All persons making entries in or attending the National Junior Heifer Show shall agree to abide by all rules and regulations as outlined and will not hold the American Maine-Anjou Association or the American Chianina Association or the 2026 Maine-Anjou & Chianina Junior National organizers or volunteers responsible for accident, loss or injury to any person, animal or article In order to ensure safe and productive educational programs and activities, the following has been put in place ALL YOUTH AND ADULTS SHOULD ABIDE BY THE INTENT OF THIS CLAUSE Any unsportsmanlike conduct or misrepresentation on the part of an AJMAA/AJCA member will not be tolerated All AJMAA/AJCA members and family/guardians are always expected to be cooperative and courteous All AJMAA/AJCA members are responsible for providing proper and humane care and treatment to their animals during the event. Any AJMAA/AJCA member or family/guardian not complying with this rule is subject to disqualification or any other steps deemed appropriate. Additionally, bikes, scooters and other wheeled vehicles are not allowed inside buildings for the safety of participants, spectators and animals. Parents are responsible for adult supervision of their children at all times.
Please remember that the National Junior Heifer Show is a JUNIOR EVENT. We ask that every exhibitor, participant, parent, family member and attendee be mindful of their actions.
GENERAL INFORMATION
FACILITY ADDRESS (HEALTH PAPER ADDRESS)
● 700 E. Stolley Park Road, Grand Island, NE 68801
DEADLINES
● ALL ENTRIES MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE.
● Entry Deadline – FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2026
● Late Entry Deadline - MONDAY, MAY 11, 2026 (Double Fees)
● No entries accepted after MAY 11, 2026
OWNERSHIP
● OWNERSHIP DATE - Must be solely in the exhibitor’s name by May 1, 2026.
○ An exception is Chianina cattle owned in a sibling membership.
● Substitutions will only be taken at the show at animal check-in. The substitution fee will be $250 per entry. A substitution fee must be paid at the time of substitution. The May 1, 2026, ownership deadline will still apply to all substituted animals.
ELIGIBILITY
Participants must be current members in good standing with the American Junior Chianina Association (AJCA) and/or the American Junior Maine-Anjou Association (AJMAA). They cannot have reached their 22nd birthday before January 1 of the year of the show. Participants must be an active member of each association in which they are exhibiting.
AGE DIVISIONS -
Age divisions are determined on January 1 of the year of the show.
● Rookie 4-8 years of age
● Junior 9-12 years of age
● Intermediate - 13-16 years of age
● Senior - 17-22 years of age
You must have a birthday AFTER JANUARY 1, 2004, to be eligible for the 2026 show.
DUES & FEES
● AJMAA yearly dues - $50 junior dues must be paid in full for entries to be processed.
● AJCA yearly dues – $50. Junior dues must be paid in full for entries to be processed.
● See Entry Form for specific entry fees.
CORRESPONDENCE
All correspondence is done via email When submitting your entry, please use an email that you check frequently PLEASE NOTE: If you have previously unsubscribed to either the AMAA or ACA Constant Contact, you must opt back in. We cannot add your e-mail if you have unsubscribed.
IMPORTANT EXHIBITOR INFORMATION
1 No cattle or exhibitors allowed on the grounds before 12 p m on Friday, June 12th NO EXCEPTIONS! TACK ONLY will be allowed starting at Noon on Friday, June 12 Cattle can enter tie-outs (not the barn) starting at 6 p m on Friday, June 12th Cattle may enter the barn on Saturday, June 13th, and must be in place by 10 a m
2 All cattle must be in place by Saturday, June 13th at 10a m
3 HEALTH REQUIREMENTS ARE VERY IMPORTANT Make sure you read them
4 ALL CATTLE WILL HAVE THEIR TATTOOS CHECKED BE SURE IT IS TATTOOED CORRECTLY
5 Cattle/Contest check-in & steer weigh-in will be from 12-2 p m on Saturday, June 13th
6 Exhibitors will sign up for team fitting and quiz bowl at contest check-in
7. State advisors will briefly meet on Saturday, June 13 at 11 a.m.
8. Permanent tie-outs will be set up. They are not assigned and first come first served. a. Please be considerate of other exhibitors and do not take excessive space.
