Louisiana Teen Wins National Angus Award

Conner Symons, Pearl River, LA., has earned the National Junior Angus Association’s (NJAA) Silver award, according to Caitlyn Brandt, events and junior activities director of the American Angus Association® in Saint Joseph, Mo.

Symons is the 14-year-old son of Shawn and Britanee Symons and attends Pearl River High School. He is a member of the NJAA and the Louisiana Junior Angus Association.

He has participated in local, state and national shows, including the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), where Symons participated in the photography and livestock judging contest and the All-American Certified Angus Beef® Cook-Off.

Symons has submitted weight data to the Angus Herd Improvement Records (AHIR®) and submitted DNA samples for Genomic Profile Testing through Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI). He has also consigned cattle through a private treaty sale and auction.

The Silver award is the second level of the NJAA Recognition Program that began in 1972. Junior Angus breeders must apply for the award, then meet point requirements in many areas of participation before receiving the honor. Applicants are evaluated in areas of junior Angus association activities and leadership, participation in showmanship, contests and shows, using performance testing to improve their herd and their progress in producing and merchandising Angus cattle.

The NJAA promotes the involvement of young people in raising Angus cattle, while also providing leadership and self-development opportunities for the nearly 4,500 active members nationwide.