Over 1,000 Angus juniors and their families traveled to Louisville, Ky., to compete in the 2026 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) July 11-July 18 at the Kentucky Exposition Center.

National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) members stepped up to the plate for “Bases Loaded in the Bluegrass,” exhibiting 987 entries during the weeklong event that included more than a dozen educational contests along with the cattle show.

Jack Ward, Plattsburg, Mo., judged owned heifers; Carter Ward, also of Plattsburg, Mo., assisted in judging 524 owned heifers; Donnie Robertson, Yukon, Okla., judged the 193 bred-and-owned heifers, 57 bred-and-owned bulls, eight bred-and-owned cow-calf pairs and 19 owned cow-calf pairs; Barry Nowatzke, Michigan City, Ind., assisted in judging the bred-and-owned heifers and bulls, and bred-and-owned and owned cow-calf pairs; Kirk Stierwalt, Leedey, Okla., judged the 69 steers; and Cody Sankey, Economy, Ind., judged the 98 phenotype and genotype heifers and 19 phenotype and genotype bulls.

Ashton Dillow, Villa Ridge, Ill., led the grand champion owned female. PVF Blackbird 5012 is a February 2025 daughter of PVF Marvel 9185 and first won junior champion – division 6.

Josie Phillips, Maysville, Ky., led the reserve grand champion owned female. BNWZ Saras Dream 4796 is an October 2024 daughter of SCC SCH 24 Karat 838 and first won senior champion – division 2.

Madison Fischer, Hempstead, Texas, won third place overall champion owned female with Lazy JB Blackbird Zena 528. She is the May 2025 daughter of Lazy JB Edge 8745 and first claimed intermediate champion – division 3. 

Cambria Cook, Clovis, Calif., led the fourth place overall champion owned female. PVF Proven Queen 5053 is the March 2025 daughter of BLC/MLA Omega 2258 and first claimed junior champion – division 3. 

Sloan Boyert, Pleasantville, Iowa, captured fifth place overall champion owned female with Boy Proven Queen 5200. She is the September 2025 daughter of Conley A1 and first claimed senior calf champion – division 3. 

Anne Dameron, Towanda, Ill., captured grand champion bred-and-owned female honors with Dameron Sandy 5116 and received the Robert and Marillyn Schlutz Angus Scholarship and the John and Lucile Patton Memorial Scholarship. The September 2025 daughter of ROSE MC Encore 0463 first won senior calf champion – division 2.

Ashton Dillow led the reserve grand champion bred-and-owned female, PVF SFA Missie 5096. The May 2025 daughter of PVF Capone 2104 was first named intermediate champion – division 2.

Abigail Koenig, De Leon, Texas, won third place overall champion bred-and-owned female with Koenig Phyllis 0525. She is the May 2025 daughter of Rose MC Encore 0463 and first claimed reserve intermediate champion – division 2. 

Houston Ferree, Sullivan, Ind., led the fourth place overall champion bred-and-owned female. Ferree Fitz Phyllis 2515 is the January 2025 daughter of SCC SCH 24 Karat 838 and first claimed junior champion – division 2. 

Jack Conley, Sulphur, Okla., captured fifth place overall champion bred-and-owned female with Conley Sandy 4789. She is the November 2024 daughter of Conley A1 and first claimed senior champion. 

Clara Henderson, East Troy, Wis., won grand champion bred-and-owned bull honors with Hill Valley Judge 544. The June 2025 son of Young Dale Honour 16H first won intermediate champion.

Mercedes Ferree, Sullivan, Ind., led the reserve grand champion bred-and-owned bull. Ferree Fitz SRF Polaris 5052 is a March 2025 son of Bear Mtn North Star and was first named junior champion.

Cooper Murnin, Pompeys Pillar, Mont., showed the grand champion owned cow-calf pair. Colburn Saras Dream 4919 is a March 2024 daughter of SCC SCH 24 Karat 838 and first topped the young pair division. An April 2026 bull calf sired by BNWZ Dignity 8017 completed the winning duo.

Ava Wood, Willow Spring, N.C., led the reserve grand champion owned cow-calf pair. Dameron Lucy 3151 is a September 2023 daughter of SCC SCH 24 Karat 838. An October 2025 daughter of PVF Marvel 9185 is at side. The pair first won reserve champion young pair.

