The Making of a Champion: Cates and Curtin on Showing Cattle
- Indiana Angus
- Jul 28
- 1 min read
Adapted from an article by Miranda Reiman, Angus Media.
The secret to success isn’t a secret ... it’s hard work.
National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) members Piper Cates, Modoc, Ind., and Sloane Curtin, Oxford, Iowa, both say that there’s a lot of practice put in before they ever step in the show ring.
“Your heifer's going to act the way you feel,” Curtin said, on a recent episode of The Angus Conversation Junior Takeover. That energy is passed from exhibitor to animal. “Every time I go in the ring, it's like one big deep breath and just go on with your day.”
The two competitors shared their show day tips and encouraged young members to seek out mentors, while talking about their own favorite contests.
"Always have fun. Make sure to do your best and do anything you can to get involved,” Cates said.
Curtin was mentoring a younger member at the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), but the advice she gave to them is applicable to all.
“You can do anything,” Curtin said. “You dream, and you can make it happen."
This episode is the third in a three-part series recorded live from the NJAS in Louisville, Kentucky. If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to catch parts one and two, also available now.
Listen to the episode: https://www.angus.org/angus-media/angus-journal/podcast/junior-takeover/2026/e3-junior-cates
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