9. Trailers will be parked in a designated area.
10. Bedding is provided in the barn and in tie-outs.
11. No tying to the trailer, no pens, no tents, no porta-cools or similar equipment, no generators in tie-outs.
12. Stalls are assigned by state. A map with locations will be online closer to the show.
13. Hanging fans should hang from an L-bracket at the front of stalls. No fan cages.
14. Golf carts/ATV’s must display the proper pass to be on the grounds. No parking or driving in barns. (Pass must be pre-purchased)
15. You will NOT bring cattle to check in. Papers must be stamped before checking in.
16. Junior board will be available Saturday, June 13th, to check tattoos at your stalls.
17 You must have your original registration papers at check-in
18 Each exhibitor is automatically entered in livestock judging
19 Concessions will be available on the grounds
20 There will not be an awards banquet meal served this year
21 Little’s activities will be held on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday afternoons All littles must have been signed up on Showorks before the National Junior Heifer Show
22 Follow the AJMAA & AJCA on Facebook & Instagram, and visit our websites for the most up-to-date info
23 Watch our social media pages for fun activities & giveaways during the week
24. Any and all cattle shall be made available to have blood drawn or hair pulled for parentage verification, detection of foreign substances, or the presence of altering. If the recorded parent is excluded as a result of DNA typing, the owner can, at his/her expense, request the AMAA/ACA to determine actual parentage. Failure to determine parentage will result in the disqualification of that animal from the AMAA/ACA herdbook.
25. The use of false tail heads, added hair or other materials to any part of the animal’s body is prohibited.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
1 Exhibitors are subject to all rules and regulations of the AJMAA & AJCA When an entry is made, exhibitors agree to abide by the rules and regulations established by the AJMAA & AJCA, as well as the rules of the show management Entries found to be misrepresented and persons not abiding by the show rules will be disqualified All decisions made by the Show & Youth Committees are final
2 Protests must be submitted in writing at least 24 hours prior to the start of judging or at the conclusion of judging Written protests must be accompanied by a $500 fee and three (3) signatures of current AMAA/AJCA members (Of the breed protesting) Judging procedures will not be interrupted for protest investigation, and depending on the basis of the protest, a decision may be withheld until a complete investigation is made. If the protest is upheld, the $500 will be refunded.
3. Tattoos will be checked, must be legible, and correspond exactly with the original registration certificate.
a. We will not check tattoos on animals if they have been previously verified by an AMAA, ACA, state association, or other approved program, such as Ohio Best.
4. The attempted surgical or non-surgical alteration or conformation of an animal is strictly prohibited, except for dehorning. Cattle are to be shown in their natural conformation. If an exhibitor’s animal is found to have been physically altered, the following actions will be enforced:
a. The exhibitor will be banned from all AMAA/ACA shows for one (1) year from the offense.
b. The animal will be banned from exhibition for life.
c If the exhibitor is guilty of the second offense, they will be barred for life from AMAA/ACA activities
5 No artificial filling (pumping)
6 All horned animals more than seven months of age must be dehorned
7 No alteration of a Chiangus head is allowed
8 Any and all cattle shall be made available to have blood drawn or hair pulled for parentage verification, detection of foreign substances, or the presence of altering If a recorded parent is excluded by DNA testing, the owner can, at his expense, request that the AMAA/ACA determine the actual parentage Failure to determine parentage will result in the disqualification of that animal from the AMAA/ACA herdbook.
9. Heifers exhibited at 20 months of age or older must be accompanied by a certificate of pregnancy. Heifers used in embryo transfer must be accompanied by a certificate of positive fertility issued by a licensed veterinarian.
10. The show superintendent will split classes as near to equal as possible.
11. Participants must exhibit their own show entries.
Exceptions:
● An exhibitor has more than one animal in the same class, in which another junior national participant may help by showing one of the animals.
● Injury or illness (medical note from a doctor).
● The Youth Committee will review other circumstances.
12. Official show t-shirts are required while exhibiting animals and will be handed out at check in.
13 Exhibitors must wear show harnesses to display entry numbers
14 Animal health commission rules and regulations of the host state will be enforced
FITTING RULES
- The dying or artificial changing of the existing color and color pattern of the animal is prohibited.
- THE USE OF FALSE TAIL HEADS, ADDED HAIR OR OTHER MATERIALS TO ANY PART OF THE ANIMAL’S BODY IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
- Members of the Youth Committee will be present and patrolling the grounds on each fitting day to ensure these practices do not occur and these rules are being followed.
- Failure to abide by these rules will result in the animal's immediate disqualification and review by the AMAA/ACA Board of Directors.
STALLING/TIEOUTS
STALLING
Chi and Maine exhibitors will all be stalled together by state. Each exhibitor will stall with their own state.
