The delegates and alternates to the 141st Convention of Delegates of the American Angus Association have been elected. These cattlemen and women will represent the members of their state to vote during the meeting, held Nov. 4, in Fort Worth, TX.
Delegates were elected through a process that began in the spring, when members nominated other members. Those eligible to vote and be nominated were active life or regular members of the American Angus Association who qualified as Eligible Voting Members by April 7, 2024. Nominees could be any Eligible Voting Member whose farm or ranch is located in the same state as the nominator. After completed forms were returned to the Association, ballots were prepared and sent to Eligible Voting Members in each voting district (state or Canada).
A complete list of Delegates and Alternates to the 2024 Annual Convention of Delegates of the American Angus Association can be found at www.angus.org
Kansas delegates and alternates are listed below. John McCurry will serve as the delegate chairman. The Kansas delegation will host a candidate caucus room, KAA members if you are attending the Convention please reach out to Anne at kansasangus@wbstnet.org or (620)-874-4273 if you would like to attend. Delegates will receive notification of room location, date and time prior to the convention.
The Kansas Angus Association Board of Directors have endorsed Greg McCurry, Sedgwick for re-election to the American Angus Association Board of Directors.
Delegates
John Jay McCurry, Hutchinson
Anne Lampe, Scott City
Alternates
Douglas Benoit, Esbon
Ron Hinrichsen, Westmoreland
Gerald M Theis, Leavenworth Chris Pelton, Paradise
Lori Fink, Randolph
Matthew Perrier, Eureka
Damon New, Leavenworth
Thomas D Perrier, Eureka
Trey Hinkson, Cottonwood Falls Blake W Angell, Gove
Brandon New, Leavenworth Kevin Joe Hite, Valley Center
Greg McCurry, Sedgwick
Gordon D Stucky, Kingman
Bryanna Marie Hite, Valley Center
Gage Skelton, Garfield
Mark Gardiner, Ashland Billy Harris, Ottawa
Clinton Lewis Laflin, Russell Frank Hinkson, Emporia
Chris Sankey, Council Grove
Amy Langvardt, Alta Vista
Michael Molitor, Zenda
Brad Schrick, Hiawatha
Kansas Angus Foundation LEAD Stipend Awards
Jackson McCurry, Colwich, Kan., left, and Cohen Navinsky, Winchester, Kan., right, received the Kansas Angus Association Endowment Angus Foundation Leaders Engaged in Angus Development (LEAD) scholarship at the 2024 Kansas Junior Angus Association Preview Show, June 2-3 in Hutchinson, Kan.
Jackson and Cohen attend the 2024 LEAD conference in Baton Rouge, LA. KJAA members are encouraged to apply by May 1, 2025 fo the 2025 awards.
Pay Annual Membership Dues by Nov.15
Dues must be current for membership listing in the 2025 Kansas Angus Directory Membership benefits include a membership listing in the annual Kansas Angus Association membership directory which includes contact information, herd information and directions to your farm or ranch; an online membership listing and a subscription to the Kansas Angus News. Membership invoices will be mailed in early October. For convenience, the KAA has an online application and pay option at www.kansasangus.org or a mail in form on page 13 of this issue of the KAN Dues must be current by November 15 for membership listing in the 2024Kansas Angus Directory. Please help us save postage by using the form on page 14 or submit online before invoices are mailed.
Renew your KAA annual membership dues online To complete the online form visit http://www.kansasangus.org/join-kaa.html
Kansas Angus Association
Annual Meeting & Banquet ▪ Jan. 25, 2025
Futurity Jr. Show- Jan 26 2024 , Hutchinson
The Kansas Angus Association (KAA) Banquet and 73rd Annual Meeting is January 25 in Hutchinson at the Kansas State Fairgrounds . The educational presentations and annual meeting will be in the afternoon. The annual banquet which will include a social hour, the Kansas Angus Auxiliary scholarship auction, honorary member induction, KAA Directory page auction, Miss Kansas Angus crowning and the KJAA t-shirt fundraiser auction will be in the new 1861 Club on the fairgrounds later on Saturday evening.
►New banquet venue The 1861 Club on the Ks State Fairgrounds
►Watch for more details in the January Kansas Angus News, the Kansas Angus Association Facebook page and online at www.kansasangus.org Please make banquet reservations by January 15 . Junior Show entries are due January 10, entire are on Shoman.app only.
The President's Pen
In my last letter, I challenged each of you to find an educational opportunity to learn something new or gain better insight on a topic. I hope you accepted the challenge to attend a seminar or two and gain valuable information that could potentially benefit you, your operation or customers.
My ‘day’ job’s fall schedule is packed with meetings and conferences to accomplish this goal. In between consulting with potential and existing customers at their operations to talk about genetic improvement possibilities, I get to attend meetings of the various cattle breeds. This gives me the chance to gain some knowledge as to what they do similarly or differently from the Angus world and the relevance of their breed in the beef industry. Listening and learning from some the beef industry’s premier professionals, expands my view of how things impact our family’s operation and business. In addition, I get to gather new tools to continue making our ranch successful and fulfill the need to provide genetics to our customers and beef to consumers.
