‘Supporting youth in their education is an important part of the [Angus] Foundation’s mission,” says Jaclyn Boester, executive director. Since 1998, the Angus Foundation has awarded more than $4.9 million in undergraduate and graduate scholarships. But it doesn’t just go to winners in the show ring.

Five young adults — Kellum Carnahan, Cash Fuesz, Emma Houck, Anna Houck and Coy Stamm — recently received the 2024 Angus Foundation Commercial Cattlemen’s Scholarship.

“This scholarship program is designed to support students with a commercial cattle background,” says Boester, explaining the scholarships are awarded to students using Angus sires in their commercial herds. Emphasis is placed on the applicant’s knowledge of the cattle industry and perspective on the Angus breed.

This year’s recipients are perfect examples of involvement in the cattle industry outside of the show ring:

Kellum Carnahan, Julesburg, Colo., has raised Angus cattle since he was 8 years old because of the popularity of Angus bulls. Although his family’s beginning in the breed was half-hearted, he has been a die-hard fan since he bought his first Angus cow.

“The reason I continue to utilize Angus genetics is simple,” notes Carnahan. “They offer everything I want.”

Carnahan attends Kansas State University (K-State), majoring in animal sciences and industry with a production-agriculture specialization, and is a member of the livestock judging team. He plans to combine his skills learned through livestock judging and his love for Angus cattle to raise high-quality seedstock and commercial cattle, with the goal of increasing profitability for the commercial cattleman.

Cash Fuesz of Eureka, Kan., is what one could call a traditional cattleman. With a love for both horses and Angus cows, Fuesz has seen the benefits of using Angus genetics within his family’s herd to improve the overall quality.

“Dad and I have seen the performance, feed efficiency, and — perhaps most importantly — the maternal strength, longevity and mothering ability of the cow herd improve because of the increase of Angus genetics we utilize,” says Fuesz.

Fuesz will graduate from Weatherford College in 2026 with a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership. He says he hopes his education and life experiences will set him up to promote, advocate and support the Western lifestyle, as well as the equine and cattle industries.

Anna Houck of Rogersville, Tenn., grew up immersed in agriculture. From alfalfa and tobacco production to beef cattle, her youth has been filled with learning opportunities — especially ones involving Angus cattle.

“I understand the correlation between genetics and the beef industry,” she says. “The Angus breed has been and will continue to be an important component in the beef industry.”

Anna says her upbringing in agriculture sparked her interest in veterinary medicine.

Emma Houck of Rogersville, Tenn., is very similar to her twin sister. She also believes in the power of Angus genetics within their commercial herd and sees the benefits through high-quality meat production.

“I have realized just how important EPDs (expected progeny differences) are within cattle herds,” she says. “Having registered Angus cattle allows for us to implement the EPDs through the passing down of genetic traits. The meat quality that is passed down through generations has developed an exceptional reputation.”

Both Anna and Emma attend Walters State Community College, Morristown, Tenn., and both plan to attend the Richard A. Gillespie College of Veterinary Medicine at Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, Tenn., to pursue a doctor of veterinary medicine degree.

Emma credits her educational success and future career goals to her leadership involvement in 4-H and FFA.

Coy Stamm of Washington, Kan., is simply passionate about production agriculture and Angus cattle. His family has more than 350 commercial Angus cows, and they utilize the benefits of EPDs and crossbreeding to meet their customers’ demands. They also background around 1,000 head a year, a testament to the economic benefits of Angus genetics.

“When it’s time to sell, the Angus calves consistently outperform other cattle in the market, indicating their high demand and superior performance,” says Stamm. “This market success reinforces our confidence in the economic viability of Angus genetics.”

Stamm is a junior at K-State, majoring in agronomy with a dual minor in animal sciences and industry and ag sales. After graduation, Stamm hopes to work in the commercial ag sector with the long-term goal of returning to the family farm and cattle operation to be the fifth generation to manage cattle on their land.

For more information, visit www.angusfoundation.org. Applications for the next scholarship cycle will be due May 1, 2025. Recipients must be pursuing an undergraduate degree or enrolled in a vocational program at an accredited institution of higher education.

Editor’s note: Molly Biggs is a communications specialist with the American Angus Association.