2026 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS)

Over 1,000 Angus juniors and their families traveled to Louisville, Ky., to compete in the 2026 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) July 11-July 18 at the Kentucky Exposition Center. National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) members stepped up to the plate for “Bases Loaded in the Bluegrass,” exhibiting 987 entries during the weeklong event that included more than a dozen educational contests along with the cattle show.

Fourth Overall Bred-and-owned Champion Female

Ferree Fitz Phyllis 2515 won fourth overall bred-and-owned champion female at the 2026 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), July 11-18 in Louisville, Ky. Houston Ferree, Sullivan, Ind., owns the January 2025 daughter of SCC SCH 24 Karat 838. She first won junior champion--division 2. Jack Ward, Plattsburg, Mo., judged the owned heifers; Carter Ward, Plattsburg, Mo., assisited with the owned heifers; Donnie Robertson, Yukon, Okla., judged the bred-and-owned bulls and heifers and owned and bred-and-owned cow-calf pairs; Barry Nowatzke, Michigan City, Ind., assisited with the bred-and-owned bulls and heifers and owned and bred-and-owned cow-calf pairs; Kirk Stierwalt, Leedy, Okla., judged the steers; and Cody Sankey, Economy, Ind., judged the phenotype and genotype bulls and females. A total of 987 entries were shown. Photos by Next Level Images.

Grand Champion Bred-and-owned Cow-calf Pair

Ferree Fitz Saras Dream 2423 won grand champion bred-and-owned cow-calf pair at the 2026 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), July 11-18 in Louisville, Ky. Houston Ferree, Sullivan, Ind., owns the February 2024 daughter of PVF Blacklist 7077. An April 2026 bull calf sired by STAG Good Times 201 ET is at side. Jack Ward, Plattsburg, Mo., judged the owned heifers; Carter Ward, Plattsburg, Mo., assisited with the owned heifers; Donnie Robertson, Yukon, Okla., judged the bred-and-owned bulls and heifers and owned and bred-and-owned cow-calf pairs; Barry Nowatzke, Michigan City, Ind., assisited with the bred-and-owned bulls and heifers and owned and bred-and-owned cow-calf pairs; Kirk Stierwalt, Leedy, Okla., judged the steers; and Cody Sankey, Economy, Ind., judged the phenotype and genotype bulls and females. A total of 987 entries were shown. Photos by Next Level Images.

Reserve Grand Champion Bred-and-owned Bull

Ferree Fitz SRF Polaris 5092 won reserve grand champion bred-and-owned bull at the 2026 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), July 11-18 in Louisville, Ky. Mercedes Ferree, Sullivan, Ind., owns the March 2025 son of Bear Mtn North Star. He first claimed junior champion. Jack Ward, Plattsburg, Mo., judged the owned heifers; Carter Ward, Plattsburg, Mo., assisited with the owned heifers; Donnie Robertson, Yukon, Okla., judged the bred-and-owned bulls and heifers and owned and bred-and-owned cow-calf pairs; Barry Nowatzke, Michigan City, Ind., assisited with the bred-and-owned bulls and heifers and owned and bred-and-owned cow-calf pairs; Kirk Stierwalt, Leedy, Okla., judged the steers; and Cody Sankey, Economy, Ind., judged the phenotype and genotype bulls and females. A total of 987 entries were shown. Photos by Next Level Images.

Bred-and-owned Reserve Junior Champion Bull

SSF Sanctuary 1175 won bred-and-owned reserve junior champion bull at the 2026 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), July 11-18 in Louisville, Ky. Piper Cates, Modoc, Ind., owns the winning bull. Photos by Next Level Images.

Bred-and-owned Senior Bull Calf Champion

Ferree Fitz Sullivan 2582 won bred-and-owned senior bull calf champion at the 2026 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), July 11-18 in Louisville, Ky. Mercedes Ferree, Sullivan, Ind., owns the winning bull. Photos by Next Level Images.

