AUXILIARY NOTES
Pioneer Woman
“I’m five generations of blazin’ a trail. Through barb-wired valleys and overgrown dells. I’m barefoot and bareback and born tough as nails.” — Lainey Wilson
February 24, 2026
A “pioneer woman” is often characterized by their courage, resilience and strength, taking on various responsibilities such as child-rearing, farming and building communities. Pioneer women often broke societal barriers, contributing significantly to their families and communities while facing numerous challenges.
Establishing connections and building relationships was the theme for the first Angus Women Connected conference in 2012, hosted by the American Angus Auxiliary and generously supported by the Angus Foundation. The conference was designed to bring together a group of women from different regions of the country and backgrounds who share a common bond of Angus cattle.
Keynote speaker Suzy Graven, Cave Creek, Ariz., engaged participants by sharing stories of women who blazed trails in the American West and laid the foundation for today’s farm and ranch women, as well as women in all sectors of the business world. Suzy spoke of tales of pioneer women setting out for the West with wagons full of family heirlooms and household items, ready to call their new territory home; only to encounter unforeseen hardships, challenges and opportunities.
Even though we are more advanced and the covered wagons are gone, the pioneer woman still stands tall and shows strength in today’s modern times.
Just like in years past, the main goal of the biennial conference is to bring together a group of Angus female breeders, Auxiliary members and those involved in the industry. Applicants will engage in conversation and friendship, empower leadership and educate themselves in a variety of relevant topics.
Editor’s note: For more information on the Angus Women Connected conference and where to apply, visit www.angusauxiliary.com. The conference will be hosted April 8-10, 2026 .
Gifts that Sizzle
Needing a gift? Look no further than the American Angus Auxiliary Gifts That Sizzle! It’s the gift that keeps on giving. When you purchase Certified Angus Beef (CAB) gift packages, a portion of the profit goes to the American Angus Auxiliary. These funds help support our awards presented to junior members each year. The Auxiliary’s partnership with CAB on this fundraiser offers a unique opportunity for both our organizations and Angus breeders. Gift package recipients receive a delicious and nutritious gift while our juniors receive recognition for their hard work.
Annual meeting minutes
The following is a review of the topics discussed and action taken Nov. 1, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo.
President Tonya Theis called the meeting to order at 9:01 a.m. Theis introduced and welcomed the Executive Board, committee chairs, Distinguished Women, past presidents, state presidents, American Angus Association staff and the Zoom participants.
Christy Perdue presented via email and printed paper the minutes from the Annual Meeting in Fort Worth, Texas. Anne Lampe moved to approve the
minutes as presented. Julie McCurry seconded the motion. Motion carried.
The treasurer’s report was given by Perdue.
Cortney Cates introduced the four 2026 Miss American Angus contestants. Miss American Angus 2025, Rosalind Kidwell, provided an overview of her year and thanked the Auxiliary.
Committee chair reports
Full Circle Online Auction: The Auction was set for Nov. 6, 2025. There were 33 items to sell. Cortney Holshouser encouraged attendees that there are flyers available around Convention to advertise the auction. She announced after five years, she is stepping down as committee chair.
Gifts that Sizzle: Deanna Hofing thanked everyone who helped with the third year of the gift box. This year’s package included four ribeye steaks, seasoning, a meat thermometer and four Chophouse black-handle knives for the cost of $169.95. Proceeds are utilized for Auxiliary programs. She reported the website is live and can be accessed via the Auxiliary or CAB sites. The ordering process has been refined. Hofing also suggested committee chair communication happen via phone call rather than text.
Angus Women Connected: Lampe announced the next event would be hosted in 2026. She is hoping to host the conference at The Elms again, but has not yet confirmed location or dates. The plan is to host the event during late March or April. She encourages attendees to look for an announcement in December, when applications will be made available. Twenty applicants will be chosen in addition to the 10 board members and chosen committee members. Lampe is looking for an opening speaker, and encouraged members to send ideas to her.
Finance: Co-chair Nancy Thelen reported that the committee has been working with a new bookkeeper who started last October. Other highlights include the closing of the Angus Gift Barn at the end of January, with the remaining revenue of $15,615.23 being deposited. All inventory has been sold and paid for with the exception of the 40 70th anniversary prints, kept with Karla Knapp and C.J. Brown. Thelen encouraged ideas to be shared for ways to use them as gifts or awards as well as new fundraising opportunities.
Mark McCully, American Angus Association CEO, reported Theis attended the Board meeting and provided an overview of the last year. He congratulated the Auxiliary on successes during the past year. Mark shared a question that the Association has proposed this year, “How can we bring new people into the organization?” A member survey revealed 23% have been with the Association less than five years. Not many are present at activities/events, and there are not a lot of new people plugged in/involved. McCully asked the Auxiliary how the organization can better include and engage new members. He reports they have looked into gaps in communication and have asked members for their preferred method of communication. He reports the Angus Journal is used more than anything. McCully asked for the Auxiliary to give feedback to help make things better with gaps in communication.
Finance committee co-chair Cindy Ahearn presented budget highlights for 2025-26. She reports the interest revenue has increased due to CD increased interest, anticipating increase this year. She reports the 75th Anniversary Fund totals $2,619 at this time, sourced from interest from the CD and money from print sales. Ahearn reported the e-blast, Constant Contact, is under an annual contract with a discount due to being paid in full. She also said there is no longer a need for insurance in the budget. Ahearn also said the Brown Bag Raffle profit goes into the Tailgate Fund. For scholarship funding, she reported the money is sourced from the Full Circle Online Auction. It was asked what the Auxiliary gets from the Gifts that Sizzle on CAB holiday gift packs; the answer was 2%.
Barbara Ettredge made a motion to accept the 2025-26 budget as presented. Pam Velisek seconded, and the motion passed.
Old business
Theis reported the Angus Gift Barn is officially closed.
New business
Theis led the appointment of the 2025-26 nominating committee.
Committee appointments from Executive Board (2)
- Cindy Worthington — California
- Yvonne Hinman — Montana
Nominations from the floor (2)
- Barbara Ettredge — Texas
o Nominated by Lampe, seconded by Ahearn. Motion passed.
- Sharon Sanders — Ohio
o Self nominated, seconded by Jessica Moffitt. Motion passed.
Theis led the appointment of election tellers: Jennifer New, Kansas, and Lynne Hinrichsen, Kansas.
Karla Knapp, nominating chair, presented the slate of officers. She also announced the elections of the following positions.
Regional directors
- Region 4 (reelected): Melissa Eitel — Missouri
- Region 5 (reelected): Lori Pillars — Michigan
- Region 6: Linda Alexander — Virginia
American Angus Auxiliary officers
- President: Emma Powell — Mississippi
- President elect: Christy Perdue — North Carolina
- Secretary/treasurer: Tammy Weaver — Pennsylvania
- Advisor: Tonya Theis — Kansas
Lampe motioned to cease nominations and approve the slate of officers as presented. Ahearn seconded. Motion passed.
With the election completed, Theis passed the gavel to newly elected president, Powell.
Announcements were made about upcoming events.
Gina Hope moved to adjourn the meeting. Sharon Sanders seconded the motion.
Meeting was adjourned.
2026 American Angus Auxiliary Committees
|
Audit Distinguished Women 19262 Lecompton Road Leavenworth, KS 66048
|
Liaison
Historian Elizabeth Rone
PO Box 25 Nominating Tonya Theis |
Program & Hospitality
Melanie Kiani, chairman |
Topics: Association News , Member Center Featured News
Publication: Angus Journal
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