January 31, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For More Information Contact:

Holly Martin

816-383-5143

HMartin@angus.org

Riley Hetzel Earns Junior Silver Award

Riley Hetzel, Austin, Minn., has earned the National Junior Angus Association’s (NJAA) Silver award, according to Caitlyn Brandt, events and junior activities director of the American Angus Association^® in Saint Joseph, Mo.

Hetzel is the 19-year-old daughter of Dallas Hetzel and attends South Dakota State, where she studies civil engineering. She is a member of the NJAA and the Minnesota Junior Angus Association, where she has served as treasurer and was the state scholarship winner for 2024.

She has participated in local, state and national shows. At the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), Hetzel participated in the livestock judging and Skill-A-Thon contests. She also served as a voting delegate in 2023.

Hetzel has submitted weight data to the Angus Herd Improvement Records (AHIR^®).

The Silver award is the second level of the NJAA Recognition Program that began in 1972. Junior Angus breeders must apply for the award, then meet point requirements in many areas of participation before receiving the honor. Applicants are evaluated in areas of junior Angus association activities and leadership, participation in showmanship, contests and shows, using performance testing to improve their herd and their progress in producing and merchandising Angus cattle.

      The NJAA promotes the involvement of young people in raising Angus cattle, while also providing leadership and self-development opportunities for the nearly 4,500 active members nationwide.

— Written by Amber Wahlgren, Angus Communications

###