Reserve Grand Champion Steer

HAUGE Kobe 18N won reserve grand champion steer at the 2026 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), July 11-18 in Louisville, Ky. Bryce Hofing, Coatesville, Ind., owns the February 2025 son of ROSE MC Encore 0463. Jack Ward, Plattsburg, Mo., judged the owned heifers; Carter Ward, Plattsburg, Mo., assisited with the owned heifers; Donnie Robertson, Yukon, Okla., judged the bred-and-owned bulls and heifers and owned and bred-and-owned cow-calf pairs; Barry Nowatzke, Michigan City, Ind., assisited with the bred-and-owned bulls and heifers and owned and bred-and-owned cow-calf pairs; Kirk Stierwalt, Leedy, Okla., judged the steers; and Cody Sankey, Economy, Ind., judged the phenotype and genotype bulls and females. A total of 987 entries were shown. Photos by Next Level Images.

Tom Burke Young Angus Achievement Award

Drew McCurry, Hutchinson, Kan., left, and Piper Cates, Modoc, Ind., right, received the Tom Burke Young Angus Achievement Award at the 2026 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), July 11-18 in Louisville, Ky. Photo by Next Level Images.

Reserve Senior Champion Female--Division 3

Conley DT Saras Dream 4305 won reserve senior champion female--division 3 at the 2026 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), July 11-18 in Louisville, Ky. Makynze Ellis, Greenfield, Ind., owns the winning female. Photos by Next Level Images.

Intermediate Champion Heifer--Division 1

EXAR Frontier Gal 5867 won intermediate champion heifer--division 1 at the 2026 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), July 11-18 in Louisville, Ky. Piper Cates, Modoc, Ind., owns the winning heifer. Photo by Next Level Images.

Senior Heifer Calf Champion--Division 2

SSF DS Lady 9295 won senior heifer calf champion--division 2 at the 2026 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), July 11-18 in Louisville, Ky. Weston Haag, Plymouth, Ind., owns the winning heifer. Photos by Next Level Images.

All-American Certified Angus Beef® (CAB) Cook-Off at the 2026 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS)

“It starts on the family farm and ranch,” emphasized Certified Angus Beef Chef Michael Ollier as he looked out on the crowd of young cattle producers, their parents and advisors, during the orientation meeting for the All-American Certified Angus Beef® Cook-Off contest. The annual event, now in its 43rd year, has become one of the most beloved contests of the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), held this year in Louisville, Kentucky, July 13 – 18.

Junior Frankfurters 3rd

Indiana juniors won third place in the junior frankfurters division during the All-American Certified Angus Beef® (CAB) Cook-Off at the 2026 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), July 13 in Louisville, Ky. Pictured from left are Emma Miller, Gaston; Caroline Sankey, Economy; and Piper Cates, Modoc. They prepared "Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese Dawgs with Bacon." The American Angus Auxiliary sponsored the event. Photo by Next Level lmages.

2026 National Junior Angus Showmanship Contest, held in conjunction with the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS)

Fifteen junior showmen from across the country stood in the center of Broadbent Arena. Filled with anticipation, they would soon learn who would earn the prestigious title of champion showman of the 2026 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS). For Ashton Dillow of Villa Ridge, Illinois, years of dedication to the show ring paid off in a single unforgettable moment. With junior members eagerly awaiting the results, her name was called as champion of the 2026 National Junior Angus Showmanship Contest.

Fifth Place Showmanship Honors

Houston Ferree, Sullivan, Ind., left, won fifth place showmanship honors at the 2026 National Junior Angus Showmanship Contest, held in conjunction with the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), July 16-17 in Louisville, Ky. Also pictured presenting the Silver Revere bowl is Linda Alexander, American Angus Auxiliary regional director, right. The top five winners also received a monetary award from the Ham James Memorial Fund. Forty-six youth from across the country and Canada competed for top honors in the 60th annual event. Photo by Next Level Images.

Top Five

These Angus enthusiasts won the top five showmanship honors at the 2026 National Junior Angus Showmanship Contest, held in conjunction with the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), July 16-17 in Louisville, Ky. Pictured from left are Chance Myers, Hannah Tolbert and Wravenna Bloomberg, judges; Ashton Dillow, Villa Ridge, Ill., first place; Brenna Bartlow, Monticello, Ill., second place; Addison Ward, Oak Grove, Mo., third place; Bryanna Smith, Russell Springs, Ky., fourth place; and Houston Ferree, Sullivan, Ind., fifth place. The top five showmen are named from the 15 finalists during the final round of competition. Each of the top five finishers received a cash prize from the Ham James Memorial Fund and a Silver Revere bowl from the American Angus Auxiliary. Photo by Next Level Images.

