JRA Update: Red Cow, White Lights and Blue Grass by Kim Heller, Director of Education and Junior Programs The ve days in Kentucky and Tennessee were jam-packed with both education and fun! Site visits highlighted the key commodities of the region’s agriculture as well as industry partners that assist in advancing agriculture. Team challenges and individual contests showcased participants’ knowledge of cattle production and evaluation. The JRA annual meeting provided an opportunity to guide continuous improvement for the organization and members elected the 2021-2022 board of directors. The entire experience was a chance for 60 participants from 14 different states to create friendships and memories of a lifetime.
2021-2022 JRA Board of Directors
Top Hand Award – Morgan Marlett, SC Young Gun Award – Tessa McGibbon, AZ Commercial Cattleman Scholarship – Jacynta Bomgardner, MT Heather Presser Memorial Scholarship – Taryn Cox, WA Round-Up Member Scholarship – Morgan Marlett, SC Round-Up Member Scholarship – Whitley Frost, KS Meat Animal Evaluation Contest Senior Champion – Ethan Dickerson, KS Senior Reserve Champion – Kenzie Mork, MT Intermediate Champion – Bailey Smith, TX Intermediate Reserve Champion – Natalie Evans, IL Junior Champion – Wes Meyer, IA Junior Reserve Champion – Bruce Calteaux, MN Stockman’s Knowledge Contest Senior Champion – Ethan Dickerson, KS Senior Reserve Champion – Mitchell VanderWal, SD Intermediate Champion – Natalie Evan, IL Intermediate Reserve Champion – Bailey Smith, TX Junior Champion – Wes Meyer, IA Junior Reserve Champion – Whitley Frost, KS Champion Team – Mia Gibson (IA), Dalia Weber (IL), Greysen VanWye (MO), Jacynta Bomgardner (MT), Jenna Cox (WA), Kenneth Gruszie (MT), Morgan Marlett (SC), Paige Fitzgerald (IL), and Randi Anderson (IA) n
Connect with JRA!
The Junior Red Angus Association, the junior affiliate of the RAAA, strives to equip and prepare all members to be leaders, innovators, stewards and advocates for the Red Angus breed, the beef industry and agriculture. The JRA membership actively participates in industry events, conferences and workshops designed to develop members’ critical thinking, leadership and production skill sets. Additionally, the JRA strives to nurture enthusiasm for the beef industry and agriculture, while promoting networking and education.
Website: redangus.org/jra Facebook: juniorredangus Instagram: juniorredangus Snapchat: juniorredangus
For more information on the Junior Red Angus Association of America and how youth can get involved in the Red Angus breed, visit RedAngus.org or call Kim Heller, Director of Education and Junior Programs at (515) 851-2019 or kim@redangus.org. n RED ANGUS Magazine n September 2021 65
