The most impressive competitors are often those who excel in more than one area. Whether it's skill, strategy or leadership, all-round athletes continuously rise to the challenge, proving their talent across multiple facets of the game. The recipients of the Minix Stockman Award at the 2026 Bases Loaded in the Bluegrass National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) embody that same well-rounded excellence. 

The Minix Stockman Contest, renamed in 2022 to honor the late Ed and Wilma Minix of Black Witch Farm, recognizes juniors who compete outside the show ring in the judging contest, quiz bowl written exam and skill-a-thon. On July 17, four National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) members were recognized for earning the highest all-around score in their respective age division: Drew McCurry, Hutchinson, Kan., novice; Charlotte Johnson, Shawano, Wis.,junior; Lane Toledo, Visalia, Calif., intermediate; and Jackson Corner, Caledonia, ON, Canada, senior. 

“I get to branch out and experience new things,” says Toledo, who has earned the stockman award four years in a row. “I know it’s going to put me that much more ahead in the future.”  

Toledo says each year he’s continued to hone his skills through his participation. This year, the skill-a-thon contest was revamped by the American Angus Association’s events team, in partnership with Lori Montgomery, agriculture instructor from Pratt Community College in Pratt, Kan. From Toledo’s perspective, the overhaul offered more hands-on experience which expanded his learning opportunities. 

“I haven’t gone to AI (artificial insemination) school yet, but I’m definitely considering it,” Toledo says, also mentioning he enjoyed the station which simulated AI using a harvested female reproductive track. “Now, I know a little bit of the basics.” 

Corner is a first time NJAS attendee and agrees with Toledo — each new experience is a step towards future goals. The Canadian, who had no connection to agriculture before joining a local 4-H beef club, is now an animal science major.  

“[Showing cattle] really changed the trajectory of my life,” says Corner, who plans to pursue a career in the feed industry. “All the different contests, they help you build skills that you don’t get from being in the show ring.” 

Twelve-year-old Johnson was also a first time NJAS attendee. She says she didn’t expect to win the prestigious award on her first trip to the national show, “I wanted to do my best and I just said, ‘I’m going to try to do that," she says.

Johnson spent the weeks leading up to NJAS studying to ensure her knowledge of the beef industry was up to the challenge. She used both the Angus University online BEEF Academy platform and created flashcards to flip through on the drive down from Wisconsin. 

“My kids went out and navigated [the BEEF Academy platform] themselves,” says Lindsay Johnson, Charlotte’s mother. “So, I say kudos because it must be very user-friendly for 12 and 15 year olds to navigate on their own.” 

Lindsay, whose 15-year-old son Issac also attended NJAS, says the family came focused not on winning, but participating. Although not counted towards stockman points, Charlotte also took part in the team sales contest. 

“We wanted to participate in as many contests as we could because I think it’s great experience,” Lindsay continues. “These events are so much more than a cattle show; a lot of speaking skills, leadership skills are developed through those contests.”