The week-long event, which has become the world’s largest single-breed beef cattle show, will include the exhibition of 1,557 head of Angus cattle from 37 states and an array of exciting contests. “All Roads Lead to the ’06 Show” is the theme of the event, hosted by the Indiana Angus Association and Indiana Junior Angus Association.

Youth aging from 9-21 will have the opportunity to compete for grand champion honors with their cattle in several divisions. In addition to bred-and-owned heifers, bulls, and cow-calf pairs and owned heifers, cow-calf pairs, and steers, juniors may also enter steers in the carcass contest.

Although cattle exhibition is the basis of the show, the NJAS offers numerous educational competitions for juniors to participate in throughout the week. This year will include the inaugural team fitting and cattle judging contests. Team sales, quiz bowl, project of the year, scrapbook, and the All-American Certified Angus Beef® Cook-off are additional opportunities for juniors to team up with other members from their states. Individuals may also participate in photography, graphic design, posters, extemporaneous speaking, and prepared public speaking.

During the week, the National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) will hold their annual meeting to elect six new members to the board of directors.

Another highlight of the week includes the 40th annual National Junior Angus Showmanship Contest. With no more than two individuals competing from each state, this prestigious event will determine who will claim the title of “top showman.”

Started in 1969, the NJAS has become the highlight of the year for the NJAA. Each year the NJAS and its contests prove to be exciting for both participants and spectators. This year’s show will be no exception, and is expected to attract 5,000 participants, family members, guests, and enthusiasts to Indianapolis for the festivities.

Additional information can also be found at www.njas.info

Hagerstown FFA members compete at state contests
HAGERSTOWN, Ind. — Members of the Hagerstown FFA attended the Indiana FFA State Convention, June 19-22 at West Lafayette, Ind. The chapter was recognized for being a Gold Emblem Chapter, Project Impact finalist and a Superior Chapter during the convention.

Members Taylor Eastman and Chris Diercks served as official delegates for the business sessions and Leslie Sturgeon participated in the State FFA Chorus. Kaitlyn Culy represented the chapter as a candidate for district office.

Several Hagerstown FFA members placed in state contests, including Anna Fagan, who took first in the state multimedia scrapbook contest. Fagan is a three-time state champion in leadership contests. Daniel Golliher placed fifth in the discovery public speaking contest.

The following members received their Hoosier FFA Degrees: Brittany Jester, Karl Kurtz, Taylor Eastman, Josh Foulke, Whitney Huntington, Cody Rushton, Cody Fink, Josh Webb, Mike Cox, Chris Diercks and Charlie Gerkin.

This farm news was published in the July 5, 2006 issue of Farm World, serving Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee.