Few names carry the weight, respect and impact in the cattle industry like Callahan. Champions of Angus cattle, Jarold Callahan and his wife, Jennifer, have dedicated their lives to the Angus breed and mentoring youth in agriculture. Their passion and commitment have left a lasting impact on generations of cattle breeders, earning them the distinction as 2025 Honorary Angus Foundation Inductees.  

Jarold Callahan’s roots in the cattle industry ran deep. They were shaped by his early years on his family’s diversified livestock and farming operation in Welch, Oklahoma, and then his education at Oklahoma State University. A gifted communicator with an eye for cattle, he went on to be the judging team coach at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M and Oklahoma State. In 1996, he became President of Express Ranches, where he led one of the largest purebred cattle operations in the world.  

Jarold was known not only for his business insight and keen eye for evaluating stock, but for his belief in the importance of youth involvement and leadership development within the cattle industry.  

He was on the board of the American Angus Association^® 2004-2012 and served as President in 2012. In November of 2023, he was inducted into the Saddle & Sirloin Portrait Gallery, one of the highest honors a stockman can receive.  

Beside him every step of the way was his wife, Jennifer. A dedicated partner, Jennifer played an influential role in the success of Express Ranches and the many events, shows and programs they supported. Together, the Callahans championed all aspects of junior livestock programs; supporting organizations like the National Junior Angus Association and the formation of Cattlemen’s Congress in 2021.  

Their shared belief in the future of the breed and the youth who will lead it has left a lasting legacy. Jarold’s passing in 2023 was felt by many across the cattle industry, but the couple’s impact continues through the industry standards he set and the lives they touched. Jennifer’s continued presence and support of the Angus breed and youth livestock programs honors the legacy they created together.  

“What stands out most is the Callahans’ willingness to support the Angus family,” said Jaclyn Boester, executive director of the Angus Foundation. “Their efforts span from cutting-edge genetic research to youth development. Jarold’s work in expanding Angus genetics and his role in establishing Cattlemen’s Congress demonstrate a deep investment in the Foundation’s pillars of education, youth and research. Meanwhile, their consistent support for youth programs ensures that the next generation of cattlemen and women are well-prepared and inspired.”  

For additional photos of winners, contact the Communications Department at prcomm@angus.org. View results of the 2025 NJAS, including shows, contests, awards and scholarships at www.njas.info. Additional coverage is also available on the NJAA Facebook page and in the September issue of the Angus Journal.