Houston Ferree claimed grand champion bred-and-owned cow-calf pair and received the Joel Harrison Memorial Angus Scholarship. Ferree Fitz Saras Dream 2423 is the February 2024 daughter of PVF Blacklist 7077. An April 2026 bull calf sired by STAG Good Times 201 ET was at side. The duo first won champion young pair.

Madison Stratton, Appomattox, Va., captured reserve grand champion bred-and-owned cow-calf pair with K & J CCW Lady 9172. The September 2022 daughter of KCF Bennett Const G519 had an October 2025 son of EGF Outlaw 1010 at side. They first won champion mature pair.

Connor Suits, Rantoul, Ill., earned grand champion steer honors with Tef King Pin. He is the January 2025 son of PVF DLX King Pin 0058.

Bryce Hofing, Coatesville, Ind., claimed reserve grand champion steer with HAUGE Kobe 18N. He is a February 2025 son of ROSE MC Encore 0463.

Travis Harder, Holy Cross, Iowa, claimed bred-and owned grand champion steer with HAR Good Times Leo N8. He is a May 2025 son of STAG Good Times 201 ET.

Kinleigh Grim, Thomasville, Pa., earned reserve grand champion bred-and-owned steer with Beaver Creek RIP 569. He is a February 2025 son of Beaver Creek RIP 033.

Drew McCurry, Hutchinson, Kan., showed the grand champion female in phenotype and genotype portion of show. KC Blackcap Lady 5033 is the March 2025 daughter of EXAR Bona Fide and first won division 3 champion.

Brax Friedrich, Stephenville, Texas, showed the reserve grand champion female in phenotype and genotype portion of the show. Gabriel Lady 5558 is the September 2025 daughter of RHI Satisfaction 9L19 and first won division 1 champion.

Gage Long, Vinita, Okla., led the grand champion bred-and-owned female in the phenotype and genotype portion of the show and was presented with John Grime’s Memorial Scholarship. Long Lady 5094 is the December 2025 daughter of Long Teton 107. She first claimed bred-and-owned division 1 champion.

Denton Cook, Foss, Okla., led the reserve grand champion bred-and-owned female in the phenotype and genotype portion of the show. JDD Beauty 122N is the December 2025 daughter of RSA True Balance 1311. She first claimed reserve bred-and-owned division 1 champion.

Allen Heins, New Salem, N.D., showed the grand champion bull in phenotype and genotype portion of the show. VAR Vindictive 5105 is the March 2025 son of Boyd Separation 3019 and first won division 3 champion.

Lauren Wolter, Aviston, Ill., led the reserve grand champion bull in the phenotype and genotype portion of the show. WHM Captain Morgan 5164 is the September 2025 son of E W A Captain. He first claimed division 1 champion.

 

###
A complete list of winners follows:

2026 NATIONAL JUNIOR ANGUS SHOW
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY

Total number shown:  987 

Judges:  Jack Ward, Plattsburg, Mo., judged owned heifers; Carter Ward, also of Plattsburg, Mo., assisted in judging owned heifers; Donnie Robertson, Yukon, Okla., judged the bred-and-owned heifers, bred-and-owned bulls, bred-and-owned and owned cow-calf pairs; Barry Nowatzke, Michigan City, Ind., assisted in judging the bred-and-owned heifers and bulls, and bred-and-owned and owned cow-calf pairs; Kirk Stierwalt, Leedey, Okla., judged the steers; and Cody Sankey, Economy, Ind., judged the phenotype and genotype heifers and bulls.

OWNED FEMALES   524   Shown

Senior Calf Champion – Division 1:  SCC Heart N Soul 9114
Exhibitor:  Kortney Spicer, Woodbine, Md.

Reserve Senior Calf Champion – Division 1:  GL Pride Ever 5007
Exhibitor:  Cache Billman, Rigby, Idaho

Senior Calf Champion – Division 2:  SSF DS Lady 9295
Exhibitor:  Weston Haag, Plymouth, Ind.

Reserve Senior Calf Champion – Division 2:  TSSC HAG Georgina 591
Exhibitor:  Bailey Beck, Lindsay, Okla.

