Ellie Kidwell Crowned 2021 Miss American Angus

 After two days of interviews, speeches and a test, Ellie Kidwell was crowned the 2021 Miss American Angus on Nov. 8 during the 137th Angus Annual Meeting held in Kansas City, Missouri. The upcoming year may have some changes due to COVID-19, yet Kidwell says that being crowned was a life changing moment for her.

 “I don’t have the background or generations behind me like others do, but when I was crowned I realized I could do this,” Kidwell said. “I am excited to be here to make my own legacy.”

            Kidwell grew up in Walhonding, Ohio, where she purchased her first Angus heifer from her grandpa in 2010. Fast forward to 2016 when she bought her first show heifer and attended the Eastern Regional Angus Show, it was the first event which sparked Kidwell’s passion for the National Junior Angus Association. After attending her first regional show, Kidwell decided to take advantage of all opportunities within the Association.

That same passion led Kidwell all the way to earning the title of Miss American Angus where she will spend a year attending shows and advocating for the Angus breed and the cattle industry. Now Kidwell can be spotted traveling in her red coat at shows and events across the country.

            “I know in this role, I will get to talk to a lot of people because I am going to stick out in a crowd,” Kidwell said. "I’m eager to make industry connections, meet with the leaders of this breed, and interact with junior members as I have goals of being on the junior board one day.”

            Aside from her role as the 2021 Miss American Angus, Kidwell is also a student at Kansas State University where she is working toward a bachelor’s degree in animal sciences and industry with a business minor. Post-graduation, she plans on attending veterinary school to specialize as a large animal chiropractor and stay involved in the cattle operation she started with her mom and sister.

            “It’s important for me to have a job where I can still be involved in the industry,” she said. “Beyond that, I always want to have Angus cattle and work to grow my herd.”

            It is evident that Kidwell is passionate about the breed and excited about her upcoming year as the 2021 Miss American Angus. For more information about this American Angus Auxiliary-sponsored contest, visit www.angusauxiliary.com.