Junior membership is open to young people up to 21 years of age who are passionate about the Red Angus breed. Many of our juniors proudly show Red Angus cattle at junior shows throughout California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Whether you're an experienced showman or just starting out, the WSRAA Junior Program offers opportunities to grow, compete, and connect with fellow Red Angus enthusiasts.
We also host a variety of fun games and activities for our juniors during the Western National Red Angus Show (WNRAS) in Reno—bringing everyone together for a memorable and educational experience. Below, you’ll find resources and information for junior members, including contest details, upcoming events, and membership opportunities.
For more information or to become a member, contact Junior Advisor Juli Figone at (408) 612-9434. We’d love to have you join the Red Angus family!
Round-Up this year was truly one to remember. I came into the week excited, but not quite sure what to expect. It was my first time attending a Junior Red Angus Round-Up—and though the tour was right here in my home state of Montana, I realized I’d still take away just as much as the kids that came from across the country
We kicked off Monday evening with a welcome heard from our first guest speaker, Westin Merrill from the Montana Department of Agriculture, who shared insights into the state’s ag industry. After we played some icebreaker games to help the 32 attendees connect before the week ahead.
On Tuesday, we hit the ground running with a stop at Yellowstone Cattle Feeders, followed by one of my personal favorites: Public Auction Yards (PAYS) in Billings. After lunch at the PAYS Cafe, we made a scenic stop at Pictograph Cave State Park, and finished the day at Midland Bull Test, where data-driven breeding came to life.
Wednesday took us on the road. First up was the Producer Partnership in Livingston, followed by a trip to Bozeman for a tour of the Montana State Food Lab at MSU. From there, we headed to Alpacas of Montana, where we learned about the animals, their history, and even got to lead a few around. We wrapped up the day at Green Mountain Red Angus, where we dove into Q&A sessions and competed in some lively team challenges.
Thursday brought us to Montana Silversmiths in Columbus, then to Beartooth Ranch for a closer look at a working operation. After lunch, the group made its way to Absarokee for one of the most memorable parts of the trip: white-water rafting—a great way to close out our final day of tours.
Friday morning brought everyone back together for the closing and awards ceremony, where the Top Hand and Young Gun awards were handed out, along with recognition for the Team of the Week.
Looking back, I learned something valuable at every single stop—even at places I thought I already knew. It just proves there’s always more to gain if you’re willing to listen, ask questions, and stay curious.
Next year, Round-Up is headed to California, and I encourage every junior who’s even slightly interested to go. Whether it’s your first Round-Up or your fifth, it’s an experience that will challenge, inspire, and stick with you.
Written by: Zane Downey
The second annual Red Angus Youth Expo was held in Springfield, Missouri, June 9th–13th, and we had a great turnout. The attendance was phenomenal, with over 200 juniors and just under 400 entries in the shows, which included Showmanship, Bred and Owned females and bulls, Percentage, American Red, Premium Red Baldy, and Owned show. The quality of the cattle was truly exceptional, which was exciting to see. My favorite part about the shows was seeing some genetics from Western States’ members and a heifer bought out of the Bet on Red sale – it made me so proud of our organization, seeing our cattle compete on the national stage.
In addition to the show, there were many contests that juniors participated in - photography, videography, ad design, sales talk, operational marketing, professional development, and more. We had a great turnout for the contests, with some attendees coming just to compete in the contests. I helped time the sales talk contest for the junior division, and it was so fun to listen to the younger kids ‘sell’ cattle to the judges. I was blown away by how knowledgeable, charismatic, and confident the juniors were.
RAYE is an event for everybody. I cannot stress enough just how much juniors get out of attending, even if they do not show. We have always wanted RAYE to be more than just the junior national show, and it is. There are enough contests to participate in to keep anyone busy throughout the week. The contests help attendees grow in so many aspects of life, aside from being in the show ring. I want to encourage any and all juniors to come to RAYE – even if they don’t want to show or are unable to bring cattle. They will not be bored, and they will get so much out of the event. Join us next year at RAYE in Madison, Wisconsin, June 21 – 26. Let’s get ‘Wild in Wisconsin!’