Senior Calf Champion – Division 3:  Boy Proven Queen 5200
Exhibitor:  Sloan Boyert, Pleasantville, Iowa

Reserve Senior Calf Champion – Division 3:  PVF Proven Queen 5112
Exhibitor:  Brace Saucier, Hattiesburg, Miss.

Intermediate Champion – Division 1:  EXAR Frontier Gal 5867
Exhibitor:  Piper Cates, Modoc, Ind.

Reserve Intermediate Champion – Division 1:  KR Lady Erica 5977
Exhibitor:  Payton Scott, Gordon, Neb.

Intermediate Champion – Division 2:  Seldom Rest Cassandra 95N
Exhibitor:  Harper Scott, Gordon, Neb.

Reserve Intermediate Champion – Division 2:  Lemenager Proven Queen N45
Exhibitor:  Logan Suits, Rantoul, Ill.

Intermediate Champion – Division 3:  Lazy JB Blackbird Zena 528
Exhibitor:  Madison Fischer, Hempstead, Texas

Reserve Intermediate Champion – Division 3:  UDE Queen Ruth 5036
Exhibitor:  Breckyn Bloomberg, Secor, Ill.

Junior Champion – Division 1:  PVF Proven Queen 5087
Exhibitor:  Ashton Dillow, Villa Ridge, Ill.

Reserve Junior Champion – Division 1:  SULL Ellie 5700N
Exhibitor:  Brock Studer, Creston, Iowa

Junior Champion – Division 2:  Seldom Rest Lucy 69N
Exhibitor:  Payton Scott, Gordon, Neb.

Reserve Junior Champion – Division 2:  TSSC Annie Lu Who 5076N
Exhibitor:  Cambria Cook, Clovis, Calif.

Junior Champion – Division 3:  PVF Proven Queen 5053
Exhibitor:  Cambria Cook, Clovis, Calif.

Reserve Junior Champion – Division 3:  SCC Sandys Tradition 537
Exhibitor:  Harisyn Evans, Port Saint Lucie, Fla.

Junior Champion – Division 4:  PVF Proven Queen 5043
Exhibitor:  Caden Crain, Mounds, Ill.

Reserve Junior Champion – Division 4:  FITZ Georgina 2536
Exhibitor:  Samuel Jordan, Savannah, Mo.

Junior Champion – Division 5:  Core Annie Lu 575N
Exhibitor:  Lauren Wolter, Aviston, Ill.

Reserve Junior Champion – Division 5:  REIB Phyllis 512
Exhibitor:  Chloee Clark, Muldrow, Okla.

Junior Champion – Division 6:  PVF Blackbird 5012
Exhibitor:  Ashton Dillow, Villa Ridge, Ill.

Reserve Junior Champion – Division 6:  Core Miss Queen 539N
Exhibitor:  Kesler Collins, Flanagan, Ill.

Junior Champion – Division 7:  UDE Queen Ruth 5005
Exhibitor:  Kesler Collins, Flanagan, Ill.

Reserve Junior Champion – Division 7:  Lashmett/weis Queenruth N504
Exhibitor:  Sydney Jentz, Country Club, Mo.

Senior Champion – Division 1:  CK3 Hawk Sandy M85
Exhibitor:  Colton Kies, Geneseo, Ill.

Reserve Senior Champion – Division 1:  FCF Proven Queen 484
Exhibitor:  Brylie Roberts, Orion, Ill.

Senior Champion – Division 2:  BNWZ Saras Dream 4796
Exhibitor:  Josie Phillips, Maysville, Ky.

Reserve Senior Champion – Division 2:  Dameron Barbara 4173
Exhibitor:  Cambria Cook, Clovis, Calif.

Senior Champion – Division 3:  Hunters Lucy 4470
Exhibitor:  KayLee Langford, Breckenridge, Texas

Reserve Senior Champion – Division 3:  Conley DT Saras Dream 4305
Exhibitor:  Makynze Ellis, Greenfield, Ind.

Grand Champion Owned Female:  PVF Blackbird 5012
Exhibitor:  Ashton Dillow, Villa Ridge, Ill.

