JRA News

An Opportunity to Serve

Have you considered serving on the JRA board of directors? Serving on the national board requires dedication to devote time and energy to accomplishing the goals of the organization. It’s also crucial that board members manage their time and school commitments to accommodate travel to state, regional and national events.

However, the personal and career growth from the board experience is priceless. • Directors have the opportunity to meet many wonderful people who may remain friends for life. • They also meet influential industry people who may be important in the board member’s future, particularly relative to career placement and advancement. • Leadership skills and interpersonal skills improve. Critical thinking and the ability to function independently are increased. • Many personal rewards are gained from the interactions with junior members, specifically in playing a role in their personal growth and accomplishments. • Developing skills in working cooperative with others is vital to personal and career success. A tremendous boost to an individual’s self confidence is a valuable outcome of the board experience.

Service to JRA through the board of directors is a tremendous experience. Without individuals committing to these leadership roles, the organization does not prosper. We invite you to accept the challenge and make an impact on yourself and others. For more information visit https://redangus. org/junior-red-angus/programsevents/#leadership-roles B&B ANNA, CALIFORNIA “Being on the JRA board of directors was one of the most rewarding experiences in my youth career, and helped give me the tools and connections to be successful in college and my professional career.”

SHAYE, NORTH DAKOTA “The experiences gained and network built during my time on the JRA board allowed me to not only show up as a better leader in other organizations, but also build a successful business.”

GENNA, ILLINOIS “Serving on the JRA board gave me opportunities to connect with beef industry professionals — expanding my knowledge base of the U.S. beef industry and the many career possibilities within it.”

MIA, IOWA “Reflecting back on my time as a board member, I realize the value and impact it had on me. The two years were filled with traveling, friends, mentors and experiences that helped me become a young adult ready for college and internships. I gained professionalism, communication, teamwork and life skills that have and will continue to help in my career. I encourage anyone to run for the board as it is an opportunity you won’t regret.”

JACLYN, MONTANA “The experiences and skills I gained throughout my time serving on the JRA Board of Directors better equipped me to excel in the leadership positions I’ve held since then, my graduate student career and the role I play in the beef industry. If I could do it all again, I would in a heartbeat.”

KACEY, NORTH DAKOTA “Looking back on my experience with the JRA board, I’m very grateful for the communication and personal leadership skills I developed through board activities. Planning national events and working with producers from across the county was an excellent opportunity to learn, develop a résumé and travel all while serving an excellent organization.”

MADISON, NORTH CAROLINA “Something I valued then and continue to look back on now are the friendships that I gained with my fellow board members; those friendships are still strong today and have been helpful in my professional career. I also cherish the professional development growth that came with being a board member, learning how to communicate and reach out to industry leaders can be intimidating, but this opportunity taught me how to be comfortable with it.” B&B

From those who have served:

Junior Opportunities for Educational and Travel Scholarships

This time of year, we hear a lot about college scholarships. But in the Junior Red Angus Association, you don’t have to wait until you graduate to be rewarded. Take advantage of the following scholarship opportunities to get involved and develop the skills you need to excel!

BEEF INDUSTRY EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship provides financial support for members to participate in industry activities/events that will help toward the member’s success in the industry. Applications for this scholarship are accepted each quarter for review and can reach up to $200 toward the event. Scholarship recipients are required to promote the Red Angus breed when appropriate and submit an article for publication that includes several pictures and quotes that review the experience within 15 days following the event. HEATHER PRESSER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

A few travel scholarships are available for juniors who wish to travel for national events. The Heather Presser Memorial Scholarship, worth $500, is offered to assist with the cost of the Young Stockman Program and JRA Round-Up. This scholarship is in loving memory of Troy and Annette Presser’s daughter, Heather, who was tragically taken from her family in a 2012 ATV accident. Heather’s memory lives on in the Red Angus industry through this scholarship. Completed applications must be submitted by the respective event’s registration deadline.

ROUND-UP SCHOLARSHIPS

The association has two $200 scholarships for any JRA member to apply toward their JRA RoundUp participation. Completed applications are due May 1. COMMERCIAL CATTLEMAN ROUND-UP SCHOLARSHIP

The Commercial Cattleman’s Scholarship is intended to support a junior aged commercial cattleman to participate in JRA Round-Up. Any RAAA or JRA member may nominate a candidate by contacting the junior coordinator, Kim Heller. The nominations are requested by April 1 so the individual nominated has time to complete the application by May 1. The individual selected for this scholarship is rewarded funds to cover their Round-Up registration and travel expense.

All scholarship applications and details can be found by visiting http://redangus.org/jra/ programs/scholarships. B&B

April 1 | Industry Education Scholarship Application Deadline May 1 | JRA Round-Up Registration and Conference Scholarship Applications Deadline May 1 | Board of Directors Application Deadline June 19-25 | NAJRAE, Oklahoma July 1 | Industry Education Scholarship Application Deadline July 12-17 | JRA Round-Up and Annual Meeting, Colorado/Wyoming

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, Junior Programs Coordinator, at (515) 851-2019.