● STALLING WITH ANOTHER STATE - If a scenario presents itself where you have to stall with another state a fee of $150 (per exhibitor) is required
● STALL REQUESTS – Can be made within your state Stall requests MUST be submitted on your entry form
● The AJMAA & AJCA will assign stalls for each exhibitor within their state section
● NO PORTA COOLS or SIMILAR EQUIPMENT ALLOWED
● NO FAN CAGES ALLOWED
TIE OUTS
● Tie-outs will be set up by the facility. You will not tie to your trailer. Bedding is provided.
● Pens are allowed for COW/CALF PAIRS ONLY This does not mean that if you enter a cow/calf pair, you will get a pen. You MUST show the cow/calf pair. Pens are not provided, but will go in an area assigned by show staff.
● NEW - Generators are NOT allowed in the tie-outs, per Fonner Park and the Nebraska State Fairgrounds, to avoid fire and overall safety issues.
CONTEST INFORMATION
All contests will be combined with exhibitors from both the AJMAA and AJCA The only exception is showmanship
1-10th place will be awarded in every contest
- The following contests will be awarded at the awards ceremony: photography, videography, livestock judging, public speaking, and salesmanship
-The following contests will be awarded immediately following the contest: team fitting, quiz bowl, and showmanship
There will be no ties in contests.
NEW - Contestants will be assigned a unique contestant number after entries are closed. Contestants will receive this number on their exhibitor packet handed out at check-in. Contestants will need this contestant number to enter all contests on-site.
DO YOU HAVE TO ENTER BOTH BREEDS TO BE PART OF THE CONTESTS?
● No. As long as you’re a current member of either association and have submitted a cattle entry or the contest only fee you are signed up.
● You DO NOT have to pay the Contest Only Fee if you enter an animal.
● You DO NOT have to enter an animal in both breeds.
● Showmanship – You must be a current member of each association if you wish to participate in both showmanship contests. Please read specific showmanship rules for each breed for more information
PHOTOGRAPHY
● Divisions competing are rookie, junior, intermediate, and senior.
● Photos may be image-enhanced.
● Photos must be taken by the exhibitor submitting the photo.
● Cell phone photos are allowed.
● A photo of a Maine or Chi animal is required.
SUBMITTING YOUR PHOTOS
● Entry deadline May 15, 2026
● Photos will be submitted online through Formstack. Submit one (1) photo per exhibitor.
● The following information is required when submitting the form:
- Exhibitor Name
- Exhibitor State
- Exhibitor Breeder Number (Maine or Chi breeder number)
● Judging will concentrate on all aspects of photography
● A panel of judges will review the entries
● Winners will be announced at the awards banquet.
● Photos become the property of the Maine-Anjou Voice and Chi Journal and can be used for publication or promotional materials.
VIDEOGRAPHY
● Divisions competing are rookie, junior, intermediate and senior.
● Contestants will submit a 1 – 3 minute video over the specific theme.
● 2026 Theme – Life Lessons from the Showring.
● All videos must be submitted by the original owner or creator of the submission. Entrants must hold all rights to the submission, including copyright. Video must be prepared by the junior member and not be professionally created/coordinated in any fashion.
● The video must represent the beef cattle industry, incorporate the specified theme and reference AMAA, AJMAA, ACA or AJCA in a positive way.
SUBMITTING YOUR VIDEOS
● Entry deadline May 15, 2026
● Videos will be submitted through Formstack. Submit one (1) video per exhibitor.
● Submit photos at this link: https://AMAAAJMAA.formstack.com/forms/junior_national_video_submission_form
● The following information is required when submitting the form:
○ Exhibitor Name
○ Exhibitor State
○ Exhibitor Breeder Number (Maine or Chi breeder number)
○ Exhibitor Age as of January 1, 2026
JUDGING CRITERIA
● Judging will concentrate on overall message, professionalism, commitment to theme, and entertainment
● A panel of judges will review the entries
● Winners will be announced at the awards banquet.
Videos become the property of the American Maine-Anjou and Chianina Associations and can be used for publication or promotional materials
The submission must not contain material that violates or infringes the rights of others, including, but not limited, to, privacy, publicity, and/or intellectual property rights (including copyright, trademark or patent rights) or constitute copyright or trademark infringement, unless proper documentation is provided The submission must not contain tortuous, defamatory, slanderous, or libelous materials or contain inappropriate, indecent, obscene, hateful or discriminatory materials, as determined at the sole discretion of AJMAA/AJCA. By entering the contest, contestants grant AJMAA/AJCA a perpetual, royalty-free license to use their video, in any media, for commercial and non-commercial purposes. Contestants grant AJMAA/AJCA permission to edit, modify, format, or adapt the video. The video may be made available to the public, so contestants should not include personal information about themselves or anyone else.
