Michael Jones | Express Ranches

Michael Jones serves as the Show Cattle Manager at Express Ranches in Yukon, Okla., where he plays a key role in managing the ranch’s show cattle, performance cattle and broader operations. He travels nationwide to exhibit Angus cattle at major events. Originally from Saskatchewan, Canada, Jones grew up on an Angus, Hereford and Elk ranch and began showing cattle at a young age. His early passion for Angus cattle brought him to the United States at age 17, where he continued to build his career in Iowa, Missouri and now Oklahoma, spending six years at Express Ranches. 

At Express, Jones is deeply involved in all aspects of show cattle management, including daily care, preparation and coordination for national shows. He works closely with show cattle families by helping them succeed in and out of the ring. Jones values the relationships he’s built through the Angus breed and credits those connections as a driving force behind his continued dedication. 

“The Angus breed is something I’m constantly learning more about, and that’s exciting every day,” he shares. “It’s rewarding to grow in this industry and to work with such passionate people.”  

Jones acknowledges that while the livestock industry can be challenging, the good days always outweigh the tough ones. 

He is known for his humble nature and grateful heart, and he truly enjoys the work he does each day with Angus cattle and the people who make the breed special.  

“I’m honored to be nominated for such a prestigious award,” Jones says. “The people and opportunities within the Angus breed are what keep me motivated and excited to be part of this incredible industry.” 

Cole Kaufman | Oakley Farms 

Herdsman of the Year candidate Cole Kaufman is the Manager at Oakley Farms in Tennessee, where he oversees multiple online sales featuring show heifer prospects, along with daily management of sale heifers, donor cows and junior customer cattle. Kaufman earned his associate degree from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, where he excelled as part of a competitive livestock judging team, and his bachelor's degree from the University of Tennessee. 

At Oakley Farms, he works with customer cattle and keeps their donor cows in production to produce more prospects. Kaufman works closely with Rob Oakley, owner, to strategically mate donors using in vitro fertilization (IVF) to produce high-caliber offspring. During the past six years, Oakley Farms has gained recognition, including exhibiting the first Angus female to win Supreme Champion at Cattleman’s Congress and many more champions. 

Kaufman’s passion for the Angus breed runs deep. Growing up on Sugar Loaf Angus Farms in Virginia, where his father managed an 800 head operation for 21 years, he was immersed in the cattle business from a young age, competing and fitting cattle. This hands-on experience fueled his drive to be involved in every aspect of the industry. 

Beyond his work at Oakley Farms, Kaufman is dedicated to supporting youth in the cattle industry, volunteering with his state’s junior Angus association and helping with contests at the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS).   

He believes that the industry offers incredible opportunities for young people and encourages them to chase their dreams. When growing up, Cole didn’t necessarily have the cattle to run at the level he always wanted, however fitting and husbandry became his way to jump deeper into the industry that he loved, which is the reason he is where he is today. 

“The cattle industry has shaped my life in every aspect,” Kaufman shared. “It gives you the opportunity to chase your dreams. My goal is to help juniors achieve their dreams, just like others did for me. Angus might be the business breed, but fact of the matter is we are all here to help the youth.” 

Cole wants to express his gratitude for being nominated for such a prestigious award. 

Craig Sand | Circle M Farms  

Craig Sand, of Circle M Farms - Oklahoma, brings nearly three decades of hands-on experience in managing elite show and sale cattle. A 1997 graduate of Clinton High School in Clinton, Wis., Craig began his journey in the cattle industry in 1998 and has since built a respected career exhibiting cattle at both state and national levels. 

Currently Sand oversees the show and sale cattle operations at Circle M Farms; he is known for his dedication to excellence in livestock presentation and care.  

 “The Angus breed is so important for the beef industry, not only for purebred breeders but for all cattle breeders using Angus genetics to crossbreed and make cattle better,” he says. 

Sand is driven by a love for cattle and the strong community surrounding them. He credits many of his closest friendships to connections made through the Angus breed, and he remains committed to advancing its legacy and influence in Angus cattle production.