Raising elite Angus cattle takes more than hard work; it demands vision, precision and perseverance. This year, four outstanding cattlemen have been nominated for the 2026 Herdsman of the Year Award. This recognition honors an Angus enthusiast who has committed wholeheartedly to the management, strategy and advancement of their herd.  

Peers select the award winner from a set of candidates through voting, hosted by the American Angus Association^®. Voting begins December 15, and all votes must be submitted by noon CST on January 8, 2026.  

To be eligible to vote, exhibitors must have entered at least one of the following shows in 2025: Cattlemen’s Congress, National Western Stock Show, Western National Angus Futurity, Atlantic National, American Royal or North American International Livestock Exposition. Eligible exhibitors will receive an email with a unique login and password from the American Angus Association^® through the Election Runner platform to vote. Only one vote per member code is allowed.  

Nominees for this year’s award are Michael Jones, Express Ranches; Cole Kaufman, Oakley Farms; Craig Sand, Circle M Farms; and Brad Paetzel, Hortsman Cattle Company.  

Michael Jones | Express Ranches 

Michael Jones serves as the Show Cattle Manager at Express Ranches in Yukon, Oklahoma, where he plays a key role in managing the ranch’s show cattle, performance cattle and broader operations. He travels nationwide to exhibit Angus cattle at major events. Originally from Saskatchewan, Canada, Michael grew up on an Angus, Hereford and Elk ranch and began showing cattle at a young age. His early passion for Angus cattle brought him to the United States at age 17, where he continued to build his career in Iowa, Missouri and now Oklahoma, spending six years at Express Ranches. 

At Express, Michael is deeply involved in all aspects of show cattle management, including daily care, preparation and coordination for national shows. He works closely with show cattle families by helping them succeed in and out of the ring. Michael values the relationships he’s built through the Angus breed and credits those connections as a driving force behind his continued dedication. 

“The Angus breed is something I’m constantly learning more about, and that’s exciting every day,” Michael shares. “It’s rewarding to grow in this industry and to work with such passionate people.”  

He acknowledges that while the livestock industry can be challenging, the good days always outweigh the tough ones. 

Michael is known for his humble nature and grateful heart, and he truly enjoys the work he does each day with Angus cattle and the people who make the breed special.  

“I’m honored to be nominated for such a prestigious award,” he said. “The people and opportunities within the Angus breed are what keep me motivated and excited to be part of this incredible industry.” 

Cole Kaufman | Oakley Farms  

Herdsman of the Year candidate Cole Kaufman is the Manager at Oakley Farms in Tennessee, where he oversees multiple online sales featuring show heifer prospects, along with daily management of sale heifers, donor cows and junior customer cattle. Cole earned his associate degree from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, where he excelled as part of a competitive livestock judging team, and his bachelor's degree from the University of Tennessee. 

At Oakley Farms, Cole works with customer cattle and keeps their donor cows in production to produce more prospects. Cole works closely with Rob Oakley, owner, to strategically mate donors using IVF to produce high-caliber offspring. Over the past six years, Oakley Farms has gained recognition, including exhibiting the first Angus female to win Supreme Champion at Cattleman’s Congress and many more champions. 

Cole’s passion for the Angus breed runs deep. Growing up on Sugar Loaf Angus Farms in Virginia, where his father managed an 800 head operation for 21 years, Cole was immersed in the cattle business from a young age, competing and fitting cattle. This hands-on experience fueled his drive to be involved in every aspect of the industry. 

Beyond his work at Oakley Farms, Cole is dedicated to supporting youth in the cattle industry, volunteering with his state’s junior Angus association and helping with contests at the National Junior Angus Show.   

He believes that the industry offers incredible opportunities for young people and encourages them to chase their dreams. When growing up, Cole didn’t necessarily have the cattle to run at the level he always wanted, however fitting and husbandry became his way to jump deeper into the industry that he loved, which is the reason he is where he is today. 

“The cattle industry has shaped my life in every aspect,” Cole shared. “It gives you the opportunity to chase your dreams. My goal is to help juniors achieve their dreams, just like others did for me. Angus might be the business breed, but fact of the matter is we are all here to help the youth.” 

Cole wants to express his gratitude for being nominated for such a prestigious award. 

Craig Sand | Circle M Farms  

Craig Sand, of Circle M Farms - Oklahoma, brings nearly three decades of hands-on experience in managing elite show and sale cattle. A 1997 graduate of Clinton High School in Clinton, Wisconsin, Craig began his journey in the cattle industry in 1998 and has since built a respected career exhibiting cattle at both state and national levels. 

Currently Craig oversees the show and sale cattle operations at Circle M Farms; Craig is known for his dedication to excellence in livestock presentation and care.  

“The Angus breed is so important for the beef industry, not only for purebred breeders but for all cattle breeders using Angus genetics to crossbreed and make cattle better,” Craig said.

Craig is driven by a love for cattle and the strong community surrounding them. He credits many of his closest friendships to connections made through the Angus breed, and he remains committed to advancing its legacy and influence in Angus cattle production. 

Brad Paetzel | Horstman Cattle Company

Brad Paetzel of Horstman Cattle Company has built a lifelong passion for the cattle industry.  

“I’ve been involved in the cattle industry for as long as I can remember, growing up, showing cattle alongside my brother,” Brad said. “Over the years, my early involvement has turned into a full-time career.”  

For the past four years, Brad has been part of the team at Horstman Cattle Company in West Lafayette, Indiana, where he helps manage every aspect of their Angus operation. His role includes daily care such as feeding, calving, vaccinating and working calves, as well as preparing them for shows and sales.

Brad plays a key part in overseeing and managing the cattle for their annual Factory Direct Female Sale each year in October. This event gives Brad the opportunity to connect with customers across the country, assist young people with their projects and ultimately help them find success with their cattle operation. 

“I’ve always valued the chance to contribute to the growth of Angus,” Brad said. “The relationships I’ve built, the experiences I’ve gained, and the dedication I’ve seen from others in this industry continue to fuel my commitment and passion for raising and promoting high-quality Angus cattle.”  

What truly keeps Brad motivated is pouring into today’s youth and watching those same young people get involved and succeed with Angus cattle. Helping them learn, grow and achieve their goals reminds Brad of why he joined this industry many years ago.  

“The connections, the constant pursuit of improvement, and the shared passion for good, functional cattle make the Angus breed a family I’m proud to be part of,” he said. “I am very thankful to have been nominated alongside of three other great individuals!” 

The Association’s 2026 Herdsman of the Year will be announced Jan. 9, 2026, at the beginning of the Herdsman Social event in Oklahoma City during Cattlemen’s Congress. This event will be held at the Cowboy Bar in Barn 3 with doors opening at 3:45 p.m. The social is free for all to attend. Visit www.angus.org for more information.