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 members were recognized for earning the highest all-around score in their respective age division: Drew McCurry, Hutchinson, Kan., Novice Division; Charlotte Johnson, Shawano, Wis., Junior Division; Lane Toledo, Visalia, Calif., Intermediate Division; and Jackson Corner, Caledonia, ON, Canada, Senior Division. 

“I get to branch out and experience new things,” said 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 school yet, but I’m definitely considering it,” said Toledo, mentioning he enjoyed the station which simulated artificial insemination using a harvested female reproductive track. “Now, I know a little bit of the basics.” 

First time NJAS attendee and winner of the Senior Division, Jackson Corner 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,” said 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.” 

The Junior division winner, 12-year-old Charolette Johnson, was also a first time NJAS attendee.  Johnson 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.’” 

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,” said Lindsay Johnson, Charolette’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, Charolette 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,” continued Lindsay. “These events are so much more than a cattle show; a lot of speaking skills, leadership skills are developed through those contests.” 

The youngest of the stockman award winners, Drew McCurry, also competed in the Team Sales contest alongside the qualifying stockman contests. He says his favorite part of the week was making new friends—a sentiment the four stockmen agreed on. 

“Just a shared drive for success and that isn’t always determined by winning, but just by being surrounded by your people and this community is special,” reflected Corner.  

It proves that even an All-Around All-Star needs a team supporting them along the path to success. The Minix family believed in being a part of that team, donating a portion of their estate to the Angus Foundation to benefit juniors dedicated to sharpening their skills as a future leader of the beef industry. Each Minix Stockman Award winner was gifted a belt buckle and monetary award. 

Results of the 2026 NJAS, including show placings, 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.