If you didn't know better, as you drove onto the fairgrounds in Madison, Wis., for the 2024 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) you might think, "It's just another big cattle show."

The parking lots full of cattle trailers were not a surprise nor were the barns loaded with Angus cattle of the absolute highest quality, presented to perfection. The event is arguably the most competitive breeding cattle show in the country, and the caliber of cattle on display is nothing short of amazing. But for a first-time attendee at the NJAS or someone who has never experienced the event, there is a host of other things going on in those barns that might surprise you.

If you walked up to the arena during the Phenotype Genotype Show (PGS), you would see a very different kind of cattle show. Launched in 2018, the competition combines both phenotypic evaluation with expected progeny difference (EPD) profiles. The show is designed to bridge the gap that can exist between the showring and performance cattle. It’s an excellent educational opportunity for youth and parents, and it continues to grow in popularity and competitiveness every year.

In good hands

Walking through the grounds, you see young people preparing for and competing in contests. Some are tied to the cattle show like the coveted showmanship competition and team fitting. There are contests for team sales where young folks work together to market an animal to a panel of potential buyers. There are contests for auctioneering, prepared and extemporaneous public speaking, graphic design, photography and career development, to name a few. Most of the contestants will have cattle for the show, but many come just to participate in the contests.  

The All-American Certified Angus Beef® (CAB) Cook-Off is always a highlight of the week and something teams start preparing for months in advance. The contest showcases knowledge of the CAB brand, culinary technique and creativity, and contestants’ abilities to connect with beef consumers. I have had the privilege of judging the Cook-Off for several years (a perk of the job for sure), and the caliber of the skits and recipes are amazing. 

And there was business to be done. The National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) annual meeting was held, and elected delegates from each state had the tough task of selecting six new directors to the National Junior Angus Board (NJAB)from a slate of 13 highly-qualified candidates. I had the privilege of listening to the candidate speeches and was so impressed with their poise, knowledge and professionalism. 

While the week is full of contests and Angus competitions, there is lots of room for making new friends and just having fun. I love walking through the barns and watching older kids mentoring younger ones, playing card and cornhole games — kids just being kids. 

One of the highlights for me this year was co-hosting three Junior Takeover special episodes of The Angus Conversation podcast. Joined by NJAB director, Avery Mather, six incredibly impressive young people discussed their participation in the NJAA and how that involvement is shaping their future. Tune in and take a listen. I promise you will come away feeling inspired and encouraged about where the Angus business is headed. 

The NJAS in Madison produced some incredible champions pictured at the backdrop, but that week produces so much more — friends, leaders, competitors, ambassadors and countless wonderful memories. It was an awesome week.