Top Fifteen Finalists

These outstanding showmen were the top fifteen finalists at the 2026 National Junior Angus Showmanship Contest, held in conjunction with the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), July 16-17 in Louisville, Ky. Pictured from left are Houston Ferree, Sullivan, Ind.; Keely Shultz, Danielsville, Ga.; Ashton Dillow, Villa Ridge, Ill.; Eliza Rosenhagen, Cheney, Kan.; Madison Stratton, Appomattox, Va.; Avery Kimble, Montrose, Colo.; Cambria Cook, Clovis, Calif.; Bryanna Smith, Russell Springs, Ky.; Kaylee Langford, Breckenridge, Texas; Cassidy Sill, Frederick, Md.; Addison Ward, Oak Grove, Mo.; Jenna Hetzel, Austin, Minn.; Brenna Bartlow, Monticello, Ill.; JessaLynn Hudson, Belvidere, Neb.; and Cale Jensen, Plainfield, Iowa. Photo by Next Level Images.

Indiana

Houston Ferree, Sullivan, left, and Allie Howell, Marengo, right, represented Indiana at the 2026 National Junior Angus Showmanship Contest, held in conjunction with the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), July 16-17 in Louisville, Ky. Forty-six youth from across the country and Canada competed for top honors in the 60th annual event. Allie received honorable mention. Photo by Next Level Images.

2026 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) Scholarship Presentation

With the bases loaded for the future, Angus juniors stepped into the spotlight in Louisville, Kentucky, earning scholarships from the Angus Foundation during the 2026 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS). Beyond the banners and the ring, the week celebrated the hard work, dedication and big-league aspirations of young leaders from across the country. For Ashton Dillow of Villa Ridge, Ill., years of dedication to the show ring paid off in a single unforgettable moment. With junior members eagerly awaiting the results, her name was called as champion of the 2026 National Junior Angus Showmanship Contest.

Gary Brost LEAD Award

These juniors received the Gary Brost Leaders Engaged in Angus Development (LEAD) Award at the 2026 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) Scholarship Presentation, July 15-17 in Louisville, Ky. Pictured from left are Reese Anderson, Chrisman, Ill.; Macie Carroll, Mount Carroll, Ill.; Ella Eathington, Avon, Ill.; Karis Waterman, Anderson, Ind.; and Jaclyn Boester, Angus Foundation executive director, presenting. Since 1998, the Angus Foundation has awarded more than $5.8 million in undergraduate and graduate scholarships to Angus youth. Photo by Next Level Images.

Angus/Talon Undergraduate Scholarship

These junior members were awarded the Angus/Talon Youth Educational Learning Program Undergraduate $5,000 Scholarship at the 2026 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) Scholarship Presentation, July 15-17 in Louisville, Ky. Pictured from left are Payton Alexander, Nemo, Texas; Dalton Birdwell, Bryson, Texas; Ella Coulter, Wentzville, Mo; Maggie Davis, Bidwell, Ohio; Brooklyn Davis, Winchester, Va.; Ella Eathington, Avon, Ill.; Molly Hansen, Carrington, N.D.; Lily Jeffries, Canmer, Ky.; Samuel Jordan, Savannah, Mo.; Rosalind Kidwell, Gentryville, Ind.; Kaylan Kiser, Proctor, Texas; Mataya Kraft, Fort Collins, Co.; Claire Murnin, Pompeys Pillar, Mont.; Lyle Perrier and Hannah Perrier, both of Eureka, Kan.; Will Philipello, Bryan, Texas; Sydney Sanders, Leesburg, Ohio; and Lauren Wolter, Aviston, Ill. Since 1998, the Angus Foundation has awarded more than $5.8 million in undergraduate and graduate scholarships to Angus youth. Photo by Next Level Images.

Angus Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships $4000

These junior members received the Angus Foundation Undergraduate $4,000 Scholarship at the 2026 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) Scholarship Presentation, July 15-17 in Louisville, Ky. Pictured from left are Mark Ahearn, Angus Foundation chairman, presenting; Cailee Flood, Oakdale, Calif.; Bryce Hofing, Coatesville, Ind.; Jackson McCurry, Colwich, Kan.; and Lauren Phillips, Centerville, Iowa. Since 1998, the Angus Foundation has awarded more than $5.8 million in undergraduate and graduate scholarships to Angus youth. Photo by Next Level Images.

