Austin Pillars, Martin, Mich., has earned the National Junior Angus Association’s (NJAA) Bronze award, according to Jaclyn Upperman, education and events director of the American Angus Association® in Saint Joseph, Mo.
The 15-year-old son of Rodney and Lori Pillars attends Martin High School and is a member of the NJAA and the Michigan Junior Angus Association where he currently serves as treasurer and has also served as director.
He has participated in state, regional and national shows and showmanship contests. At the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), Austin participated in photography, quiz bowl, creative writing and livestock judging contests and the All-American Certified Angus Beef® Cook-Off.
The Bronze award is the first of three levels of the NJAA Recognition Program that began in 1972. Junior Angus breeders must apply for the awards, then meet point requirements in many areas of participation before receiving the honors. 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 6,000 active members nationwide.
