July 12, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, contact:

Holly Martin, director of communications

816-383-5143

hmartin@angus.org

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Cutline:  Jerri Lynn Sims hugs Alli Perry, as Sims and her husband accept the 2024 Advisor of the Year Award at the National Junior Angus Show. Pictured from left are Caitlyn Brandt, American Angus Association director of events and junior programs; Alli Perry, National Junior Angus Board director; Jerri Lynn Sims; and Robby Sims.

Tennessee Couple Unites Junior Members, Creates Sense of Belonging

Robby and Jerri Lynn Sims of Tennessee were recognized as the 2024 Advisors of the Year during the National Junior Angus Show in Madison, Wisconsin.

            For a couple who joke, they were “volun-told” to lead the Tennessee Junior Angus Association (TJAA), Robby and Jerri Lynn Sims have a true heart for the kids in the program. Their passion and commitment to The Volunteer State’s youth was clear as the Sims were recognized as the Advisors of the Year at the 2024 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) in early July. Both held back tears in front of the crowd in the stadium arena, as Alli Perry, a Tennessee native and member of the National Junior Angus Board of Directors presented the Sims with a plaque.

            “[This award means] everything. It was totally unexpected. We haven’t been doing this very long,” said Jerri Lynn, who went on to say, that when they started, they weren’t sure they were qualified. “[People in the organization] told us, ‘You don’t have to know what you are doing. You just have to be there for the kids.’ So that’s what we’ve tried to do.”

            Perry says Sims have gone above and beyond since they started. They were new to the role when the coronavirus pandemic threatened to keep TJAA from hosting the Eastern Regional Junior Angus Show.

            “The Sims went through every obstacle; made it their goal to make it happen for us,” recalled Perry. “They did everything in their power to keep it as normal and smooth as possible; it was really impressive.”

            Four years later, the Sims feel more confident in their role as advisors. Following the award presentation, the couple watched as the NJAS owned female classes continued from ring-side.

            “We say all the time, it’s not about the placing in the ring, it’s more about the show, this one in particular, being the best-of-the-best of the breed and having an opportunity to have your kids surrounded by some of the best people,” commented Robby.

            It is why the couple has spent their tenure working to ensure every junior member from their state has an opportunity to experience the comradery. 

            “They have made the Tennessee Junior Angus Association a family. They have brought us all together,” said Perry. “They have gotten every single kid involved in some way; they find a place for every kid to take part.”

            “It’s why we come. It’s what we do,” said Jerry Lynn. Robby picked up the thought and added, “Look at the kids out there now. That is what is exciting about the future. There are kids that truly have a passion for show cattle and there are some kids that truly have a passion for production and when you combine all those kids, I think the breed is pretty safe.”

            The Advisor of the Year award was started in 1980 to recognize the incredible work of state advisors who play a large role in the grassroots effort of developing future Angus and industry leaders. Nominations are due in March of each year. For more information on how to nominate an advisor, visit https://www.angus.org/njaa/home/awards.

- Written by Jessica Hartman, Angus Communications

About the National Junior Angus Association

The NJAA promotes the involvement of young people in raising Angus cattle while also providing leadership and self-development opportunities for more than 4,500 active members nationwide.

ANGUS MEANS BUSINESS. The American Angus Association^® is the nation’s largest beef breed organization, serving more than 22,000 members across the United States, Canada and several other countries. It’s home to an extensive breed registry that grows by more than 300,000 animals each year. The Association also provides programs and services to farmers, ranchers and others who rely on Angus to produce quality genetics for the beef industry and quality beef for consumers.

For more information about Angus cattle and the American Angus Association, visit www.angus.org.