“I had been super excited to go so I could meet other kids who raise Angus cattle,” says Jillian Moffit, first-time attendee from Iowa. “I also love traveling and seeing new places, so when I found out it was in Washington D.C., I thought it would be awesome to learn more about our nation’s capital.”

For others, attending LEAD feels like a rite of passage, one they’ve watched older siblings and past mentors experience and recommend.

“I was inspired by watching my sister grow up and attend both Raising the Bar and LEAD,” adds McKinley Stoller, first-time attendee from Nebraska. “She always came back with something positive to say about the conferences and always made tons of new friends. I couldn’t wait to get the opportunity to attend them.”

At the end of the conference, they left with new relationships and lessons learned, ready to chase dreams to bold, new heights. 

“I know it’s not easy to leave your farm and livestock for a few days, especially at the end of summer, but it’s totally worth it,” Moffit says. “You’ll make new friends and learn a lot about agriculture.”

Turning firsts into future goals

This year’s theme, “Leading in our Nation’s Capital,” invited junior members to explore the significance of leadership not only within the Angus breed, but also on a national scale. For these first-timers, LEAD offered more than sitting in a conference room; it served as a launch pad for future goals. 

Whether they’re dreaming of green coats, college or careers in agriculture, the experience gave them tools, confidence and connections to take the next step.

“Going to Washington, D.C., helped me see just how far-reaching the impact of working in agriculture can be,” Clark says. “There are so many opportunities out there, no matter the path you choose.”

Workshops and tours reinforced that message, challenging juniors to consider how their voices and actions could shape the future of agriculture. 

“I’ve always dreamed of being on the National Junior Angus Board,” explains Aubree McCurry. “Seeing what they’ve taught us and others makes me want to do that for the next generation.”

That inspiration carried through to Stoller, who left Washington with renewed focus.

“After these trips, I’m even more excited about my future in agriculture and the NJAA,” she says. “My goal is to be on the National Junior Angus Board of Directors. Ever since my sister Reagan served on the board, it’s always been my dream to wear a green coat.”

Moffitt echoed a similar sentiment, discovering her own ambition to one day represent the breed.

“I really want to be Miss American Angus one day,” she says. “To do that, I need to know a lot about the Angus breed, understand what matters to breeders and be confident talking to people. LEAD definitely helped me get closer to that goal.”

Leadership that lasts

For these four juniors, “Leading in our Nation’s Capital” marked the beginning of becoming livestock industry leaders and building friendships that will follow them into the future.

From the USDA to the barns at Whitestone Ranch, from Capitol Hill to the workshop rooms, LEAD gave juniors a glimpse of what’s possible when they engage in learning and feel empowered to lead.