January 2, 2019

 

For More Information Contact:

Amber Wahlgren at 816-383-5100 or awahlgren@angus.org

 

 

Gracie Smith Earns Junior Bronze and Silver Awards

Gracie Smith, Kirbyville, Texas, has earned the National Junior Angus Association’s (NJAA) Bronze and Silver awards, according to Jaclyn Upperman, education and events director of the American Angus Association® in Saint Joseph, Mo.

Gracie is the 17-year-old daughter of Steven Smith. She is a member of the NJAA and the Texas Junior Angus Association.

She has participated in local, state and national shows and showmanship contests. At the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), Gracie participated in the judging, quiz bowl, extemporaneous speaking and skill-a-thon contests. In 2018 she participated in the mentoring program. She also participated in the Raising the Bar conference and Leaders Engaged in Angus Development (LEAD) conference in 2017 and 2018.

The Bronze and Silver awards are the first two levels of the NJAA Recognition Program that began in 1972. Junior Angus breeders must apply for the awards, than meet point requirements in many areas of participation before receiving the honors. Applicants are evaluated in areas of junior Angus association activities and leadership, participation in showmanship, contests and shows, using performance testing to improve their herd and their progress in producing and merchandising Angus cattle.

The NJAA promotes the involvement of young people in raising Angus cattle, while also providing leadership and self-development opportunities for the nearly 6,000 active members nationwide.

 

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