Judge, meat scientist, nutritionist — cattlemen wear many hats, and the winners of the Minix Stockman Contest, exhibit some of the diverse skills needed to succeed in the cattle business. Lane Toledo, Visalia, Calif.; Titus Wynn, Pardeeville, Wis.; and Creed Caldwell, Parker, Kan.; earned the highest combined scores for each of the three age divisions at the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), hosted July 1-7 in Madison, Wis.

“The Stockman Contest was designed to prepare juniors for the future with their overall knowledge of the beef industry and their ability in evaluating cattle,” says Caitlyn Brandt, director of events and junior activities. “They must participate in the quiz bowl written exam, the judging contest and skill-a-thon.”

Taking home the prestigious honor of senior stockman, Caldwell placed 13th in livestock judging, received second in the skill-a-thon contest and was on the champion quiz bowl team, earning 37 points. He says his involvement in the cattle industry, alongside his experiences in 4-H and FFA, have helped prepare him for the variety of contests.

Of the three contests, Caldwell says quiz bowl is his favorite. 

“It tests more of my broader knowledge about the livestock industry and the buzzer rounds make it really exciting,” he explains.

Although he has grown up within The Business Breed, Caldwell has competed in contests since 2020, and he says he feels honored to receive this award. 

“It feels like my hard work throughout the years has paid off,” he says, “and it means a lot to be one of those elite junior Angus members.”
In the intermediate age division, Wynn stood first in Intermediate A livestock judging, placed seventh in the skill-a-thon contest and scored 26 points on the quiz bowl exam. 

“It was the best show I’ve ever been to,” the first-time NJAS attendee says.

Throughout the competitions, Wynn says he found livestock judging to be one of his favorites, as it allowed him to evaluate the cattle as he would for his own herd. 

“Hands-on experience is one of the best ways to learn,” he adds.

This year’s top junior stockman, Toledo, placed first in Junior B livestock judging, came in first in the skill-a-thon contest and scored 48 points on the quiz bowl exam. 

This was the junior’s second year winning his division in the Stockman contest. 

In 2022, the contest was renamed to the Minix Stockman Contest to honor the late Ed and Wilma Minix who showed great passion for the livestock industry and emphasized the importance of youth involvement within it.

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.