Reserve Grand Champion Owned Female:  BNWZ Saras Dream 4796
Exhibitor:  Josie Phillips, Maysville, Ky.

Third Overall Owned Champion Female:  Lazy JB Blackbird Zena 528
Exhibitor:  Madison Fischer, Hempstead, Texas

Fourth Overall Owned Champion Female:  PVF Proven Queen 5053
Exhibitor:  Cambria Cook, Clovis, Calif.

Fifth Overall Owned Champion Female:  Boy Proven Queen 5200
Exhibitor:  Sloan Boyert, Pleasantville, Iowa


BRED-AND-OWNED FEMALES   193   Shown

Senior Heifer Calf Champion – Division 1:  Dameron Sandy 5127
Exhibitor:  Lydia Leake, Lexington, Ill.

Reserve Senior Heifer Calf Champion – Division 1:  M6 Proven Queen 506
Exhibitor:  Colin Miller, Canyon, Texas

Senior Heifer Calf Champion – Division 2:  Dameron Sandy 5116
Exhibitor:  Anne Dameron, Towanda, Ill.

Reserve Senior Heifer Calf Champion – Division 2:  WCC/RP Sandy 5970
Exhibitor:  Josie Phillips, Maysville, Ky.

Intermediate Champion – Division 1:  NCC Patricia 523
Exhibitor:  Madilyn Norvell, Tuttle, Okla.

Reserve Intermediate Champion – Division 1:  A1 Envious Blackbird 510
Exhibitor:  Brax Friedrich, Stephenville, Texas

Intermediate Champion – Division 2:  PVF SFA Missie 5096
Exhibitor:  Ashton Dillow, Villa Ridge, Ill

Reserve Intermediate Champion – Division 2:  Koenig Phyllis 0525
Exhibitor:  Abigail Koenig, De Leon, Texas

Junior Champion – Division 1:  Toledo Sil Sandy 0310 5302
Exhibitor:  Lane Toledo, Visalia, Calif.

Reserve Junior Champion – Division 1:  EA Blackcap 501
Exhibitor:  Madison Bowen, Centre Hall, Pa.

Junior Champion – Division 2:  Ferree Fitz Phyllis 2515
Exhibitor:  Houston Ferree, Sullivan, Ind.

Reserve Junior Champion – Division 2:  CB WB Princess 502
Exhibitor:  Cealy Bedwell, Holt, Mo.

Senior Champion:  Conley Sandy 4789
Exhibitor:  Jack Conley, Sulphur, Okla.

Reserve Senior Champion:  Hill Valley Sandy 441
Exhibitor:  Jack Conley, Sulphur, Okla.

Grand Champion Bred-and-Owned Female:  Dameron Sandy 5116
Exhibitor:  Anne Dameron, Towanda, Ill.

Reserve Grand Champion Bred-and-Owned Female:  PVF SFA Missie 5096
Exhibitor:  Ashton Dillow, Villa Ridge, Ill.

Third Overall Bred-and Owned Champion Female:  Koenig Phyllis 0525
Exhibitor:  Abigail Koenig, De Leon, Texas

Fourth Overall Bred-and Owned Champion Female:  Ferree Fitz Phyllis 2515
Exhibitor:  Houston Ferree, Sullivan, Ind.

Fifth Overall Bred-and Owned Champion Female:  Conley Sandy 4789
Exhibitor:  Jack Conley, Sulphur, Okla.

BRED-AND-OWNED BULLS   57   Shown

Senior Bull Calf Champion:  Ferree Fitz Sullivan 2582
Exhibitor:  Mercedes Ferree, Sullivan, Ind.

Reserve Senior Bull Calf Champion:  EGF CCW Bandit 1055
Exhibitor:  Madison Stratton, Appomattox, Va.

Intermediate Champion:  Hill Valley Judge 544
Exhibitor:  Clara Henderson, East Troy, Wis.

Reserve Intermediate Champion:  KR Marvel 5525
Exhibitor:  Payton Scott, Gordon, Neb..

Junior Champion Bull:  Ferree Fitz SRF Polaris 5092
Exhibitor:  Mercedes Ferree, Sullivan, Ind.

