AMERICAN ANGUS ASSOCIATION - THE BUSINESS BREED

Boot Scootin' to the Bayou

Young Angus leaders gather to learn about agriculture while making lasting memories.

By Molly Biggs, Communications Specialist

October 18, 2024

Amid the vibrant energy of Baton Rouge and Cajun culture, 113 National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) members gathered for the 2024 Leaders Engaged in Angus Development (LEAD) Conference, eager to immerse themselves into a week full of Angus cattle, swamp adventures and Southern hospitality.

During the four-day conference, junior members were able to deepen their knowledge about the Angus breed, network with fellow NJAA members and experience Louisiana’s unique culture.

“Boot Scootin’ to the Bayou” was packed full of new experiences for many attendees as they traveled to different parts of the state, enjoyed a swamp tour with a few special visits from the local alligators, took in the smells during a tour of the Tabasco Factory, built upon their leadership skills though workshops led by the junior board, and were welcomed with open arms by local Angus breeders and cattle producers as they toured their operations.

While at the LSU Rural Life Museum, juniors showed off their dancing skills as the tour guides taught them a few Cajun dances and led the group out with a traditional Mardi Gras song and dance.

Louisiana has a rich history in agriculture dating back to the founding of the country. Juniors stopped by the Louisiana State University (LSU) Rural Life Museum to learn about the history of slavery and agriculture in the south, where they were immersed into what daily life would have been like for plantation workers.

“My favorite part of LEAD this year was being able to see all the different types of agriculture that I am not exposed to in the northern Midwest,” says Lilly Blume from South Dakota. “Every time I go to LEAD, I come home wanting to go into a different profession just because we are exposed to so many new things.”

Junior board members Colter Pohlman and Jack Dameron channel their inner Duck Commander, as they present “Makin’ Cow Calls” — an Angus adaptation to the hit TV show Duck Dynasty.

“My absolute favorite part of LEAD was getting to go on the swamp tour with all my friends,” says Remi Gardner from Tennessee. “I feel like sometimes at shows we do not have a chance to talk and relax because we all have cows to take care of, but this allowed us that chance.”

The Angus Foundation makes the LEAD Conference possible with support from the Angus Fund and Chambers Angus Endowment Fund.

“The combination of support provides funds for the LEAD Conference to further the [Angus] Foundation’s mission of enhancing education, youth and research for the breed,” says Madeline Bauer, senior events coordinator for the Association.

In 1996 Thomas and Catherine Chambers designated the Angus Foundation as the sole beneficiary of their estate, officially joining the Angus Legacy Society in 2006 by formalizing this commitment in their will.

Along with the support of the Angus Foundation, the NJAA received a Cattlemen’s Education Series grant for the 2024 LEAD Conference from the National Corn Growers Association and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. The mission of the Cattlemen’s Education Series is to provide cutting-edge information to beef producers that contributes to increased knowledge, profitability and sustainability.

Additionally, the 2024 LEAD Conference would not have been possible without the support of the Louisiana Angus Association and breeders.