The National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) has members across the United States, young cattlemen and women dedicated to furthering The Business Breed for generations to come. 

Addie Haverkamp, Bern, Kan., is one such member who has built a junior career defined by leadership, connection and a deep passion for Angus cattle.

In 2017 she attended her first National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) in Des Moines, Iowa, and since then, Haverkamp has embraced every opportunity.

Although she’s attended several of them now, when asked about her favorite NJAS, Haverkamp says the 2022 event in Kansas City holds a special place in her heart because she had the chance to help host the event. 

“It was so cool to help with all the behind-the-scenes planning that goes into the show,” Haverkamp says. “I really enjoyed … getting to welcome everyone to Kansas.”

Among the many contests offered at NJAS, the Auxiliary-sponsored All-American Certified Angus Beef Cook‑Off stands out as her favorite. Haverkamp enjoys the creativity and camaraderie that come with preparing a delicious meal for the judges and performing a skit with her team.

“It is so fun to be in the skit and learn about different Certified Angus Beef ® recipes,” she explains. 

Watching other teams’ inventive ideas adds to the excitement, making the contest a highlight of her NJAS experience year after year.

Beyond the competition

For Haverkamp, the NJAA is more than just competitions and shows. It’s about people. 

“The NJAA has allowed me to meet so many new people and make many great connections with people from across the country,” she says. 

Beyond friendships, she values the opportunity to learn more about the Angus breed and the continuous advancements shaping the industry. These experiences have broadened her perspective and deepened her commitment to agriculture.

Haverkamp says her biggest mentor throughout her journey is her dad. Although he didn’t grow up showing cattle, he dedicated countless hours to learning alongside Haverkamp and her siblings, making their passions his own. 

“He is the hardest-working person I know,” she says. “He has taught me so much about what it means to be a true leader.

Haverkamp says the best advice she can offer to members who are new to the NJAA family is this: get involved.

“Attend all the events at NJAS like AMP (Angus Mentoring Program), clinics or contests,” she adds. “You can meet some really amazing people through it.” 

Haverkamp started her first semester of college at Kansas State University in August 2025, where she is pursuing a degree in agricultural and natural resources communications. 

She hopes to find a career in marketing or within a breed association, where she can share her passion for agriculture with others. This dream is supported by a scholarship from the Angus Foundation. 

Haverkamp is diving in headfirst, already serving her school’s Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow (ACT) chapter as a “rookie rep.” Her plans for the future reflect the same dedication and enthusiasm that has defined her junior career.

Her story is still being written, but one thing is clear: Addie’s commitment to agriculture and drive to share its story will continue to shape her path. 

With her energy, vision and heart for people, she is poised to make an impact, not only within the Angus breed, but across the broader agricultural industry.