Engage with JRA!

Joe and Mitchell

them feel appreciated and offer a smile in the toughest of predicaments.

That being said, I challenge all readers to think about this story. Learn from people like Joe and the example that he sets. He was not worried about drama, nor was he concerned about holding grudges over past situations. Joe simply wanted to talk about cows, combine harvesters and scissor lifts, and make his peers feel welcomed and appreciated. Joe loves people, and that is why we love Joe.

For me, the people were the reason I joined the Junior Red Angus Association. At my first Round-Up, I quickly realized that talking about cows was just an added benefit of Red Angus events. The collaboration and fellowship of people who had the same interest as I do fueled my passion for this organization.

By the time this article is published, my service as a board director for JRA will have ended. Two terms on the board and a lifetime of memories later, I hope what I have learned might be able to better the youth of this organization’s future. I hope that the time spent following me will prepare all youth for their future as industry leaders.

I am eager to see where Red Angus youth find themselves down the road, and hope they carry the tradition of the JRA further down the trail for years to come.

To all readers, I hope this small piece of my friend Joe’s story will remind you to work towards being the humble leader who sets a strong example for those who follow you. The most eager of followers become the greatest of leaders. //

Emma Ahrendsen, Iowa • jraemma@gmail.com

Peri Andras, Illinois • jraperi17@gmail.com

Leah Evans, Iowa • jraleah1@gmail.com

Natalie Evans, Illinois • jranatalie@gmail.com

Save the Dates:

Sept. 14-15 – Elevate Collegiate Conference, Denver, CO

Nov. 18-19 – Young Stockman Program, Lincoln, NE

June 9-14 – Red Angus Youth Expo, Chickasha, OK

Cameron Ison, Kentucky • jracameron1@gmail.com

Mitchell VanderWal, South Dakota • jramitchell1@gmail.com

Kim Heller, Junior Program Coordinator juniors@redangus.org

Website: redangus.org/jra

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Snapchat: juniorredangus

Common Hashtags: #jra #redangus