N.D. Angus Association recognizes juniors

There were many highlights of the 2021 North Dakota Angus Association (NDAA) Annual Meeting and Banquet, held November 12 and 13 in Bismarck, but all of the junior involvement keeps the focus of the organization strong.

This year, the North Dakota Junior Angus Association (NDJAA) held their meeting and activities on Friday night. A strong group of members gathered, first for some informational activities conducted by Advisor Shari Wendel, LaMoure, followed by their business meeting led by President Alexis Vandeberghe, Cleveland. Advisor Kelcey Hoffmann, Wheatland, provided a group activity, a sort of Jeopardy-type game to score the kids' beef knowledge. All had a great time and even earned some halters for their cattle.

Region Three American Angus Auxiliary Director Stacy Erdmann, Lisbon, presented to the NDJAA members and parents details of earning the junior Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards through the American Angus Association, as well as information about scholarships available to members.

The junior program has been growing over the past several years, with a group of dedicated advisors, families and excited young Angus members. The future of the NDAA organization looks bright with this group of juniors.

The NDAA board of directors recognized the success the junior members had this year, and complimented them on their hard work, dedication and representation of the North Dakota Angus family. Juniors who placed Champion or Reserve Champion at the 2021 National Junior Angus Show in July in Grand Island, Nebraska were recognized for their accomplishments:

Kelsey Vandeberghe: Grand Champion Bred-and-Owned Carcass Steer; Reserve Champion Carcass Steer Group

Alexis Vandeberghe: Reserve Champion Bred-and-Owned Carcass Steer; Reserve Champion Carcass Steer Group; Senior Champion Award - Photography; Senior Reserve Champion Award - Photography

Molly Hansen: Reserve Champion Livestock Judging; Grand Champion Skillathon; First Place Written Quiz Bowl Test; Champion Junior Quiz Bowl Team; Champion Overall Stockmen, Junior Division

Kadence Spickler: Second Place Creative Writing, Junior Division

Cally Hansen: Second Place Extemporaneous Speaking, Junior Division ; Second Place Written Quiz Bowl Test; Champion Junior Quiz Bowl Team

Sheridan Ellingson: Junior Reserve Champion Award - Photography

Haylie Spickler: Champion Junior Quiz Bowl Team

Rylee Erdmann: Champion Junior Quiz Bowl Team

Additionally, the NDJAA started a High-Point Sweepstakes Award at Junior Field Days back in 2018 to encourage more involvement in contests at Field Days. This award goes to the Junior Field Day participant who accumulated the most points from contests and showing cattle.

This year's high point sweepstakes award was donated by Arnold Angus, Esmond, and was presented to Rose Wendel. Rose is the daughter of Mike and Shari Wendel, LaMoure.

For more information about the North Dakota Junior Angus Association, please contact NDJAA Advisors: Shari Wendel, LaMoure, (701) 710-0631; Paul Topp, Grace City, (701) 650-8371; Josh Sundsbak, Des Lacs, (701) 720-1252; Kelcey Hoffmann, Wheatland, (701) 535-0165, or Jory Hansen, Carrington, (701) 652-1185.

For more information about the North Dakota Angus Association, please contact Travis or Ashley Bruner, Secretary/Treasurer at (701) 400-1016 or [email protected].