Now, if you really can only spare time to attend Angus related events, then I invite you to attend the 2024 Angus Convention and Annual meeting, November 1-4 in Ft. Worth, Texas. This gives you a tremendous chance to interact with fellow Angus enthusiasts, breeders, and association staff from all over the world. Furthermore, there are tours, workshops, trade show booths and meetings to keep you busy but most importantly you get to reconnect and network with friends from all over. Some companies will be showcasing the latest in technological advancements and equipment that can help your operation be more successful.
In addition, the fall has numerous options to gather fresh genetics through the fall run of sales in Kansas. On December 7, 2024, KAA will host the 33rd Annual Kansas Angus Commercial Female sale at the Pratt Livestock sale facility in Pratt, Kansas. This sale is instrumental to offer the opportunity for you or your customers to showcase their Angus influenced females and generate some income for the association. We look forward to the list of consignments as well as your attendance.
Please share with me the learning opportunities you took advantage of throughout this year. I encourage you to talk about your experiences and encourage each other to join in.
Never stop learning because life never stops teaching.
Best regards, Lynne Hinrichsen
2024 Kansas Angus Association President 785-770-0014
Notes & News from Anne Looking forward
This Fall issue of the Kansas Angus News is the last issue of the year and it has me looking forward to fall sales, the holidays and the New Year.
Before we turn the calendar to 2025,DON’T MISS : the fall sales listed on page 19 and taking a minute to look ahead to spring offerings; renewing your annual membership, see page 14; reserving your space in the 2025 Kansas Angus Directory, information is on page 1 ; consigning to or encouraging your seedstock customers to participate in the 33rd Commercial Angus Female Sale on December 7 in Pratt and marking your calendar to attend the Kansas Angus Annual Meeting Banquet and Futurity Junior Show on January 24-25.
Until Next Time,
Anne S. Lampe, Kansas Angus Association Manager, Kansas Angus News Editor, Kanasasangus@wbsnet.org, 620-874-4273
Page 1. Ks Angus Association News ▪ 1
President's Pen, Editors Notes, KAA Info ▪ 2
Terms: All accounts that are 60 days or more past
will be assessed charge of $12 per month/billing until account is paid in full . Accounts that are six months past due must be
in full prior to accepting
, furthermore a
order will be in effect for those delinquent accounts that place advertisements in each issue of the Kansas Angus News or have a spot ad
www.kansasangus.org. This policy applies to all advertising accepted by the KAA including the Kansas Angus News, Kansas Angus Directory, website ads, and e-advertisements. Effective 4/1/2020. Any member 3 months or more in arrears in the payment of dues or assessments shall be dropped from the roll with the membership year beginning with the annual meeting. (KAA By-Laws: Art III, Sec 4)
Any claims or statements of the writers or advertisers in this publication represent their own opinions and are not necessarily those of the editor or of the officers and directors of the Kansas Angus Association. Published Four issues per year.
Please send address changes or subscription cancellations to kansasangus@wbsnet.org
President : Lynne Hinrichsen, Westmoreland
Vice President : Cash Schilling, Goodland
Secretary/Mgr: Anne Lampe, Scott City (620) 874-4273
Treasurer: Stephanie Dickerson, Paradise
Past President: Darin Huck, Dodge City
District Directors
Angus Business 4 –5
KJAA 6
Angus Academy Launches 7
Dickerson is Well’s Herdsman Winner 10
A Perfect Pairing 10
Caldwell Wins Sr. Stockman Contest 11 Renew Membership Now 14
Ks Angus Auxiliary 15
Calendar/Sales & Events ▪ 19
Kansans Win AF Scholarships 20
Cover photo by Anne Lampe
Angus Business
Redesigned Angus.org Creates Space for Commercial Cattlemen, Members
Visit the American Angus Associations new web presence for more tools and resources
Sometimes websites get a refresh to modernize their look and sometimes they are reorganized to make them more intuitive. Angus.org recently got a complete redesign to do both, while becoming more of an industry-wide resource.
The American Angus Association launched its newly retooled web presence to make the site easier to navigate, and to become an even better place for members and commercial producers using Angus genetics.
“We have a very robust website, and we know that breeders know where to go to find what they need, but anybody who hasn’t navigated around it for years has a tougher time getting where they need to go,” says Holly Martin, director of communications for the American Angus Association. She says the organization’s site was also overdue for a modernization of the design and better mobile optimization.
“Let’s start with what’s not changing: your ability to do business with the American Angus Association and some of the most highly trafficked parts of the website including Login, EPD look up and sale books will be exactly the same or look very similar,” Martin says. “However, many of your favorite tools or ways to access news are in completely new places as we tried to make it all more intuitive for visitors.”
Clicking through the website, buttons for “find an animal,” “find a breeder” and Member Login, among others, are anchored in the upper righthand corner.
The main homepage gives visitors three main action points at the start: learn about Angus advantages, go to the commercial cattlemen’s corner or head to the member center. Each section has links, news and resources specifically curated for different types of Angus producers.
