2021-2022 JRA Board of Directors

Congratulations to these 2021-2022 Junior Red Angus Board of Directors who were elected at this year’s JRA Round-Up held July 13 to 18 in Kentucky and Tennessee. These juniors will dedicate the next year to equipping and preparing all JRA stakeholders to be leaders, innovators, stewards and advocates for the Red Angus breed, the beef industry and agriculture.

EMMA AHRENDSEN — SIOUX RAPIDS, IOWA

Emma Ahrendsen is the daughter of Brian and Karla Ahrendsen. She resides in Sioux Rapids, Iowa, where she graduated from Sioux Central High School this past spring. During high school, she was involved in football and basketball cheer, individual and large group speech, student government, NHS, FFA, 4-H, track and field, band, choir and the Iowa Junior Red Angus Association. As a board member, Emma hopes to encourage members to get more involved. She is very excited to serve on the board and cannot wait to see what the future holds.

PERI ANDRAS — MANCHESTER, ILLINOIS

Peri Andras is the 17-year-old daughter of Will and Kim Andras of Manchester, Illinois. She will be starting her senior year of high school this fall. Peri is active in FFA and 4-H, where she serves as president and vice president, respectively. She also is a member of the National Honor Society and Morgan-Scott CEO program. Peri looks forward to serving the Red Angus breed and encouraging others to pursue leadership roles.

ISAAC BERG — PIPESTONE, MINNESOTA

Isaac Berg is son of Philip and Laurel Berg and was born and raised in Pipestone, Minnesota. Isaac grew up with pigs, cattle and sheep. Isaac has been involved in 4-H and FFA all throughout high school and has been involved in livestock, meats and poultry judging. Isaac was a team captain for his cross country and track teams. Isaac has really enjoyed his time at Red Angus events like Round-Up, and has learned a lot while having a lot of fun. He wants to give back and help others have the same amazing experiences that he had.

Natalie Evans is the 17-year old daughter of Sean and Amy Evans. She and her family run a commercial and registered Red Angus herd near Jacksonville, Illinois. A junior at Routt Catholic High School, she has been on the High Honor Roll for five semesters, competes in varsity track and is a cheer squad member. She has participated in the East Side Juniors 4-H Club for eight years, where she has served as president, vice president and secretary. She’s also a member of the Morgan/Scott County 4-H Federation. Natalie is passionate about Red Angus and wants to learn more about the breed while developing strong relationships with other breeders.

SHANNON JENKINS — LEBANON, MISSOURI

Shannon Jenkins, daughter of Jeff and Liz Jenkins, is a junior education major at the University of Central Missouri. Raised on a cow-calf operation in Lebanon, Missouri, her family focuses on functionality and appeal. During high school, she was an active board member in the 4-H and FFA chapters, and she remains involved with the Missouri Junior Red Angus Association. Shannon believes the future of our industry lies with our youth, which is why education and advocating are vital to her. She encourages all members to get involved with the Red Angus Association.

MITCHELL VANDERWAL — BRENTFORD, SOUTH DAKOTA

Mitchell VanderWal is the son of Jeff and Beth VanderWal of Brentford, South Dakota. In May, Mitchell graduated from Northwestern High School where he was involved in FFA, FBLA, FCA, track, football, band, chorus, drama, robotics and student council. He has shown cattle, sheep and pigs through 4-H and numerous breed associations since a young age. As a board member, he hopes to be an influential leader in the breed and agriculture. He believes his extensive experience and passion for leadership, cattle and agriculture will provide a foundation for his board service.

TIFFANY WATKINS — DADE CITY, FLORIDA

Tiffany Watkins is the 19-year-old daughter of Andy and Sandy Watkins, and is from Dade City, Florida. She is studying livestock production at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College where she is involved in the Sigma Alpha Sorority and the ABAC Cattlemen’s Association. She has also been involved in FFA, 4-H and the Junior Florida Cattlemen’s Association where she has held many leadership positions. Tiffany has been raising Red Angus for four years and is passionate about the breed. She looks forward to promoting Red Angus all around the country, especially in the Southeast. B&B