If you’re familiar with it, you know the message. A young girl thinks she’s simply spending time at the lake with her dad, but years later realizes he was teaching lessons that had little to do with fishing.

As I walked through the barns at the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) in Louisville, I couldn’t help but think about that song.

Many of our junior members probably think they’re “just showing cattle.” They see early mornings, fitting contests, showmanship classes and long days in the barn. But parents, grandparents and mentors know something much bigger is happening. They’re teaching responsibility, work ethic, resilience, sportsmanship and confidence. Those lessons will last a lifetime, long after the banners are put away.

This year’s NJAS was another reminder of how bright the future of our breed is. Nearly 240 exhibitors attended their first NJAS, bringing new energy and enthusiasm to the event. One of the most encouraging developments was the continued growth of the Phenotype and Genotype Show. The program challenges young breeders to think beyond visual appraisal and better understand how genetics influence the cattle they evaluate.

Just as impressive was the talent displayed outside the show ring. Whether in public speaking or the Auxiliary-sponsored All-American Certified Angus Beef Cook-off, junior members demonstrated skills that will serve them beyond the cattle business. 

We’re not simply developing cattle breeders, we’re helping shape the next generation of leaders.

A few weeks before Louisville, many of us gathered in Boise for the Beef Improvement Federation meetings. There, the conversation centered on the rapid evolution of genetic evaluation and the opportunities ahead.

The pace of change is remarkable. New traits are being pursued at an unprecedented rate, including those related to bovine respiratory disease (BRD), health and resilience. Equally significant is the source of data. Today, valuable information is being generated not only through breed associations, but also by feedlots, coordinated supply chains, researchers and more. 

I heard the term “proprietary genetics” several times during the meetings. For independent Angus breeders, that’s a timely reminder of why access matters. As the industry generates more data from more sources, our Association’s role in providing transparent, accessible information becomes even more important to the long-term success of Angus breeders.

The value of data was reinforced throughout this summer’s video sale season. June marked a record month for AngusLink^® enrollments as more commercial producers sought to document and communicate the value of their cattle. Across summer video sales, AngusLink-enrolled calves consistently captured premiums of $15-30 per hundredweight. Those premiums aren’t simply a reward for black-hided cattle. They’re a reward for information. Buyers want confidence in the genetics, management and health programs behind the cattle they purchase. AngusLink helps provide that confidence, and the marketplace continues to reward it. I’m excited to see the number of Angus breeders that are introducing AngusLink to their bull customers.

Whether it’s junior members learning life lessons, researchers pursuing new genetic predictions or commercial producers documenting the value of their calves, the common thread is participation. As summer gives way to fall, I hope you’ll continue that spirit of participation by joining us at the Angus Convention. It’s one of the best opportunities of the year to connect with fellow breeders, learn from one another and help shape the future of our Association.

Together, we’ll continue building on the momentum of this summer and ensuring Angus remains the breed that leads through innovation, participation and the power of good information.