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. 

A resident of the Golden State, Kelsey Vietheer of Cottonwood, Calif., has found a community from coast to coast through the NJAA. After doing competitive dancing for nine years, Vietheer realized her real passion was showing cattle and jumped in.

From her first National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) in 2021 to the most recent in 2025, Vietheer has enjoyed the opportunity to meet new friends and find success on a national stage. She says her favorite NJAS was the 2024 Showdown in Madtown.

“I met lots of new people, participated in a lot of contests and won team sales in the intermediate division, and someone from my state got nominated to be a junior board member,” she says.

If you ask Vietheer, that’s the best part of being in the NJAA: being able to make connections with like-minded people all over the country. 

In summer 2025, she took a trip to the nation’s capital for the Leaders Engaged in Angus Development (LEAD) conference. Vietheer says the most memorable experience from the trip was going to Audley Farms, a historic operation raising thoroughbred racehorses and Angus cattle. The visit left a strong impression, reinforcing her appreciation for the depth and history of the cattle industry.

Throughout her time in the NJAA, Vietheer has remained grateful for the opportunities she has been given. She credits much of her success and involvement to her dad, who has supported her every step of the way. 

“He pushes me to be the best member I can be,” she says. “Without him being willing to drive me all over the country, I would never be where I am now.”

As she considers her plans for the future, Vietheer has some advice to offer to new NJAA members.

“Don’t be afraid to be outgoing and talk to new people,” she says. “Making friends is the best part.”

Vietheer plans to spend the next few years doing just that, showing Angus cattle and building up her herd. Once she graduates from high school, she hopes to attend Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and carry her passion for the Angus breed into the next chapter of her life. 

Above all, Vietheer hopes her journey encourages others to step forward with confidence, embrace new experiences and discover the same sense of community that has shaped her own path through the NJAA.