Scrolling through social media for the latest stories, I came across this quote from Will Hilty, the 2024 Oklahoma Youth Expo market barrow judge. As soon as I saw the social post, I took a screenshot and saved it to my photos. I enjoy seeing our agriculture industry share posts from shows or events where judges share their final remarks, and often an inspirational reflection meant to put perspective into our lives.

What a true statement with Will’s words, and one that I have tried to live by during my time with the American Angus Association junior programs and now in my role with the Angus Foundation. 

The National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) programs are a testament to contributing to someone else’s success. You think about “work hard, dream big” success stories like Daniel McFarland, who was an active junior Angus member and past junior board member and is now a hospital administrator at Mass General Brigham in Boston. Or Bailey Harsh, who is currently an assistant professor of meat science at the University of Illinois. 

Daniel and Bailey will both tell you the NJAA was a large part of where they are today and their successes.

From my personal experience, my involvement in the junior programs prepared me to this point in my career, from director of events and education to executive director of the Angus Foundation. 

In my current role I find the quote even more impactful while encouraging future generations to continue in their own successes and continue the legacy of the Angus breed. Education, youth and research are guiding principles to contributing to the success and legacy of Angus for years to come. It’s one of the reasons why the Legacy Sustaining Fund was created, to ask breeders to contribute an annual gift of $150 or $12.50 a month. 

The unrestricted Angus funds contribute to the success of youth leadership events like the Raising the Bar Conference hosted in March at Colorado State University. An outstanding group of junior members sharpened their leadership skills, networked with industry professionals and peers and received a glimpse of Colorado agriculture and the land grant university. The youth are a small piece of the future, and influence the success of the Angus breed. 

This month, 25 members will participate in a weeklong event learning about the beef industry through the Beef Leaders Institute, sponsored in part by the Angus Foundation and Certified Angus Beef (CAB). Starting at the American Angus Association, the event includes tours at a feedyard, packing plant, bull stud, food service distributor and retail location before ending at CAB.

Will you help us continue to feed the success of our youth and sustain our legacy? 

If you haven’t participated, you can go to the Angus Foundation website at www.angusfoundation.org. 

I hope Hilty’s words provide an opportunity for reflection on what you can do to ensure the future of the breed. Without the support of the Angus family, the Angus Foundation wouldn’t be successful in securing the Angus legacy.