“We would like this to be everybody’s landing page. If you wake up with a cup of coffee or sit down to peruse the news in the evening, you’re going to Angus.org,” says Darrell Stevenson, a board director from White Sulphur Springs, Mont.
The main pages should refresh often with the latest articles and podcasts from the Angus Journal® and Angus Beef Bulletin®, along with other timely updates from the breed.
Both from the main navigation or other links on the homepage, users can quickly get to landing pages for each of the entities Angus Foundation, Angus Genetics Inc.® (AGI), Angus Media and Certified Angus Beef® (CAB) along with major programs of interest, such as Angus Herd Improvement Records® (AHIR) and Angus University.
“Each of these pages has its own personality and provides a spot to drill down as deep as you want to go,” Martin says. “In addition to the indepth sub-navigation, we’ve updated our search function to search more effectively.”
The Association’s first website launched in 1996 and has evolved many times since, but this is the biggest redesign to date.
“We had nice outreach to the breeder members, but our industry has evolved and our family has gotten bigger,” Stevenson says, especially noting the focus on the commercial producer and programs such as AngusLinkSM that helps them market their calves and see value differentiation for investing in Angus.
The main navigation features six main sections, and commercial cattlemen might find these three especially helpful:
• Tools & Resources: This section brings together the National Cattle Evaluation resources, searches and calculators, and DNA testing information.
• News: Find easy ways to get to the Angus Journal, Angus Beef Bulletin or Angus TV YouTube channel, or get all the latest news from every communication channel in one spot.
Marketplace: For anyone doing business with the Association, all the needed pages are in one spot. All three of the stores (Angus Brand Store, Tag Store and Angus Supply Store) are accessible from this page, along with sale books, sale reports and the sale calendar.
The beef business is changing at a faster-than-ever rate, so the website is built with the ability to be flexible. As the year unfolds, the team will continue to add new functionality.
“It did not happen overnight. It’s been a multi-year project to improve membership services and outreach and I’m so proud of where we have landed,” Stevenson says.
Visit Angus.org to see the improvements and find resources.
New Teat and Udder research EPDs and report released by the American Angus Association & Angus Genetics Inc.
New research EPDs add to the selection tools available to Angus producers prioritizing maternal traits.
The American Angus Association® and Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI®) released two new research expected progeny differences (rEPDs) on Aug. 22. The rEPDs characterize teat size and udder suspension traits and are based on phenotypic data collected by Association members, pedigrees and genotypes in a single-step genetic evaluation model. Good udder structure plays an important role in beef production, contributing to calf survival, calf growth and cow longevity. Teat size (TEAT) and udder suspension (UDDR) EPDs expand the suite of selection tools available to Angus breeders to improve maternal function and the productivity of their herds.
“We know these are two traits of interest to the membership and are excited to be releasing the research EPDs after a multi-year research project that would not be possible without member data,” said Esther Tarpoff, director of performance programs for the Association. “Members have quickly embraced collecting these phenotypes, as evidenced by the number of records for each trait used to build the research EPDs.”
More than 148,000 phenotypic records for each trait were collected from 87,000 cows to contribute to the dataset for the rEPDs, with more to be added each calving season. The records are collected by members within 24 hours of a calving event. Females are given an individual score for both teat size and udder suspension using scales from 1 to 9. Detailed scoring guides can be found on angus.org.
“Over the past several years, we have been focused on validating the Angus breed’s impact as the matriarch of the US beef industry, as it has been historically known as,” said Kelli Retallick-Riley, president of AGI. “From an AGI perspective, it means objectively characterizing maternal traits of economic importance, so the users of Angus genetics have the selection tools needed to make genetic change.” continued on page 5
New Teat and Udder research EPDs -continued from page 4
Submitted scores range from 1 to 9, representing the entire scoring scale. Analysis of the nearly 300,000 records showed overall good udder structure among reported Angus cows. The average score was 6.6 for both traits indicating intermediate to small teats and intermediate to tight udders. Additional results of the TEAT and UDDR research are available on angus.org in the full report.
“We know the pace of genetic change is moving faster than ever with the frequent changeover of sires in many seedstock operations,” RetallickRiley said. “In some cases, young bulls are being replaced before most of their daughters are in their second year of production. Because of that, maternal traits like udder conformation become even more important to ensure we are promoting sound breeding decisions.”
The release of TEAT and UDDR follows that of the Functional Longevity (FL) rEPD, which measures the ability of a cow to produce a calf year after year. The three rEPDs are currently available to members that have been a part of early phenotypic data collection for the respective traits, allowing rEPDs to come to fruition. A list of AI sires for each of the rEPDs is available to members on the corresponding research pages on angus.org.
The three rEPDS are anticipated to be released as weekly production EPDs during the annual evaluation updates in late spring of 2025. Research on how these three new traits should be incorporated into Maternal Weaned Calf Value Index ($M) is currently ongoing with potential updates to the index likely to be made during the spring update.
Kansas Cattlemen Selected for National Beef Program
Two Kansas cattlemen are among a small group of breeders selected to attend the 2024 Beef Leaders Institute and spend a week learning about the beef value chain.