LIVESTOCK JUDGING
● Divisions competing are rookie, junior, intermediate, and senior.
● All exhibitors are automatically entered into the livestock judging contest.
● Judging scantrons will be handed out by your state advisor or available at the show office.
● NEW THIS YEAR - Parents are permitted to assist rookie participants with their scantron. However, if a parent assists, the participant’s scantron will be marked with a sticker, and the participant will receive only participation points. They are not eligible to place in the top 10 of their division.
● The contest will consist of four cattle classes and two question classes.
● This is an individual contest.
● No talking is allowed.
● No oral reasons will be given
● Please bring your own pencil; clipboards will be provided
● A printable Scantron is available on the Maine-Anjou & Chianina websites for practice
PUBLIC SPEAKING
● Divisions competing are rookie, junior, intermediate and senior.
● Participants must sign up at check-in at the show.
● Speeches are to be the contestant’s original compositions.
● Note cards are allowed.
● Speeches should be no more than 5 minutes long, points will be deducted for going over time.
● NO VISUAL AIDS, but note cards are allowed.
● NEW - Contestants must choose to do their speech over one of the specific topics for their age division below. Contestants have a choice of which topic to select and give their speech over.
JUDGING CRITERIA
● Judge(s) will assess the speeches
● The judge(s) may pose questions at the conclusion of each presentation
SPEECH TOPICS (only choose to give your speech on 1 topic)
● Rookie topics:
○ What I like best about showing cattle?
○ Tell about your first time in the show ring
● Junior topics:
○ What are the most important things to know when purchasing a new heifer?
○ How can beef producers manage and prepare their cattle for extreme weather conditions.
● Intermediate topics:
○ How has sexed semen affected the beef industry?
○ How can social media affect the beef industry, both positively and negatively?
● Senior topics:
○ With the threat of New World Screwworm entering the US, what is at risk and how can the US beef industry respond.
○ What are the benefits to a beef producer of turning in performance data on their cattle and how can that affect their bottom line?
SALESMANSHIP
● Divisions competing are rookie, junior, intermediate and senior.
● Participants must sign up at check-in at the show.
● You will NOT bring your animal to the contest. Contestants attempt to “sell” an animal, genetic opportunity or group of animals of their choice to a group of judges/potential buyers.
● NO PowerPoint presentations allowed.
● No power is provided.
● Suggested information to include in your pitch:
• Copy of registration certificate/Pedigree
• Performance information
• Phenotype
• Breeding information
● The use of visual aids is allowed (Get creative!)
● Sales discussion
● Marketing decisions are dictated by the environment or the customer
● Photo of animal with footnotes, etc
JUDGING CRITERIA
● Judge(s) will listen to a sales presentation
● Judge(s) may ask questions during the presentation
● Contestants will have a 6-minute time limit to complete the sale. Up to 4 minutes of questions could be asked. A timekeeper will notify the contestant when time is up.
● Presentations will be judged on the organization of information and the overall presentation.
TEAM FITTING
● Divisions competing are rookie, junior, intermediate and senior.
● NEW THIS YEAR: Teams will be made up of 4 people.
● Teams must sign up at check-in at the show. Team Fitting teams must provide the names, contestant numbers, and ages (as of Jan. 1 of the current year) of the four contestants during check-in, and the oldest participant determines in which division they compete.
● Once team fitting teams are posted, no team changes will be allowed.
● The animal, fitting equipment, supplies, and power source are the team’s responsibility. Power is not provided, please remember a generator.
● Chutes will be acquired by show staff ahead of the contest.
● NEW - Lights (on the chute or separate) are not allowed.
● Chute assignment is designated by show staff. Equipment must be contained in this area. (Example - Team 1 will be in chute 1, team 2 will be in chute 2.) States/teams may not save chutes.
● NEW - Extension cords should be labeled so we can return equipment to the proper owner at the conclusion of the contest
● Junior, Intermediate & Senior division - Animals must be finished in 30 minutes
● NEW - Rookie Division - Animals must be finished in 20 minutes
● A team-designated member presents the animal for final judging and must wear a harness & number
● A panel of judges will assess the teams.
● No outside assistance is allowed during the competition.
