Justin Ruggles, Kingston, Mich., has earned the National Junior Angus Association’s (NJAA) Bronze and Silver awards, according to Robin Ruff, junior activities director of the American Angus Association® in Saint Joseph, Mo.
The 18-year-son of Tim and Julie Ruggles attends Kingston High School. Ruggles is a member of the NJAA and Michigan Junior Angus Association, where he has served as treasurer.
He has participated in local, state, regional and national shows. At the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), Ruggles participated in the All-American Certified Angus Beef® Cook-Off Contest, team fitting, quiz bowl and team sales contests.
Ruggles has attended the Leaders Engaged in Angus Development (LEAD) conference since 2009, and a Raising the Bar conference in 2003.
The Bronze and Silver awards are the first two 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.
