in Angus Development) Conference, Aug. 3-6 in Modesto, Calif. Pictured front row from left are Madaline Bergmann, Vienna; Brenna Bartlow, Monticello; Anne Dameron, Towanda; Ella Brooks, Prophetstown; Addison Bartlow, Monticello; and Reese Anderson, Chrisman. Back row from left are Max Dameron, Towanda; Jack Sellmeyer and Ben Sellmeyer, both of Maroa; Charles Parr, Mason City; Claire Kuipers, Le Roy; Audrey Curtin, Blue Mound; Lauren Wolter, Aviston; and Jack Dameron, Towanda. A total of 132 juniors from 28 states and Canada attended the conference, “Kickin’ it in Cali,” where they enhance leadership and interpersonal skills while learning more about the beef industry.
Angus/Talon Undergraduate Scholarships
From Illinois: Amelia Miller, Eric Schafer, Lizzie Schafer, Lauren Wolter, Jack Dameron
Pat Grote LEAD Award Reese Anderson, Ella Brooks, Macie Carroll, Anne Dameron, Max Dameron
Auxiliary’s Female Scholarship Winners
From Illinois: Lauren Wolter
Howard & JoAnne Hillman/Bon View Farms Scholarship Adam Miller, Gridley
Angus Foundation $2,000 Scholarship
From Illinois: Jordi Oliver, Reese Anderson, Ashlyn Mool
Richard L. Spader Scholarship Paige Lemenager, Hudson
Photos by Pearl’s Pic
Miss American Angus Contestants From Illinois: Lauren Wolter
Junior Graphic Design
First place: Claire Kuipers
Senior Graphic Design
Second place: Jordi Oliver (center) Third place: Anna Johnson (right)
Senior Creative Writing
From Illinois: Jordi Oliver (center)
First Place Senior Team Sales Drew Mickey, Jordi Oliver, Laney Stephens, Anna Johnson
Intermediate Photography - Angus Cattle
Senior Photography
First place: Anna Johnson (left)
Junior B Poster First Place: Macie Bartlow (left)
Intermediate B Public Speaking Second Place: Lauren Wolter (center) Third Place: Drew Mickey (right)
Intermediate PhotographyLandscape
First place: Reese Anderson (left)
Intermediate Photography - Around the Farm or Ranch
First place: Reese Anderson (left)
Senior Photography - Landscape
First place: Anna Johnson (left) Third place: Laney Stephens (right)
Senior Public Speaking
First place: Jordi Oliver (left)
Third place: Lizzie Schafer (right)
Intermediate B Career Development Second place: Lauren Wolter (center)
Senior Career Development Tied for second place: Jordi Oliver (right)
Junior Judging Contest
Second place: Macie Bartlow (center)
Intermediate B Judging Contest
First place: Audrey Curtin (left)
Junior B Extemporaneous Speaking
Second place: Claire Kuipers (right)
Intermediate B Extemporaneous Speaking
First place: Lauren Wolter (left)
Second place: Drew Mickey (center left)
First Place Junior Division Quiz Bowl Claire Kuipers, Anna Parr, Macie Bartlow, Addison Tebbe
Intermediate Auctioneering
First place: Drew Mickey (left)
Senior Auctioneering
First place: Jordi Oliver (left) Second place: Laney Stephens (right)
Girls Crystal Award Winner Jordi Oliver, Buncombe
Boys Crystal Award Winner Drew Mickey, Taylorville
Top fifteen finalists included both Hutchins and Miller.
Morgan Hutchins and Amelia Miller represented Illinois at the 2023 National Junior Angus Showmanship Contest
Grand Champ. Bull Hoffman Flint 209 Hoffman Angus
Grand Champ. Cow-Calf Kramers Erica 762 Adam Stuckemeyer
Res. Grand Champ. Bull JAF 4 You Envy 26 Anna Johnson
Res. Senior Bull Calf York Farms Knight Rider 2259 Cody York
Champ. Senior Bull Parr GO Fund Me 1P35 Charles Parr
Champ. Intermediate Bull Calf WGA Maverick 12K Holly Marsh
Res. Champ. Intermediate Bull Double C May 40RJ Clayton Hester
Res. Champ. Senior Bull Lazy JB Bordertown 1329
Matthew Ewing
Champ Junior Bull Calf Ewing Outlier Matthew Ewing
Premiere Herdsman Cody York
Photos by Cindy’s Livestock Photography
Res. Grand Champ. Female UDE Blackbird 2002
Brenna Bartlow