● State sweepstakes points will be awarded to the top 2 teams in each age division. First place - 15 points/contestant; Second place - 10 points/contestant. (Ex. If your team placed first and has a contestant from Iowa, Georgia & South Dakota, each state receives 15 points.)
JUDGING CRITERIA
● Team cooperation – Method – Final product – Top 10 will be announced at the contest
The AJMAA & AJCA recommend using single blowers and 8-ft chutes for the contest. Exhibitors planning to participate in the fitting contest should plan to bring one or both of these items to the show.
QUIZ BOWL
● Divisions competing are rookie, junior, intermediate and senior.
● Contestants must sign up their complete team AT check-in and are required to have a team name that is appropriate. Show staff reserves the right to change team names as needed.
● Quiz Bowl teams must provide the names, contestant numbers and ages (as of Jan. 1 of the current year) of the four contestants during check-in and the oldest participant determines in which division they compete.
● Once team quiz bowl teams are posted, no team changes will be allowed.
● Quiz Bowl teams must have four individuals.
● No spectators will be allowed during the quiz bowl competition.
● Once a team has competed, if they do not advance to the next round, they are not allowed back in the holding area. Teams that have advanced will go to a designated holding area.
● The main objective is to encourage team participation while individuals learn more about the beef industry
● If a team cannot be formed with four members from the same age division, contestants have the option of recruiting a member from another age group However, teams with members from different age groups must compete in the oldest member’s age division
● All point tallies and placings are final upon the completion of the round. Any discrepancies must be addressed before any of the contestants leave the round. The moderator(s) in each room will have final judgment on point totals and rules.
● Quiz Bowl Results will be announced and awards given at the end of the competition.
● State sweepstakes points will be awarded to the top 2 teams in each age division. First place - 15 points/contestant; Second place - 10 points/contestant. (Ex. If your team placed first and has a contestant from Iowa, Georgia & South Dakota, each state receives 15 points.)
JUDGING CRITERIA
● At the beginning of each round, the moderator will ask four questions Family Feud style, and each member of the team will need to answer one question. For example, the first question can be answered ONLY by the first person on either team. The next question must be answered ONLY by the second person on either team and so on.
● Teams will receive one point per correct answer.
● After the family feud round, contestants will be asked another round of questions that can be answered by anyone on the teams. Before answering a question, a contestant must press a button, which triggers a light and a horn The moderator will acknowledge the first person pressing the button Only the called-upon contestant may answer the question
● After the moderator asks each question, teams will have 10 seconds to press the button to answer After being called upon, the contestant will have 10 seconds to respond If someone answers a question before being called upon, that team will lose one point
● Each correct answer earns one point for that team
● If an incorrect answer is given, the other team will be given a chance to answer the question
● Winners will be announced at the contest.
MAINE-ANJOU & CHIANINA SHOWMANSHIP
● Each breed will hold a separate showmanship contest and each contestant will receive 3 points regardless of where they place. If you choose to compete in both Maine & Chi Showmanship you will still only receive the 3 points that will go toward the overall sweepstakes.
● Awards will be presented to the top 1-10 in each breeds contest at the conclusion of the contest.
AJCA SHOWMANSHIP – CHIANINA ORDER - Rookie, Junior, Intermediate, Senior AJMAA SHOWMANSHIP - MAINE ANJOU ORDER – Senior, Rookie, Junior, Intermediate
● Divisions competing are rookie, junior, intermediate and senior.
● Contestants must be a current dues paid member of the AJCA to compete in Chianina Showmanship.
● Contestants must be a current dues paid member of the AJMAA to compete in Maine-Anjou Showmanship
● Contestants who have both a Chianina and Maine entered are encouraged to show their Chianina animal in Chianina showmanship and their Maine animal in Maine showmanship
● CONTEST ONLY juniors with NO cattle entered in the NJHS are allowed to participate in showmanship with an animal entered in the show They must also be a current paid AJCA and/or AJMAA member and have paid the contest only entry fee
● Overall presentation of animal (skill as a showman)
● Exhibitors must show in an exhibitor harness
● No outside assistance allowed during competition.
● Bulls are not allowed in the showmanship contest. If an exhibitor’s only animal is a bull, they may borrow another exhibitor’s animal to participate.
● 1st - 10th place will be announced at the conclusion of each age division.
● This is a no-fit competition.
PARADE OF FLAGS
● This is the state introduction and flag display ceremony during the opening ceremonies.
● A representative from each state should bring their flag/sign and participate.
● All states in attendance must take a photo prior to the opening ceremony.
