This year, the event is getting a facelift so it can better achieve that goal. Van Dyke says competitors will now be expected to complete both a written exam and a hands-on practicum. The practicum is still being finalized, but she says it will feature skills necessary for life on a ranch, like using a blood card or collecting a tissue sampling unit (TSU) sample. 

With the new practicum, the event will have scheduled time blocks for age divisions to compete. Van Dyke encourages members to check the NJAA website for more information, as well as the future release of a resource guide to help them prepare. 

Beyond the Skill-a-thon, familiar favorites return to the event schedule. Juniors can connect with peers and new role models during the Angus Mentoring Program (AMP), dust off some acting skills during the Auxiliary-sponsored All-American Certified Angus Beef (CAB) Cook-off, and showcase their quick thinking with contests like extemporaneous speaking.

While junior and intermediate members will once again be able to compete in the NJAA Showmanship Contest, 2026 also marks the first year that novice showmen can join in on the fun, too. Anyone between the ages of 7-9 can hit the ring in the new novice showmanship division.  

“The junior board was adamant about getting younger members hooked on Angus like they were as young kids,” explains Caitlyn Brandt, the Association’s director of events and junior activities. “That’s really where the initial lowering of the age to 7 years old started. I think they are most looking forward to the interactions they will have at NJAS with the young up-and-coming junior members.”

To help make this the event of the summer, the Angus Foundation is helping to sponsor a large portion of NJAS educational contests, including creative writing, graphic design, judging, photography, Skill-a-thon, sweepstakes, herdsmanship, team sales, beef science poster, career development, coloring, extemporaneous speaking and quiz bowl.

“Angus Foundation is happy to support the National Junior Angus Show through our junior contests,” says Angus Foundation executive director, Jaclyn Boester. “We are excited to help develop and educate our junior members through these character development contests and continue to advance the mission of education through the Angus legacy.” 

In addition to the Angus Foundation supporting the educational efforts of the NJAS, the organization will also offer scholarship and award endowments. The National Showmanship Contest through the Dean Hurlbut Memorial Award Fund, the carcass contest through the Briarwood Angus Farms/Curtis and Ann Long NJAS Carcass Contest Endowment Fund, stockman contest through the Ed and Wilma Minix/Black Witch Farm Angus Youth Scholarship and Activities Endowment Fund and the herdsman award through the Tom Wells Junior Herdsman Scholarship Endowment Fund are a few examples, along with other scholarships. 

Assemble your team and start packing your bags, because the NJAA is ready to take you out to the ballgame in Kentucky.