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. 

The NJAA’s strength lies in members like Ella Coulter, a young cattlewoman whose journey reflects the curiosity, resilience and enthusiasm that define the best in the breed. 

One of Coulter’s favorite traditions is attending the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), an event juniors anticipate all year and a gathering that draws cattle families from across the country.

In 2020, Coulter traveled from her hometown in Wentzville, Mo., to her first NJAS in Tulsa, Okla. 

“I don’t remember much about the trip, since COVID hindered what a typical NJAS would look like,” she says. 

While her first NJAS came during an unusual year, Coulter’s involvement in the NJAA has only grown. Like many juniors, she quickly discovered that the organization is about far more than chasing banners. 

“The networking and friendships I have made is what I like most about being in the NJAA,” she says. “I love meeting so many people from all over the country that have the same interests and passions as I do.”

That mindset carried her into the 2025 NJAS, where Tulsa redeemed itself. The most recent NJAS held a lot of firsts for Coulter, making it her favorite one to date.

She shares, “It was my first time being a voting delegate, first time competing in the [Auxiliary-sponsored All-American Certified Angus Beef] CAB Cookoff contest and I qualified for the National Junior Angus Showmanship Contest … it was a crazy week.”

Leadership lessons

Beyond the show ring, Coulter has taken full advantage of the NJAA’s leadership programs. She has attended both Raising the Bar and Leaders Engaged in Angus Development (LEAD) conferences, but one stands out above the rest. 

“The most memorable conference for me was this most recent LEAD in Washington, D.C.,” she says. “Being able to learn so much about the history of our country and seeing the countryside of Virginia at different Angus operations was a very cool experience.”

Many of us have been encouraged or helped by a mentor, and Coulter thanks Monica Jordan for being hers.

“She helped me come out of my shell and become involved,” she says. “She encouraged me to take part in contests and be on the MJAA officer team.” 

Looking ahead, Coulter is focused on her future in the cattle industry. Now a sophomore at Kansas State University majoring in animal science with a pre‑veterinary concentration, she hopes to become a large‑animal veterinarian. 

Outside of cattle and classes, Coulter stays active on campus through Collegiate Cattlewomen, Block & Bridle, the Pre‑Veterinary Society and ASI Mentors — and she still finds time to run or play a competitive game of pickleball.

As an organization with more than 4,000 members, no individual NJAA experience looks the same.

No matter what it looks like, Coulter has three pieces of advice for every member: “Don’t be afraid, meet new people, get involved. It’s never too late.”