Red Angus junior stockgrower contest held in Denver

Young Red Angus enthusiasts from California to Ohio and several places in-between met in Denver, Colorado, during the National Western Stock Show to compete in the 10th annual Red Angus Junior Stockgrower Contest, Jan. 13 to 16. This three-day event is designed to instruct youth, ages 10 to 18 years, about many aspects of the beef industry and the Red Angus breed. Sally Forbes, Beckton Stock Farm, Sheridan, Wyo., began this contest in the early 1970's because she wanted to educate and prepare young people for a future in the beef industry. After a few years' absence, Cathy and Dave Otto, Booneville, Ark., took up the ideas and vision of Forbes and started hosting the annual event which is always held in the Yards during the Stock Show.

Contestants in the Junior Stockgrower Contest enter a Red Angus or Red Angus-cross animal in this contest and must maintain a comprehensive record book on that animal. The focus of the contest is animal knowledge, sportsmanship and herdsmanship, not conformation or fitting of the animal.

This unique contest kicked off with a breakfast at the exclusive NWSS Club, where contestants from Arkansas, California, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Ohio and Wyoming and the judges were introduced and everyone received their red and black Carhartt jackets, sponsored by the stockgrower organizers. During the three day contest, participants worked with their cattle, were individually interviewed by the judges, were observed for sportsmanship and worked in group settings and in one-on-one situations on cattle selection, EPD knowledge and beef industry issues.

The team of judges, Alaina Burt, Jacobson, Minn., and Joyce Tice, Boones Mill, Va., spent hours with the contestants--evaluating and interviewing each contestant in a variety of areas including herdsmanship, industry knowledge, record book completion, cooperation with others, Red Angus knowledge and future goals.

Contestants were evaluated on attitude, enthusiasm and willingness to learn as well as ability and cooperation. Their own animal's handling ability and familiarity with its owner as well as cleanliness and evidence of proper feeding and watering were given high consideration.

An extensive record book was also judged which contained detailed financial arrangements, nutrition, management and project story.

The Stockgrowers Contest also encompasses involvement with the Junior Red Angus Association (JRA) National Board of Directors and with other Red Angus events taking place during the National Western. Contestants took part in the Great Red Angus Race--a combination beef knowledge quiz bowl and scavenger hunt--which was organized by the JRA Board.

Contestants also took an interactive role in the Red Angus Brain Trust seminar, worked during the Red Angus Pen Show and assisted with the Mile High Red Angus Sale.

The weekend's event culminated with public presentations and cattle showmanship.

On show day, each contestant prepared his/her calf for exhibition with no outside assistance and each presented a two minute speech to the audience and judges. At the conclusion of showmanship, the judges presented the 2006 Junior Stockgrowers Contest awards.

For additional information on the Red Angus Junior Stockgrower Contest or the Junior Red Angus Association, contact: Dawn Bernhard, Junior Programs Coordinator, Red Angus Association of America, 2003 190th St., Algona, IA 50511, dawn@redangus.org.

Date: 2/21/06