TEXAS (July 2, 2026) — Exhibitors from the American Junior Shorthorn Association (AJSA) gathered in Abilene, Texas, June 20–27 for the 2026 National Junior Shorthorn Show & Youth Conference. In addition to competing with their cattle, participants showcased their talents in a variety of individual, state, and team contests that highlighted creativity, leadership, communication, and industry knowledge.
One featured event was the Cindys Livestock Photos Photography Contest, which gave exhibitors the opportunity to showcase their creativity through photographs featuring Shorthorn cattle. Entries were judged on composition, image quality, originality, creativity, and promotion of the breed.
Another highlight was the Gypsy Creek Ranch Herdsman Quiz Bowl Contest, where participants tested their knowledge of the Shorthorn breed, cattle industry, and beef industry in a fast-paced, team-based, bracket-style competition that combined industry knowledge with teamwork and quick thinking.
Executive Secretary and CEO of the American Shorthorn Association, Montie Soules, emphasized that the educational contests are a vital part of the annual event.
“The National Junior Shorthorn Show and Youth Conference is every bit as much about the contests and the educational aspect from that as it is the cattle show. The youth of this breed pride themselves in participating in several contests. This provides leadership and communication skills for those junior exhibitors that will advance them in their lifelong goals. One of the things that I am most proud of about this event is the high participation percentage that we have in our contests. Our junior board and staff have made it a point to try and provide new and updated contests that challenge the junior members with the technology available in today’s world. This prepares Shorthorn youth for their future.”
Cindys Livestock Photos Photography Contest Results
Prospector I (Age 9 & Under)
- Knox Neumayr (Texas)
- Kensi Cash (Texas)
- Aubree Schroeder (Nebraska)
- Kamryn Thomas (Texas)
- Katie Southern (Texas)
Prospector II (Ages 10–12)
- Scarlett Schwab (Minnesota)
- Hadley Jo McDonald (Iowa)
- Piper Longren (Iowa)
- Adalynn Vaughn (Iowa)
- Abby Scruggs (Kentucky)
Intermediate (Ages 13–16)
- Kealyn Cahoon (Montana)
- Reagan Ferris (Indiana)
- Sophia Lumbreras (Idaho)
- Grace Meier (Kansas)
- Kadin Worthington (Oklahoma)
Senior (Ages 17–21)
- Amelia Tersteeg (Minnesota)
- Emily Schellenberg (Oklahoma)
- Ellee Spearman (Texas)
- Samantha VanVorhis (Ohio)
- Victoria Thompson (Alabama)
Gypsy Creek Ranch Herdsman Quiz Bowl Contest Results
1st Place – Oklahoma 1
- Helen Spears
- Sheridan Soules
- Griffin Lewis
- Trip Wilkinson
2nd Place – Texas Tough
- Ella Spearman
- Beth Wells
- Knox Neumayr
- Haidyn Wallace
3rd Place – Maryland Roan
- Peyton Davis
- Charlotte Holland
- Kailey Godfrey
- Emma Godfrey
4th Place – Lions
- Elizabeth Gouger
- Vivian Lou Thompson
- Sawyer McGrew
- Tucker Kresge
5th Place – Illinois
- Amelia Clemens
- Josie Turner
- Alexa Turner
- Toby Behrends
The American Shorthorn Association provides quality services and support to its members by promoting the value of Shorthorn cattle throughout the beef industry while maintaining the integrity of the breed’s herd book and performance database. Through leadership development, educational programs and national events, the American Junior Shorthorn Association is dedicated to fostering the personal growth and success of youth members while advancing the future of the Shorthorn breed. For more information, contact the American Shorthorn Association at info@shorthorn.org or visit shorthorn.org.
Press release submitted by Carly Wheeler, Marketing & Communications Intern, American Shorthorn Association. Edited for publication by Blue Ribbon News.
Shorthorn Youth Showcase Photography, Quiz Bowl Skills at National Junior Show in Abilene added by Sam Redig on
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