From pasture to plate, it takes multiple links in the value chain to bring Americans the hamburgers they are throwing on the grill this 4th of July. And each link is integral to the success of the others. That was one of many takeaways for the 25 Angus producers selected to attend the 2024 Beef Leaders Institute (BLI).
“It has made me think a lot more about what is going on in the industry on a day-to-day basis and as time progresses rather than just what’s going on locally,” said attendee Cole Gardiner from Ashland, Kans.
Gardner who oversees bull development on the family’s operation, Gardiner Angus Ranch, was joined on the trip by Alex Acheson from Wichita, Kans., Acheson is involved in his family’s operation and works as the director of producer relations for U.S. CattleTrace.
BLI is hosted by the American Angus Association®, in partnership with Certified Angus Beef ® brand and the Angus Foundation to develop young cattlemen and women as industry leaders.
“Our Angus breeders are the very beginning of the food chain. They are raising the high-quality Angus genetics that are the very start of things,” said Kara Lee, director of producer engagement at Certified Angus Beef. “However, sometimes producers can be so focused on executing that it can prevent them from having a better understanding of how they impact every step along the way to the consumer.”
The five-day tour started at the American Angus Association® in St. Joseph, Missouri, and traveled to six states before wrapping up at the Certified Angus Beef headquarters in Wooster, Ohio. Attendees toured TysonDakota City, Weborg Feedyard, Buckhead of Ohio, STgenetics, and a Meijer Grocery Store along the way.
The whirlwind of a travel week still allowed time for the attendees to get to know one another. This year’s group came from a wide range of operations that vary in size and kind, representing 16 states and two Canadian providences.
“They always say ‘iron sharpens iron.’ There are lots of mind that I can now reach out to that are very, very knowledgeable about how to develop cattle and how they think about what is going on in our industry today,” said Gardiner.
The Class of 2024 will have the opportunity to expand their network further at the Angus Convention in November where they will be invited to take part in a reunion event for all Beef Leaders Institute classes.
Applications for the 2025 Beef Leaders Institute will open in late fall to American Angus Association members between the ages of 25 and 45.
Kansas Junior Angus Association
My name is Kelsey Theis and I am honored to serve as the 2024-2025 Kansas Junior Angus Association President. I am a thirdgeneration Angus producer and grew up showing and raising Angus cattle with my family at April Valley Farms in Leavenworth. I graduated from Northern Oklahoma College in May with a degree in Agribusiness. At NOC I was also a member of the Livestock Judging Team. This fall I will begin my junior year at Oklahoma State University where I am majoring in Agribusiness and Ag Communications as well as continuing my Livestock Judging career.
I cannot believe how fast my time in the KJAA and NJAA has flown by! I am excited to soak in every moment of this final year as a junior member. Looking back at the things I have accomplished thus far is very surreal. Serving as the 2023 Miss American Angus is a title I will cherish forever and one I know was made possible by the strong support of my parents and the Kansas Angus Family! I am confident that the opportunities and experiences I gained during my reign as well as my time serving as an officer in the KJAA have prepared me for a successful future in the agriculture industry.
This year, I hope to inspire all juniors to get out of their comfort zones and try something new to ensure they are taking fu tunities provided by this great organization! As your 2024-2025 Kansas Junior Angus Association President, I look forward to wel into the association and encouraging all the junior members to work hard and have fun! I hope to see everyone at the next sho
Mark and Brenna Wulfkuhle- wulfkuleb@gmail.com (3rd year/2025)
Neal and Marya Haverkamp- neal@namahavalleycattle.com (2nd year/2026)
Cash and Amanda Schilling-budsnbloom2@yahoo.com( 1st year/2027)
Anne Lampe-620-874- 4273 cell, kansasangus@wbsnet.org www.kansasangus.org/KJAA
LEAD These National Junior Angus Association members from Region 8 (OK, KS) attended the annual NJAA Leasers Engaged in Angus Development Conference in Baton Rouge, LA. Ks members attending were Cohen Navinsky, Creed Caldwell, Lyle Perrier, Dakota Smith Allen, Eliza Rosenhagen, Cheyenne Brunker and Jackson McCurry.
Thank You!
The KJAA presented Clinton Laflin a gift of appreciation for his three years as an advisor.
The members appreciate Clinton’s support and mentorship.
2024-25 KJAA Officers and Directors. These leaders were elected in June during the KJAA annual meeting and began their terms on August. 1. See list on left.
New education platform launches for Angus juniors
BEEF Academy, a new online learning platform hosted by Angus University, teaches juniors about the beef industry through interactive, 10-minute modules.
A new online learning platform, BEEF Academy, launched in July for members of the National Junior Angus Association (NJAA). In the future, the platform will be available to other young people interested in learning more about the beef industry.
I hope to see this program thrive within the ag industry,” said NJAA member Lyle Perrier of Eureka, Kansas. “I think this program can do a phenomenal job of giving people a good overview of the beef industry. It shows the information in a way that makes sense.”