Angus Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships $2000

These junior members received the Angus Foundation Undergraduate $2,000 Scholarship at the 2026 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) Scholarship Presentation, July 15-17 in Louisville, Ky. Pictured from left are Mark Ahearn, Angus Foundation chairman, presenting; Tymber Billman, Rigby, Idaho; Madalyn Carpenter, Wadesboro, N.C.; Remi Gardner, Paris, Tenn.; Cale Jensen, Plainfield, Iowa; Jacob Marksbury, Buffalo, Ky.; Adam Miller, Gridley, Ill.; Cohen Navinsky, Winchester, Kan; Karis Waterman, Anderson, Ind.; and Peyton Wood, Montague, Calif. 1998, the Angus Foundation has awarded more than $5.8 million in undergraduate and graduate scholarships to Angus youth. Photo by Next Level Images.

2026 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) Awards Ceremony

Angus exhibitors joined together at the 2026 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) Awards Ceremony, July 17 in Louisville, Ky.

Novice Creative Writing

These junior Angus members won top honors in the novice division of creative writing at the 2026 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) Awards Ceremony, July 17 in Louisville, Ky. Pictured from left are Caroline Sankey, Economy, Ind.; Gwen Livingston, Ellston, Iowa; and Joseph Straney, Thibodaux, La., third. Photo by Next Level Images.

Junior Division of Photography--landscape

These junior members won top honors in the junior division of photography--landscape at the 2026 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) Awards Ceremony, July 17 in Louisville, Ky. Pictured from left are Hallie Mullen, Burrton, Kan., second; and Piper Cates, Modoc, Ind., third. Photo by Next Level Images.

Junior Division of Photography--angus Cattle

These junior members won top honors in the junior division of photography--cattle at the 2026 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) Awards Ceremony, July 17 in Louisville, Ky. Pictured from left are Evelyn Clark, Lecompton, Kan., first; Piper Cates, Modoc, Ind., second; and Hallie Mullen, Burrton, Kan, third. Photo by Next Level Images.

Judging Contest Novice Division

These junior members won top honors in the novice division of the judging contest at the 2026 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) Awards Ceremony, July 17 in Louisville, Ky. Pictured from left are Drew McCurry, Hutchinson, Kan., first; Sawyer Gray, Buffalo, Ky., second; and Adelynn McLure, Greenfield, Ind., third. Photos by Next Level Images.

Gold Award Recipients

These junior members received their Gold Award at the 2026 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) Awards Ceremony, July 17 in Louisville, Ky. Pictured from left are Ella Brooks, Prophetstown, Ill.; Kaitlyn Burns, Bosworth, Mo.; Creed Caldwell, Parker, Kan.; Anne Dameron, Towanda, Ill.; Brooklyn Davis, Winchester, Va.; Tori DeMeyer, Buchanan, Mich.; Ashton Dillow, Villa Ridge, Ill.; Eric Driscoll, Williamsburg, Iowa; Ben Forbes, Zachary, La.; Sam Grieman, Perry, Iowa; JessaLynn Hudson, Belvidere, Neb.; Hannah Jones, Flora, Miss.; Reese Anderson, Chrisman, Ill.; Rosalind Kidwell, Gentryville, Ind.; Ava Leibfried, Platteville, Wis.; Adam Miller, Gridley, Ill.; Eliza Patchin, Mitchellville, Iowa; Bryanna Smith, Russell Springs, Ky.; Kilye Winge, Cisco, Texas; and Lauren Wolter, Aviston, Ill. Photo by Next Level Images.

2nd Novice Quiz Bowl

Indiana junior members won second place in the novice division of quiz bowl at the 2026 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) Awards Ceremony, July 17 in Louisville, Ky. Pictured from left are Clancy Stockdale, Hillsboro; Caroline Sankey, Economy; Tinley Haag, Plymouth; and Cyrus Sankey, Economy. Photo by Next Level Images.

Novice Extemporaneous Speaking

These junior members won top honors in the novice division of extemporaneous speaking at the 2026 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) Awards Ceremony, July 17 in Louisville, Ky. Pictured from left are Gwen Livingston, Ellston, Iowa, first; Adalynn Blankenship, West Burlington, N.Y., second; and Caroline Sankey, Economy, Ind., third. Photo by Next Level Images.