STATE DISPLAY
● To encourage state unity and togetherness.
● Each state will receive a designated area to put up a display.
● Get creative! You can use this space as a home base for your state. A place to advertise royalty or junior board members or maybe host a level of their own? Sky’s the limit!
● The winning state display will receive 25 points towards the state sweepstakes total.
LITTLES ACTIVITIES
SPONSORED BY TRANS OVA GENETICS
We love our littles! With no minimum age and many young exhibitors, we have decided to offer activities a few afternoons during the junior national week specifically for the littles. For three afternoons, we invite our littles to come and enjoy activities like cookie decorating, cutout coloring, and more! Each activity will last approximately 30-45 minutes, and all necessary items will be provided.
SO, HOW DO YOU SIGN YOUR LITTLE UP FOR THESE ACTIVITIES?
● Create an entry form for your Little in Showorks and select Little's Activity on the online entry form **Please do not add them to a sibling's entry form
● If your Little is also exhibiting an animal, simply add the Little's Activity to their entry form
● Littles activities are open to youth ages 8 & younger
● The cost to participate is $20 for materials (This will include a t-shirt & bag)
● You must sign up for the Littles Activities by May 11
● This is an additional entry fee from your show/contest entry
● Little’s are asked to wear their provided t-shirt on Monday, June 15, during the activity for a picture
INDIVIDUAL SWEEPSTAKES
● Awards will be presented to the top three point-earning rookie, junior, intermediate and senior participants.
● Points awarded in the following competitions are applied toward individual sweepstakes totals:
○ Team Fitting
○ Salesmanship
○ Public Speaking
○ Photography
○ Showmanship - (3 points only)
○ Quiz Bowl (top two teams only)
○ Livestock Judging
○ Videography
● Point distribution scale:
○ First Place - 12
○ Second Place - 10
○ Third Place - 8
○ Fourth Place - 6
○ Fifth Place – 4
○ Participation - 2
STATE SWEEPSTAKES
● Encouraging statewide participation.
● Points awarded in the following competitions are applied toward state sweepstakes totals:
○ Livestock Judging
○ Public Speaking
○ Quiz Bowl
○ Parade of Flags
○ Photography
○ Videography
○ Salesmanship
○ Team Fitting
○ State Display
POINT DISTRIBUTION SCALE
Individual contests (livestock judging, photography, videography, public speaking, salesmanship)
- The top 3 placing individuals in each age division of each contest will earn state sweepstakes points for their state
- First Place - 15 points
- Second Place - 10 Points
- Third Place - 5 Points
- Example - John Doe, KY, places 1st in Rookie Livestock Judging. Kentucky will receive 15 points. Jane Doe, MO, places 3rd in Photography. Missouri will receive 5 points.
Team Contests (Team Fitting and Quiz Bowl)
- The individuals on the top 2 placing teams in each age division of each contest will earn state sweepstakes points for their state.
- First Place - 15 Points
- Second Place - 10 Points
- Example - John Doe, KY, John Smith, TX, John Allen, TX, place 2nd in Rookie Team Fitting. Kentucky will receive 10 points and Texas will receive 20 points.
Other Contests -
- Parade of Flags - Five points/state
- State Display - First: 25 points
● We encourage all states to participate!!
● Any state wanting to participate will bring an item or basket with the theme of their choice
● These items will be part of the annual silent auction
● Half of the proceeds for each item will be donated back to the state association it belongs to; the other half of the proceeds will be given towards the 2027 National Junior Maine-Anjou Show.
MAINE-ANJOU SCHOLARSHIPS, APPLICATIONS &
ADDITIONAL AWARDS
MAINE-ANJOU ALL AROUND SENIOR SCHOLARSHIP
(PRESENTED AT JUNIOR NATIONAL)
$1,000 - CHAMPION - $500 - RESERVE CHAMPION
Sponsored by Alicia Rigdon
● Must be in the Senior Division.
● Can be eligible to win the scholarship more than once.
● Based on participation in both contests and the show.
● Must show and own an animal.
● Must participate in at least 3 contests.
● Showing/owning bred and owned animals will be eligible for double placement points.
● Points are given for all animals shown.