Written by: Taryn Cox
The Western States Red Angus Association is proud to celebrate two of our outstanding junior members, Taryn Cox and Zane Downey, for their recent elections to the National Junior Red Angus Association Board during the 2025 Red Angus Youth Expo in Springfield, Missouri.
This marks Taryn's second term on the national board, a reflection of her continued leadership and dedication to the breed. For Zane, this is his first year serving on the board, and we’re excited to see him bring his energy and perspective to the national level. Both Taryn and Zane also serve as officers on the WSRAA Junior Board, and their commitment to Red Angus youth programs is unmatched.
Throughout the week in Springfield, these two represented Western States with pride—showing cattle, assisting with behind-the-scenes logistics, helping staff and volunteers, and engaging with juniors from across the country. Their leadership shone not only in the show ring but in their willingness to step up, pitch in, and help make the event a success for everyone involved.
Congratulations to Taryn and Zane on this exciting accomplishment! We can’t wait to watch the positive impact you’ll make on Red Angus youth nationwide.
Hi! I’m Jenna Cox and I am currently your Jr. Board Vice President. I’m from Walla Walla, WA and just recently graduated from DeSales Catholic High School. I am enrolled in the Honors College at Montana State University and will head there in the fall to pursue a degree in either Embryology or Ranching Systems.
I grew up on a yearling / cow-calf operation, but now I work with my family to develop and show our purebred Red Angus herd. I have a passion for showing cattle, I jackpot both heifers and steers during the summer, sell a fat steer at the county fair, and exhibit cattle at the NAJRAE and NILE. I am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to be on the Junior Board and can’t wait to see everyone in Reno!
Hey there! My name is Taryn Cox and I hold the office of Social Chair for the 2024-2025 Western States Junior Red Angus Association officer team. I am attending Kansas State University where I am majoring in Agricultural Communications and Journalism with a minor in Agricultural Economics and a PreLaw specialty (it is a mouthful, I know). I love showing cattle, spending time with my family, and meeting new people! I grew up on a commercial yearling operation just outside of Walla Walla, Washington before my family and I transitioned into raising purebred Red Angus cattle. Along with my own Red Angus cattle, I have a small herd of Charolais cattle as well. I feel very lucky to have seen and been part of the various sectors of the cattle industry because it has given me a unique perspective. I am so excited for this year and all that is to come for the Western States Junior Red Angus Association and the Western National Red Angus Show.
P.S. Don’t forget to check out our monthly officer highlights on the Western States Red Angus Association’s Instagram and Facebook!
Taryn Cox is thrilled to announce her election to the JRA Board of Directors during the inaugural Red Angus Youth Expo in June. This year, she holds the position of 'Director at Large,' and she eagerly anticipates the year ahead.
Taryn recently participated in RoundUp 2024, which she describes as one of the best events she has attended. As a group leader, she enjoyed guiding her team through games and competitions while interacting with juniors from across the country.
Looking forward, Taryn will be attending the RAAA Convention in Lincoln, Nebraska, with the JRA board. She will also represent the JRA board at the NILE in Billings, MT, and the Western National Red Angus Show in Reno, NV. Additionally, she plans to be present at the Cattlemen’s Congress, NCBA, and SPARK, a new leadership conference for the JRA, in the upcoming year.
Taryn is grateful for the opportunity to represent the WSRAA and is excited to see what this year has in store for her.
JRA RoundUp 2024 was a huge success!
We went to Buffalo, New York which was very cool because none of the participants had ever been to New York. I flew in a few days early for some junior board meetings and leadership exercises before the participants arrived.
On Monday, all of the kids arrived, and we played some games, broke into groups, and had some heartfelt conversations our ‘JRA stories.’ We all had to come up with a word that has described our time in the JRA and/or what the JRA holds for you in the future. I chose the word ‘opportunity’ because never once did I think I would be at the place I am within the JRA. I have been given so many opportunities for new experiences, new mentors, and new relationships through the Junior Red Angus Association.