“I hope to see this program thrive within the ag industry,” said NJAA member Lyle Perrier of Eureka, Kansas. “I think this program can do a phenomenal job of giving people a good overview of the beef industry. It shows the information in a way that makes sense.”
BEEF Academy was created with support from the Angus Foundation, Ingram Angus and the American Angus Association®
“The academy blends these organizations’ missions into an online learning experience built especially for young people interested in our industry,” said Jaclyn Boester, executive director of the Angus Foundation.
The launch was celebrated all week long at the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) July 1-6 in Madison, Wisconsin. Exhibitors were encouraged to “Take the Pledge” and commit to taking advantage of BEEF Academy’s online learning modules. There was also a fun display in the trade show area that attendees of NJAS used for a selfie backdrop and for a chance to win prizes. Then, a ceremonial ribbon cutting was held on July 6 with representatives from supporting organizations.
“It was a really rewarding experience growing up in the junior Angus association,” said Jason Upchurch, a managing partner at Ingram Angus who took part in the ribbon cutting. “It was just an honor to be able to stand there and give back to the program that built the Angus relationships I have today.”
Upchurch said their decision to support the project was truly a team effort. “Orrin [Ingram], David [Cagle] and I all work as a team at everything we do,” he said. “Orrin is very giving person, who loves youth and loves hardworking kids that put forth effort to make something out of themselves. With that combination along with Dave and I's background, being part of the Angus juniors as we grew up, we felt like it was important to combine forces. We put our minds and resources together to have the ability to do something like this that gives junior members another tool to be able to gain knowledge about our industry.”
I
n the first set of modules, junior members learn about the five beef industry segments, and how they both compete and work together as part of our dynamic beef industry. Later this year, new topics will be added, including beef breeds & genetics and beef science. Perrier, who helped pilot the program in the spring of 2024, said the content easily builds connections with learners. “There’s a lot of visual parts within the program that do a good job of catching your eye and giving you something that sticks with you,” he said. “It’s not just a bunch of quizzes or lecturing. It’s actually graphic models, facts and stuff that shows regions it affects, which I think even amplifies the ties it builds with the people using it.”
Beef industry professionals help ensure the platform’s information is relevant and uniquely tailored to be a go-to resource. Experts including meat scientists, geneticists, and animal science professors continue to aid in the development of additional courses.
“It’s a great way to learn and do more and become more involved in the Angus breed or cattle business,” said NJAA member Cooper Murnin of Pompeys Pillar, Montana. “I enjoyed the imagery of it. It all tied in really well.” The online learning experience caters to youth ages 8-21 and breaks content into 10-minute modules within three age categories.
Briella Humpert of Windthorst, Texas participated in the pilot test in the youngest age category. She said she thinks it is important for her and her peers to know about the beef industry for themselves, and the interactive knowledge checks were her favorite. “I like how you had to match what you heard,” Humpert said.
All National Junior Angus Association members can now access BEEF Academy free-of-charge using their AAA login information at beefacademy.com. “The BEEF Academy platform is really fulfilling a need for high-quality beef industry education targeting juniors,” said Caitlyn Brandt, director of events and junior activities. “It is complimentary to the events and in-person education we offer through the National Junior Angus Association and adds value to all of our members” To learn more about BEEF Academy, visit https://qrco.de/about-beefacademy
BEEF Academy is a new, go-to resource for beef industry information, tailored to NJAA members' needs. This one-ofa-kind, online learning platform houses content designed by industry experts to help young people get smarter about the beef industry – 10 minutes at a time.
In the first module, learners study about different segments of the beef industry and explore career options. More modules will be released in the coming months, including beef breeds and genetics and beef science. Learning modules have different levels for different age groups so every member can maximize its value, no matter where they are on their NJAA journey. Ready to get smarter about the beef industry? NJAA members, access BEEF Academy with your AAA Login credentials at beefacademy.com.
Dickerson receives Tom Wells Junior Herdsman Scholarship
Kansas junior receives 2024 Junior Herdsman of the Year
Jayce Dickerson describes a herdsman as someone who can “talk cattle” confidently, puts in the work at home and is willing to share their knowledge with others. He proved to exemplify these qualities himself, as he was named the 2024 Junior Herdsman of the Year during the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), July 5, in Madison, Wisconsin. “It’s just been a goal forever,” he said. “To get that award and to know that all of the juniors vote on it makes it even better.”
The award recognizes an outstanding member of the National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) in their final year of eligibility. Individuals must display a strong work ethic, dedication to their animals and exhibit skills in preparing their animals for the show ring.
This year, the award climbed to a new level of prestige. After Tom Wells, an iconic name in the industry and supporter of the NJAA, lost a battle to cancer last year, his family established the Tom Wells Junior Herdsman Scholarship to pair with the belt buckle the award winner receives. The 2024 scholarship was presented in the amount of $500.