Reserve Junior Champion:  SSF Sanctuary 1175
Exhibitor:  Piper Cates, Modoc, Ind.

Senior Champion Bull:  Laflins Dynasty 417
Exhibitor:  Ellie Laflin, Olsburg, Kan.

Reserve Senior Champion:  PBA GT Gambler 2914
Exhibitor:  Kaitlyn Burns, Bosworth, Mo.

Grand Champion Bred-and-Owned Bull:  Hill Valley Judge 544
Exhibitor:  Clara Henderson, East Troy, Wis.

Reserve Grand Champion Bred-and-Owned Bull:  Ferree Fitz SRF Polaris 5092
Exhibitor:  Mercedes Ferree, Sullivan, Ind.


OWNED COW-CALF PAIRS   19   Shown

Champion Young Pair:  Colburn Saras Dream 4919
Exhibitor:  Cooper Murnin, Pompeys Pillar, Mont.

Reserve Champion Young Pair:  Dameron Lucy 3151
Exhibitor:  Ava Wood, Willow Spring, N.C.

Champion Mature Pair:  EXAR Princess 2872
Exhibitor:  Scott Swanek, Dexter, Minn.

Reserve Mature Pair:  WF4 Saras Dream Sandman 2912
Exhibitor:  Norah Nunn, Upton, Ky.

Grand Champion Owned Cow-Calf Pair:  Colburn Saras Dream 4919
Exhibitor:  Cooper Murnin, Pompeys Pillar, Mont.

Reserve Grand Champion Owned Cow-Calf Pair:  Dameron Lucy 3151
Exhibitor:  Ava Wood, Willow Spring, N.C.

BRED-AND-OWNED COW-CALF PAIRS   8   Shown

Champion Young Pair:  Ferree Fitz Saras Dream 2423
Exhibitor:  Houston Ferree, Sullivan, Ind.

Reserve Champion Young Pair:  Jc Blackcap 420
Exhibitor:  Macie Carroll, Mount Carroll, Ill.

Champion Mature Pair:  K & J CCW Lady 9172
Exhibitor:  Madison Stratton, Appomattox, Va.

Reserve Mature Pair:  SBF Sara's Rita 101
Exhibitor:  Sara Faust, Oneonta, Ala.

Grand Champion Bred-and-Owned Cow-Calf Pair:  Ferree Fitz Saras Dream 2423
Exhibitor:  Houston Ferree, Sullivan, Ind.

Reserve Grand Champion Bred-and-Owned Cow-Calf Pair:  K & J CCW Lady 9172
Exhibitor:  Madison Stratton, Appomattox, Va.

STEERS   69   Shown

Grand Champion Steer:  Tef King Pin
Exhibitor:  Connor Suits, Rantoul, Ill.

Reserve Grand Champion Steer:  HAUGE Kobe 18N
Exhibitor:  Bryce Hofing, Coatesville, Ind.

Grand Champion Bred-and-Owned Steer:  HAR Good Times Leo N8
Exhibitor:  Travis Harder, Holy Cross, Iowa

Reserve Grand Champion Bred-and-Owned Steer:  Beaver Creek RIP 569
Exhibitor:  Kinleigh Grim, Thomasville, Pa.

PHENOTYPE AND GENOTYPE FEMALES   98   Shown

Division 1 Champion:  Gabriel Lady 5558
Exhibitor:  Brax Friedrich, Stephenville, Texas

Reserve Division 1 Champion:  Wilks Lucy 5814
Exhibitor:  Kaylan Kiser, Proctor, Texas

Division 1 Bred-and-Owned Champion:  Long Lady 5094
Exhibitor:  Gage Long, Vinita, Okla.

Reserve Division 1 Bred-and-Owned Champion:  JDD Beauty 122N
Exhibitor:  Denton Cook, Foss, Okla.

Division 2 Champion:  GVF Blackbird 5140
Exhibitor:  Levi Quam, Lodi, Wis.

Reserve Division 2 Champion:  KC Lady Prideva 502F
Exhibitor:  Riley White, Grandview, Texas

Division 2 Bred-and-Owned Champion:  Beaver Creek Dorinda 593
Exhibitor:  Kinleigh Grim, Thomasville, Pa.