On Tuesday we toured the Erie County Fair (which is the longest running fair in American history) and did community building exercises, we toured Wendle Maple which is a poultry and maple farm, and the last stop for the day was Bippert’s Farm where we toured their roadside store and had a chicken dinner (from poultry raised at Wendle Maple).
Wednesday, we left bright and early for our first stop at the Finger Lakes Produce Auction. The produce auction was a new experience for almost every participant and chaperone. The area demographic is largely made up of Old Order Mennonite and Amish, so we all got a firsthand view into another way of life. I also my first horse and buggy contraption, which was a highlight of the trip. We then went to Finger Lakes Cattle Company where Mr. and Mrs. Kriess talked to us about leadership and their cattle business. This stop really reminded me just how small the world is because Mr. Kriess had a NILE sale heifer and C-T/Feddes ear tags hanging up in his barn and had bought cattle form other participants. After that we headed to Red Jacket Orchards where we learned about fruit and fruit juice production. Red Jacket Orchards buys a lot of their juice apples from Washington, which Mackenzie and I thought was cool. Our last stop for the day was Anthony Road Vineyards where we toured a wine production facility and taste tested grape juices.
On Thursday we went to Hoover’s Dairy, the Niagara Power Vista, Erie Canal, Lockport Locks, and Niagara Falls. I highly recommend going on the Maid of the Mist tour if you are ever at Niagara Falls. Friday, we wrapped up with awards and attempted (thanks to Microsoft) to get home.
Written by: Taryn Cox
The inaugural Elevate Collegiate Leadership Conference took place in conjunction with the National Red Angus Convention on September 14-15 in Denver, Colorado. This conference aimed to empower college students by focusing on their professional development in a real-world context.
Taryn Cox shared her experience, highlighting the opportunity to connect with peers and older students, discussing internships, college experiences, and future plans. The conference's first day emphasized understanding one's strengths, reshaping perspectives on personal strengths and weaknesses. The second day delved into creating meaningful connections, providing valuable tips on relationship-building. The event concluded with resume building and interview/salary negotiation guidance.
Junior members from 12 states and Canada met in Sacramento, Calif., for the 2014 Round-Up in June. Members of the Canadian Junior Angus Association also attended Round-Up as part of the JRA American/Canadian Exchange Program. Representing the North West Red Angus Association were: Brady Linnell, Oregon, Riley Haun, Idaho, Morgan Cortez, Idaho, Anna Miller, California, and Royce McPhee-Bayha, California. During the week of Red Angus focused activities, Anna Miller was elected to join the Officer team. We are very proud to have Anna representing the North West!
Highlights of the 2014 Round-Up included stops at: Mendoza Red Angus, Valley Springs, Calif.; Awalt’s AAA Red Angus, Sanger, Calif.; Silveira Brothers Angus, Firebaugh, Calif.; Harris Ranch feedlot and Thoroughbred operations, Coalinga, Calif.; McPhee Red Angus, Lodi, Calif., Yosemite National Park and Fresno State University. Stops at Prima Frutta, an olive grove and processing facility and a vineyard were included in the tour of California agriculture.
The week included all the JRA National Contests - Quiz Bowl, Team Advocacy, Prepared Speech, Extemporaneous Speech, Barnyard Olympics, Scrapbook, Print Advertising, Cattle Evaluation/Judging, T-shirt design, Poster, Stockman’s Quiz, Equipment Identification and Weight Guessing. Results from involvement in all the contests lead to the coveted Best-All-Around award presented at the Saturday awards banquet. Northwest Red Angus Juniors attending the 2014 JRA Round Up in California are from L-R: Anna Miller, Morgan Cortez, Riley Haun, Royce McPhee-Bayha and Brady Linnell.
Anna Miller
2014 - 2015
Royce McPhee-Bayha
2016 - 2017
Taryn Cox
2024 - 2025, 2025-2026
Zane Downey
2025 - 2026