“The Wells family was very active and supportive during their time in the NJAA,” said Jaclyn Boester, executive director of the Angus Foundation. “It is a huge honor to remember Tom in this way and for the Wells family to give back to the organization.” Wells’ career in the breed was marked with many accolades and leadership roles. He was recognized in 1976 as the Herdsman of the Year, was a member of the Texas Angus Association Board of Directors and served as an advisor for the Texas Junior Angus Association. “We contacted [Jaclyn] after he passed and wanted to do some kind of endowment,” said Merridee Wells, Tom’s wife. “It is a great way to honor him, as well as highlight something that he was very passionate about.”
Dickerson exhibits the same passion Wells had for the breed. The 21-year-old currently works on his family’s ranch in Paradise, Kansas, where they run about 900 head of cattle. His duties include managing the animals’ nutrition plan, feeding, doctoring and haying.
Written by Megan Silveira, Angus Journal ◄RW Saras Dream 207 won grand champion owned cow-calf pair at the 2024 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), June 30July 6 in Madison, Wis. Jayce Dickerson, Paradise, Kan., owns the March 2022 daughter of PVF Blacklist 7077. A March 2024 bull calf sired by Malsons Insight 96H completes the winning pair. The pair also won young cow-calf pair.
A Perfect Pairing: Junior Angus Breeders and Certified Angus Beef®
Juniors get creative, persuade judges to eat Certified at the 2024 National Junior Angus Show.
Junior Angus breeders translated their knowledge in the barn to the plate during the 2024 All-American Certified Angus Beef® Cook-Off. The competition has a four-decade history at the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) and is an event favorite. The cook-off, put on by the American Angus Auxiliary, encourages young beef enthusiasts to learn more about the end product they are producing for consumers. “It’s about your beef education; how these kids are going to prepare themselves for when their classmates ask questions about the industry or meat alternatives,” explained Karla Knapp, president of the American Angus Auxiliary.
Twenty-seven teams competed from 12 states on July 3 in Madison, Wisconsin and earned scores for recipe, showmanship and overall presentation. The teams pick from one of three categories of meat to come up with their own unique recipes and table settings. This year, Certified Angus Beef® cuts were Baseball Steaks (Sirloin), a Chuck Flap Roast or Frankfurters.
Claire Kuipers of Illinois is a seven-year participant in the program. She and her teammates learned how a seemingly small difference in cuts can make a big difference in the outcome of a recipe.
“When we first did a test cook of our recipe, we couldn’t find a chuck flap roast, so we tried it with a chuck roast,” Kuipers said. “It did not go over very well; it was very tough. When we tried it again with a chuck flap roast the recipe came out super tender and juicy.”
The cook-off also encourages participants to become better public speakers. Each team is tasked with writing and performing a creative skit which communicates the value and specifications used to qualify a carcass as Certified Angus Beef® and how those specifications elevate the beef eating experience. State groups let their imagination take off with themes ranging from the Berenstain Bears and The Addams Family to the Kansas City Chiefs and Golden Girls.
“It helps you grow your confidence,” Kuipers said. “It is a way to practice public speaking without actually public speaking.” While the long-standing competition has many real-world applications, Knapp says the part she and her fellow Auxiliary members appreciate most is the comradery they see among the junior members.
“They are having fun. There is lots of laughter and bonding,” Knapp said, as she looked around the exhibit hall. “They are making life-long friends; lifelong connections.”
_Continued on page 11
The teamwork paid off for many of the teams. Winners were announced Friday night of NJAS during an awards ceremony.
Special awards include the Black Kettle Award, Ardyce’s Apron and Grote LEAD Award. The Black Kettle Award was established in memory of Paul St. Blanc, a supporter and long-time friend of the Cook-Off, and is given to the overall team. The 2024 Black Kettle Award went to the Illinois steak team.
Ardyce’s Apron was created in memory of Ardyce O’Neill, a past American Angus Auxiliary president who served as the contest’s first chairwoman. The award goes to the junior Cook-Off team with the highest point total. This year, the honor went to the Kansas junior frankfurter team who was first in recipe, showmanship and overall, in the age division; members include Aubree McCurry of Hutchinson, Avery Mullen of Ulysses and Hallie Mullen of Ulysses.
View results of the 2024 NJAS, including shows, contests, awards and scholarships at www.njas.info. Additional coverage is also available on the NJAA Facebook page and in the September issue of the Angus Journal https://www.njas.info/index.html#contestResults
Creed Caldwell wins Senior Minix Stockman Contest at NJAS
Stockman award recognizes three juniors’ outstanding performances across three contests.
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 of California, Titus Wynn of Wisconsin, and Creed Caldwell of Kansas earned the highest combined scores for each of the three age divisions at the 2024 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), held July 1-7 in Madison, Wisconsin.
“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,” said Caitlyn Brandt, director of events and junior activities. “They must participate in the quiz bowl written exam, the judging contest and skill thon.”
Taking home the prestigious honor of senior stockman, Caldwell placed thirteenth in livestock judging, second in the skill-a-thon contest, and was on the champion quiz bowl team, earning 37 points for the senior division. 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 in rounds make it really exciting,” he said.