● Points are also given for other participation in Jr. Board activities and Queen Contest
● A tie will be broken by total participation including: number of contests, number of animals shown and number of additional activities
Show placement
Grand Champion in any Owned show -20
Grand Champion in any B&O show - 40
Division Winner in any Owned show - 10
Division Winner in any B&O show - 20
Class Placement Breakdown
1st Place - 5 points
2nd Place - 4 points
3rd Place - 3 points
4th Place - 2 points
5th Place - 1 point
Other Activities
Serving as a Board of Director - 20
Serving as Queen - 15
Running for Board of Director - 15
Running for Queen - 10
Res. Grand Champ in any Owned show - 16
Res. Grand Champion in any B&O show - 32
Res. Division Winner in any Owned show - 8
Res. Division Winner in any B&O show - 16
● Scholarship winners will be announced prior to the selection of the Grand Champion Maine-Anjou female.
● YOU DO NOT APPLY FOR THIS SCHOLARSHIP
VINCENT BLAKLEY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP - (PRESENTED AT JUNIOR NATIONAL)
$500 - CHAMPION
The Vincent Blakley Memorial Scholarship was established in 2020 to honor the late Vincent Blakley. A distinguished beef cattleman, “Vinny” was a mentor to countless youth along the show road and in the Maine-Anjou community. This scholarship was established in his honor and is available to all Maine-Anjou seniors who display the Maine-Anjou family values through herdsmanship and an independent spirit. This scholarship winner will be chosen by the Vincent Blakley Memorial Scholarship committee at this summer’s National Junior Heifer Show.
CODY MCCULLOUGH CLIP, FIT & SHOW LIKE A PRO MEMORIAL AWARD
- (PRESENTED AT JUNIOR NATIONAL)
This award is in memory of American Junior Maine-Anjou Association member, Cody McCullough, Allerton Iowa. Cody loved the junior national, spending time with family friends and Maine-Anjou cattle, but more importantly he loved working with his animals and getting them prepared to the highest level.
A true talent, Cody worked hard at home and reaped those rewards at the show. In his young show career, he enjoyed competing in team fitting and showmanship and mentoring younger junior members and took great pride in exhibiting bred-and-owned cattle in national shows across the country. This memorial is given to deserving youth who embody the same characteristics that Cody had. A love for fitting and clipping, but also exhibiting and showing.
Specifications -
● Senior Division - 13 and over.
● Junior Division - 12 and under.
● Must compete in team fitting and showmanship.
● Can be eligible to win the scholarship more than once.
● Based on participation in both contests and the show
● Must show their own animal.
● Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony
● You do not have to apply for this award.
AJMAA HERDSMAN OF THE YEAR - (PRESENTED AT JUNIOR NATIONAL)
Awarding over $250,000 to Maine-Anjou Youth. Join the Herdsman at the annual Herdsman gathering for more details!
AJMAA IMPORTANT DEADLINES & REMINDERS
MAINE-ANJOU JUNIOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE BY MAY 1, 2026
● A full description of qualifications, eligibility & responsibilities are available on the Maine-Anjou website: https://maine-anjou org/junior/juniornational php
MAINE-ANJOU QUEEN
APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE BY MAY 1, 2026
● A full description of qualifications, eligibility & responsibilities are available on the Maine-Anjou website: https://maine-anjou org/junior/juniornational php
MAINE-ANJOU PRINCESS
APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE BY MAY 1, 2026
● A full description of qualifications, eligibility & responsibilities are available on the Maine-Anjou website: https://maine-anjou.org/junior/juniornational.php
AMAA SCHOLARSHIP
APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE BY MAY 1, 2026
● A full description of qualifications and eligibility are available on the Maine-Anjou website: https://maine-anjou org/junior/juniornational php
JOHN BODDICKER SCHOLARSHIP
APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE BY MAY 1, 2026
● A full description of qualifications and eligibility are available on the Maine-Anjou website: https://maine-anjou.org/junior/juniornational.php
● The All-Around Top Ten will be strictly points based. There is no minimum or maximum number of contests an exhibitor may participate in
● To qualify for the All-Around Champion top award, the junior must exhibit a Chianina animal
● Contestants with more than one animal exhibited in the shows will only have points from their high-point entry used in calculating their All-Around points
● Contest points will be based on how the participant placed in their age division
● Contest (except quiz bowl & team fitting) and class points for All-Around Champion will be calculated as follows: 1st - 12 points; 2nd - 10 points; 3rd - 8 points; 4th - 6 points; 5th - 4 points; Participation - 2 points
● Quiz Bowl & Team Fitting participant points will be calculated as follows with the number of points given to each member of the team: 1st - 5 points; 2nd - 4 points; all remaining teams/participants - 2 participation points.
● Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony.
