To adhere to social-distancing recommendations, numerous NJAS in­–person contests go virtual.

It is the goal of the American Angus Association^® to keep the health and safety of the Angus Family at the forefront of every decision made in relation to the Coronavirus. Consequently, the American Angus Association and the National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) have elected to modify a few of the contests associated with the 2020 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) and go completely virtual with them. The contests that will be held virtually are the photography, graphic design, creative writing, career development and public speaking contests. The carcass contest, team fitting and the cattle judging contests will not be held at the 2020 NJAS due to safety concerns and social distancing restrictions.

Juniors who wish to enter in the virtual photography, graphic design, creative writing, career development and public speaking contests should click here to find updated rules and scoresheets. All items required for these contests need to be submitted through the contest portal by June 1. The virtual career development contest will be held June 16, and the virtual prepared public speaking contest will be held June 17. Once exhibitors submit contest materials, they will receive a confirmation email from the Association Events and Education staff by June 10 with more details on the date and time to present. Presentation dates may vary slightly depending on the number of entries. Like in the past, the public speaking and career development contest will require presentations, while the photography, graphic design and creative writing contests are submission only, and results will be announced during the closing ceremonies of NJAS.

“We are working to provide every possible opportunity for our juniors Angus members at the 2020 NJAS while still meeting the safety guidelines,” said Jaclyn Upperman, American Angus Association director of events and education. “With standards constantly evolving, there is no question the NJAS is going to look a little different than the past, and we are working diligently through new challenges as they arise.”

Below is the complete list of the current status of the 2020 NJAS contests:

      Virtual Contests:       

·       Photography

·       Graphic Design

·       Creative Writing

·       Career Development

·       Public Speaking

In-Person Contests (subject to change based on social distancing guidelines from the state):

·       Auctioneering

·       Poster

·       Quiz Bowl

·       Scrapbook

·       Showmanship

·       Skill-a-thon

·       Herdsmanship

·       Team Marketing

·       Team Sales

·       Herdsman of the Year

Sign up for all individual, in-person contests by June 26, 2020. It is encouraged that team and individual contests be submitted electronically prior to NJAS to limit the in-person contact. While the modifications above are the plan today, it may be necessary to make additional changes to other contests not listed above. To keep up-to-date as changes arise, visit the NJAA website angus.org/njaa/ for more information, or contact the Events and Education department at Events@angus.org.

—    Written by Karen Hiltbrand, Angus Communications