Although he has grown up within The Business Breed, Caldwell has been actively involved 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, and it means a lot to be one of those elite junior Angus members.” In the intermediate age division, Wynn placed first in Intermediate A livestock judging, seventh in the skill-a-thon contest, and scored 26 points on the quiz bowl exam. (For livestock judging contests, Intermediate and Junior divisions are split into A and B groups based on age.) “It was the best show I’ve ever been to!” said Wynn, who experienced the NJAS for the first time in 2024.
Throughout the competitions, he said 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 added.
Wynn also said he was grateful to receive the award. “It was very special and unexpected,” he said. This year’s top junior stockman, Toledo placed first in Junior B livestock judging, first in the skill-a-thon contest, and scored 48 points on the quiz bowl exam for the junior division. Lane also won the contest at the 2023 NJAS! 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.
Results of the 2024 NJAS, including shows, contests, awards and scholarships can be found at www.njas.info. Additional coverage is also available on the NJAA social media channels and in the September issue of the Angus Journal
Written by Olivia Rooker, Angus Communications
Toledo, Wynn, Caldwell
Selected from a news release written by Jessica Hartman, Angus Communications Kansas Juniors captured top honors on the junior division of the Cook –Off. Hallie Mullen, Avery Mullen and Aubree
Anne Lampe, Manager kansasangus@wbsnet.org www.kansasangus.org 620-874-4273
Join or Renew your KansasAngusAssociation Membership Today.
$40/ annual dues
Respond by Nov 15 to be included in our 2025 Kansas Angus Association Membership Directory . Over 2300 printed copies are distributed by direct mail and at state and national Angus /beef industry events; Directory also on www.kansasangus.org
►Please use this form to join or update your membership information and return with payment or go online and fill out the form (preferred method) and choose the payment method that suits you best. Pay by credit card via PayPal or mail check.
www.kansasangus.org
Select the Join KAA or renew membership link. Complete the form. Select method of payment that best suits you.
I have no changes , use last year’s listing. Please remit this form with payment even if you are not making updates. This will insure that your payment is properly credited.
update your membership directory listing or make mailing label corrections Print or type
Annual Production Sale Date:__________, 20__ (if applicable) Sale Name:_________________ Sale Location________
If your sale is on the same day annually please describe ( ex 1st Saturday in Feb) ._________________________________________
Mail with Check Payable to KS Angus Assn -$40/year If mailing in form and payment please mail to Betsy Anderson, KAA bookkeeper PO Box 542 Colwich, KS 67030 . THIS FORM OR ONLINE FORM MUST ACCOMPANY PAYMENT FOR DIRECTORY LISTING UPDATE
Happy fall! What a great season fall is and what an opportunity to reflect on what we have to be thankful for over the last year. It’s also a great opportunity to plan for what will come over the next year and embracing those opportunities.
For our juniors, congratulations on the 2024 National Junior Angus Show! From the showring to contests to scholarships, it was an incredibly successful week for Kansas juniors. More important than the awards taken home throughout the week, I hope you embraced the opportunity to meet new juniors from across the country. Those friendships and relationships will last far beyond your career as a junior and are the most valuable part of being a part of the NJAA.
For Auxiliary ladies, posted online are the minutes from the Auxiliary meeting in June. Take a few minutes and read through the summary of the meeting! We are also updating the by-laws for the Auxiliary. Review those in this is Angus News. We will vote on this in January.
If you are at the Kansas Angus Futurity in January, be sure and join the Auxiliary meeting! We have an exciting year ahead and welcome any ladies wanting to support the juniors.
Esther Tarpoff
Kansas Angus Auxiliary President esthertarpoff@gmail.com, 620-636-0245
Proposed KS Angus Auxiliary By-Law Changes to be voted on Jan. 25, 2025
7) The officer responsibilities are as follows:
a) President
i) Shall preside over all meetings of the organization, Executive Committee, and Executive Board.
ii) Appoint standing committees
iii) Appoint special committees as needed
iv) See that committees function as they should and in a timely manner
b) Vice President
i) Shall automatically become the next President
ii) Serve in absence, incapacity, or death of the President
iii) Perform other duties as assigned by President
c) Treasurer
i) Keep Treasurer’s report and provide at each meeting
ii) Have accounts audited at the close of Fiscal Year
iii) Invoice and collect payment for Miss Kansas Angus sponsorships and auction funds
iv) Keep a list of current members and membership fees paid
d) Secretary
i) Keep minutes each meeting and submit the minutes to the Kansas Angus Association Manager Auxiliary webpage prior to the next meeting
e) Reporter
i) Maintain and communicate calendar of annual/upcoming Auxiliary activities and deadlines with membership and juniors. Submit news and reports to the Kansas Angus News.
f) Past President
i) Provide advisement as needed to the Auxiliary
Vice President- Emily Mullen
Brenna Wulfkuhle
- Lori Fink 785.532.8171 Reporter– Ashley Navinsky Past President/Advisor– Tonya Theis
Hospitality Chairman– Mary McCurry
Miss Ks Angus Program Chairman– Anne Lampe Ways & Means Chairman– Mary McCurry Achievement Awards Chairman- Emily Mullen Scholarship Committee 2024- Chairman Brenna Wulfkuhle, 785-633-8552 , wulfkuhleb@gmail.com
www.kansasangus.org/auxiliary
Scholarship Winners
These members received the Kansas Angus Auxiliary scholarships at the 2024 Kansas Junior Angus Association Preview Show, June 2-3 in Hutchinson, Kan.
