July 17, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more information contact:
Claire Carlson, public relations and communications intern, at 816-383-5100 or printern@angus.org.
PHOTOS: NJAS photos available at 816-383-5155 or prphotos@angus.org.
North Carolina Junior Leads By Example
Brooke Harward named 2014 Jim Baldridge Outstanding Leader at the National Junior Angus Show
The Angus breed recognized one of its youth leaders at the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) by presenting Brooke Harward of Richfield, N.C., with the 2014 Jim Baldridge Outstanding Leadership Award. Harward has served as Miss American Angus and is a role model to many Angus youth, including her four younger sisters. She was recognized during the NJAS closing ceremonies held July 11 in Indianapolis, Ind.
“Receiving this award is such a special experience,” Harward says. “I owe so much to the National Junior Angus Association. I started out as a shy little girl, but the junior program has helped me come out of my shell.”
Each year, an outstanding NJAA member is recognized for contributions to Angus organizations, personal Angus accomplishments, and community involvement and achievements. In 2014, the award was titled the Jim Baldridge Outstanding Leadership Award, in memory of a lifetime of service to the Angus breed.
Baldridge’s career accomplishments include working as a representative for the Angus Journal, a sale manager, auctioneer and competitive Angus breeder. Yet, what the Baldridge name is most known for is the family’s award-winning seasonings.
Harward will receive a $2,500 scholarship to commend her dedication to the Angus breed and the NJAA membership. Special thanks goes to Bill and Betty Werner of Werner Angus in Cordova, Ill., who contributed $50,000 to the Angus Foundation last November to establish a permanent endowment fund to provide for this scholarship award annually.
“Being crowned Miss American Angus has been my favorite Angus memory – I loved meeting people and teaching others about an industry and breed that I am passionate about,” Harward says.
Her industry knowledge, coupled with strong presentation skills, makes Harward and impactful spokesperson for the Angus breed.
“Never think that it’s too late to start to get involved in Angus activities,” Harward says. “I attended my first NJAS when I was 16 years old, and then decided to get even more involved. I’m so thankful I did.”
Harward recently completed her bachelor’s of science degree at the North Carolina State University, where she earned a degree in agriculture business management with a minor in accounting. On campus, Harward was a member of the NCSU Agri-Marketing Team, and she also is the youngest member of the 2014-2015 State Young Farmer and Ranchers Committee with the North Carolina Farm Bureau. She also is involved at Highland Baptist Church in her hometown.
Harward works full-time at Mid-Atlantic Cattle sales and Harward Livestock Auctions. Harward hopes to continue to be involved in the agriculture industry, and is sure to be an effective leader for the Angus breed.
Additional NJAS contest placings, awards and scholarships were also announced during closing ceremonies. Visit www.ANGUS.org for more information including videos, show results and photos. Coverage is also available on the NJAA Facebook page. Backdrop and candid photos are available for purchase online.
ANGUS MEANS BUSINESS. Explore how the Angus breed impacts every sector of the cattle business – from the feedlot to the meatcase – during the 2014 Angus Means Business National Convention and Trade Show. Hosted by the American Angus Association, the event takes place Nov. 4-6 at the KCI Expo Center in Kansas City, Mo.
Participants will hear from top-flight speakers, conduct Association business, visit the trade show featuring allied industry partners and have the opportunity to attend Angus University.
The American Angus Association is the nation’s largest beef breed organization, serving more than 25,000 members across the United States, Canada and several other countries. For more information about Angus cattle and the 2014 convention, visit www.ANGUS.org.
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