Reserve Division 2 Bred-and-Owned Champion:  WL Georgina 5929
Exhibitor:  Garrett Wells, Frankfort, Ohio

Division 3 Champion:  KC Blackcap Lady 5033
Exhibitor:  Drew McCurry, Hutchinson, Kan.

Reserve Division 3 Champion:  WHM Lady 5115
Exhibitor:  Lauren Wolter, Aviston, Ill.

Division 3 Bred-and-Owned Champion:  SEC Blacklass 2536
Exhibitor:  Ethan Shaw, Fairfield, Neb.

Reserve Division 3 Bred-and-Owned Champion:  Parr Bardolia 5P17
Exhibitor:  Anna Parr, Mason City, Ill.

Division 4 Champion:  Long Lucy 4068
Exhibitor:  Gage Long, Vinita, Okla.

Reserve Division 4 Champion:  GVF Ruby 5209
Exhibitor:  Whitney Meier, Clinton, Tenn.

Division 4 Bred-and-Owned Champion:  Long Lucy 4068
Exhibitor:  Gage Long, Vinita, Okla.

Reserve Division 4 Bred-and-Owned Champion:  EBS Ms Bernadette 672-505
Exhibitor:  Madalyn Carpenter, Ansonville, N.C.

Grand Champion Female:  KC Blackcap Lady 5033
Exhibitor:  Drew McCurry, Hutchinson, Kan.

Reserve Grand Champion Female:  Gabriel Lady 5558
Exhibitor:  Brax Friedrich, Stephenville, Texas

Grand Champion Bred-and-Owned Female:  Long Lady 5094
Exhibitor:  Gage Long, Vinita, Okla.

Reserve Grand Champion Bred-and-Owned Female:  JDD Beauty 122N
Exhibitor:  Denton Cook, Foss, Okla.

PHENOTYPE AND GENOTYPE BULLS   19   Shown

Division 1 Champion:  WHM Captain Morgan 5164
Exhibitor:  Lauren Wolter, Aviston, Ill.

Reserve Division 1 Champion:  Long Prosper 5047
Exhibitor:  Gage Long, Vinita, Okla.

Division 2 Champion:  SCH Augustus 259
Exhibitor:  Anna Scheurman, Warsaw, Ohio

Reserve Division 2 Champion:  NONE

Division 3 Champion:  VAR Vindictive 5105
Exhibitor:  Allen Heins, New Salem, N.D.

Reserve Division 3 Champion:  Hinksons North Star LL25 505
Exhibitor:  Lilly Hinkson, Cottonwood Falls, Kan.

Division 4 Champion:  Bootheel Iron Man 411
Exhibitor:  Katie Hendley, Bloomfield, Mo.

Reserve Division 4 Champion:  SKW Boone 407
Exhibitor:  Makayla Walker, Toney, Ala.

Grand Champion Bred-and-Owned Bull:  VAR Vindictive 5105
Exhibitor:  Allen Heins, New Salem, N.D.

Reserve Grand Champion Bred-and-Owned Bull:  WHM Captain Morgan 5164
Exhibitor:  Lauren Wolter, Aviston Ill.

STATE GROUPS OF FIVE HEAD

First Place Bred-and-Owned:  Illinois Junior Angus Association
First Place Owned:  Illinois Junior Angus Association

STATE HERDSMANSHIP AWARD

15 head and less:  Louisiana Junior Angus Association
16-45 head:  California Junior Angus Association
46-or-more head:  Oklahoma Junior Angus Association

SWEEPSTAKES AWARD

29 head and less:  Alabama Junior Angus Association
30 head and more:  Illinois Junior Angus Association

SILVER PITCHER AWARDS

Boys Silver Pitcher Award:  Gage Long, Vinita, Okla.
Girls Silver Pitcher Award:  Cambria Cook, Clovis, Calif.

PREMIER JUNIOR BREEDER AWARD:  Houston Ferree, Sullivan, Ind.

PREMIER BREEDER AWARD:  Amelia Miller, Prairie View Farm, Gridley, Ill.

TOM BURKE YOUNG ANGUS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD:  Drew McCurry, Hutchinson, Kan., and Piper Cates, Modoc, Ind.