Cecil McCurry Keep Smiling LEAD Award Eliza Rosenhagen, Cheney, Kan., received the Cecil McCurry Keep Smiling Leaders Engaged in Angus Development (LEAD) Award at the 2024 Kansas Junior Angus Association Preview Show, June 2-3 in Hutchinson, Kan. Pictured from left are Jett McCurry and Cora McCurry, presenting; Eliza Rosenhagen, recipient; and Jessa McCurry, Anna McCurry and Jackson McCurry, presenting. Photo by Grace Knepp, American Angus Association.
Send your sale date or updates to kansasangus@wbsnet.org. Listing is free to members. Length of calendar in each issue is at discretion of the Editor . Dates subject to change please check with sale host. All events are sales unless otherwise noted. KAA members submit your PRIVATE TREATY SALE info at www.kansasangus.org .*More sales will be added as information is received. Association members please submit your sale date. NEW Members your sale can be added after joining. All listings are sales unless otherwise noted.
Angus Foundation recognizes five young cattlemen and women with commercial scholarships
Kansans Fuesz and Stamm among winners
The commercial cattlemen scholarship program helps support students using Angus genetics in a commercial operation.
By Molly Biggs, Communications Specialist
“It is more than just a cow show.” A statement that is echoed through the halls of the American Angus Association®. Five young cattlemen and women are perfect examples of their involvement in the cattle industry outside of the show ring.
Kellum Carnahan, Cash Fuesz, Emma Houck, Anna Houck and Coy Stamm are recipients of the 2024 Angus Foundation Commercial Cattlemen’s scholarship. The scholarships are awarded to students using Angus sires in their commercial cattle operations. Recipients must be pursuing an undergraduate degree or enrolled in a vocational program at an accredited institution of higher education. “This scholarship program is designed to support students with a commercial cattle background in the beef industry,” said Jaclyn Boester, executive director of the Angus Foundation. “Supporting youth in their education is an important part of the Foundation’s mission.”
Two Angus Foundation representatives, two Angus industry representatives and one beef cattle industry leader make up the Angus Foundation’s scholarship selection committee, which reviews applications. Emphasis is placed on the applicant’s knowledge of the cattle industry and their perspective of the Angus breed.
Since 1998, the Angus Foundation has awarded over $4.9 million in undergraduate and graduate scholarships. For more information on the Commercial Cattlemen scholarship, visit AngusFoundation.org. Applications for the next scholarship cycle will be due May 1, 2025.
2024 Commercial Cattlemen Scholarship recipients:
Kellum Carnahan of Julesburg, Colorado, has raised Angus cattle since he was eight because of the popularity of the Angus bull. Although his family’s beginning in the breed was half-hearted, he says he has been a die-hard since he bought his first Angus cow.
“The reason I continue to utilize Angus genetics is simple,” Carnahan said. “They offer everything I want.” Carnahan attends Kansas State University, majoring in animal sciences and industry, with a production agriculture specialization and is a member of the livestock judging team. After graduating he plans to combine his skills learned through livestock judging and his love for Angus cattle to raise highquality seedstock and commercial cattle, to increase profitability for the commercial cattleman.
Cash Fuesz of Eureka, Kansas, 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 cowherd improve because of the increase of Angus genetics we utilize,” Fuesz said.
Fuesz will graduate from Weatherford College in 2026 with a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership. He says he hopes that his education and life experiences will set him up to promote, advocate and support the western lifestyle and equine and cattle industries.
Anna Houck of Rogersville, Tennessee, 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,” Houck said. “The Angus breed has been and will continue to be an important component in the beef industry.”
Houck currently attends Walters State Community College in Morristown, Tennessee, with the goal of one day obtaining her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at Richard A. Gillespie College of Veterinary Medicine at Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee. She believes her upbringing in agriculture sparked her interest in veterinary medicine.
Emma Houck of Rogersville, Tennessee, is very similar to her twin sister, as 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 are within cattle herds,” Houck said. “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.” Like her sister, Emma currently attends Walters State Community College Morristown, Tennessee. She also plans to pursue a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at Richard A. Gillespie College of Veterinary Medicine at Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee. She credits her success in her education and future career goals to her leadership involvement in 4-H and FFA.
Coy Stamm of Washington, Kansas, is simply passionate about production agriculture and Angus cattle. His family has over 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, and Stamm notes that this is 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,” Stamm said. “This market success reinforces our confidence in the economic viability of Angus Genetics.” Coy is a junior at Kansas State University, majoring in agronomy with a dual minor in animal sciences and industry and ag sales. Post-graduation, he hopes to work in the commercial agriculture sector with the long-term goal of returning to the family farm and cattle operation to be the fifth generation to run cattle on their land.
