Junior Red Angus Association of America Selects 2020-2021 Board of Directors

Denver – The Junior Red Angus Association of America focuses on equipping and preparing all JRA stakeholders to be leaders, innovators, stewards and advocates for the Red Angus breed, the beef industry and agriculture. The JRA provides leadership and learning opportunities for Red Angus enthusiasts under the age of 21 who have the desire and passion to be involved in the Red Angus breed.
 

The JRA Board of Directors is composed of six junior members that develop programming across five strategic focus areas to improve and maximize the membership experience. Those five areas are:
 

  • State Leadership Relations – Establishing communication with state advisors, junior presidents and non-titled key representatives.
  • Funding and Sponsor Development – Generating funding to support junior opportunities and sponsorships.
  • Member Education– Creating leadership development and agricultural industry education opportunities for members.
  • Commercial Member Development – Building relationships with commercial producers and utilizing opportunities for new memberships.
  • Member Engagement – Improving strategies for increasing JRA opportunities, awareness, participation and input.

 

Recently, the Junior Red Angus Association held its virtual annual meeting to elect the following six members to lead the organization for 2020-2021:
 

  • Andrea Rutledge, Big Sandy, Montana - President
  • Elizabeth McGibbon, Green Valley, Arizona – Vice-President
  • Tiffany Watkins, Dade City, Florida - Secretary
  • Mia Gibson, Elgin, Iowa - Director
  • Peyton Nagel, Alhambra, Illinois - Director
  • Isaac Berg, Pipestone, Minnesota - Director

 

Kimberly Heller, director of education and junior programs stated, “With the pandemic this is an interesting year to navigate junior programming that has traditionally included several in-person educational events. However, the junior board is excited to adapt and be innovative in their approach to provide unique opportunities for junior members nationwide through both in-person and virtual avenues. They are determined to forge ahead in developing the young people in our organization to be the future leaders for the beef industry.”
 

There is no doubt that youth involvement is an integral component of the beef business, as the future lies with the next generation. For more than 25 years, the JRA has provided outlets for growth for young cattle enthusiasts and will continue driving towards the goal of preparing its members for careers in the beef industry as a new era of agriculture takes shape. Growth of the JRA has swelled to more than 1,100 members due to the association’s commitment to providing opportunities to youth of all backgrounds and interests.
 

For more information on the Junior Red Angus Association of America and how youth can get involved in the Red Angus breed, visit RedAngus.org or contact Kim Heller at juniors@redangus.org.

 

 

The Red Angus Association of America serves the beef industry by enhancing and promoting the measurable advantages of Red Angus and Red Angus-influenced cattle. The RAAA provides commercial producers with objectively described cattle by implementing new technologies and utilizing scientifically sound principles that quantify traits of economic importance to beef producers in all segments of the beef industry. For more information, visit www.RedAngus.org.