AJCA HERDSMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD
● To be eligible, you must be an active AJCA member and exhibit an animal at the National Junior Show
● Exhibitors are judged on sportsmanship, presentation of their animal(s) and stall area, participation in events, past involvement in the AJCA and selected by a committee.
Herdsman eligibility requirements:
● Be present at the show the entire duration
● This must be at least the junior’s 3rd Junior National Show
● Must be in the senior age division
● Award presented at the Awards Ceremony.
AJCA IMPORTANT DEADLINES & REMINDERS
AMERICAN CHIANINA ASSOCIATION LADIES AUXILIARY SCHOLARSHIP
APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY APRIL 15, 2026
● https://bit.ly/auxscholarship
CHIANINA JUNIOR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE BY MAY 1, 2026
● A full description of qualifications, eligibility & responsibilities are available on the ACA website
● https://bit ly/ACJABOD26
CHIANINA QUEEN & PRINCESS
APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE BY JUNE 1, 2026
● The cow’s percentage determines where the pair will show.
● Cows MUST be registered Maine-Anjou, MaineTainer or Maine Angus.
● The cow must be owned by the exhibitor at the time the calf is born.
● Both the cow and the calf must be registered SOLELY in the junior exhibitor’s name. Calves (steers, bulls or heifers) must be registered with the AMAA by the day of check-in.
● Cows exhibited with calves at side must be lactating.
● Calves must not be more than 240 days of age at the time of the show.
● Calves may also be shown as individual entries, but will have to have a separate entry and pay that entry fee.
● Cows may be evaluated and screened out of the show on the basis of udder quality.
● Only natural pairs are eligible
● Cow calf pairs must pay two bedding fees (One for the cow, one for the calf)
● If you plan to show in both the bred & owned and owned heifer shows you must enter in both shows We do not assume that because the animal is bred & owned that you want to be in both shows
● Bred and owned entries cannot be out of COMMERCIAL, FOUNDATION or NON-REGISTERED dams. Dams can be registered in a different breed, but the pedigree must be added to the AMAA registry.
● If the dam of a bred & owned entry is from another breed they must have a registration showing ownership on file at the AMAA and that pedigree will need to be added to the AMAA database.
● Exhibitor must be listed as breeder and owner on the original registration certificate on bred and owned entries.
STEERS
● Must be at least 1/4 blood Maine-Anjou and registered solely in the junior’s name
● Steers are shown by weight (Prospect - 900 and below Progress - 901 and above)
● Classes are determined after weigh-in
● Bred & Owned steers will show within the owned steer classes
● Bred & Owned steers must enter in the Bred & Owned AND Owned show to be eligible for both awards.
● Bred & Owned Steers must enter in the owned steer show since they’re held simultaneously.
● Bred and owned entries (Bulls, Steers, and Females) cannot be out of COMMERCIAL, FOUNDATION or NON-REGISTERED dams. Dams can be registered in a different breed, but the pedigree must be added to the AMAA registry.
● If the dam of a bred & owned entry is from another breed they must have a registration showing ownership on file at the AMAA and that pedigree will need to be added to the AMAA database.
● Exhibitor must be listed as breeder and owner on the original registration certificate on bred and owned entries.
MAINETAINER/MAINE ANGUS BULLS
● All bulls exhibited must be Bred & Owned.
● 1/4 - 5/8 MaineTainer / Maine Angus Bulls (Green or Blue paper)
● Bulls must be born on or after Jan. 1, 2025.
● All bulls must have a nose ring or temporary lead in their nose.
● Exhibitor must be listed as breeder and owner on the original registration certificate on bred and owned entries.
● If the dam of a bred & owned animal is from another breed they must have a registration certificate showing ownership and that pedigree will need to be added to the AMAA database.
● If entering a Bred & Owned MaineTainer bull, you will select Bred & Owned MaineTainer Bull.
● Bulls must be TH/PHA free by parents or be free by test. Carriers CANNOT be registered or shown **
● Bred and owned entries (Bulls, Steers, and Females) cannot be out of COMMERCIAL, FOUNDATION or NON-REGISTERED dams. Dams can be registered in a different breed, but the pedigree must be added to the AMAA registry.
● If the dam of a bred & owned entry is from another breed they must have a registration showing ownership on file at the AMAA and that pedigree will need to be added to the AMAA database
● Exhibitor must be listed as breeder and owner on the original registration certificate on bred and owned entries
BRED AND OWNED MAINE-ANJOU BULLS
● All bulls exhibited must be Bred & Owned.
● Must be 75% or greater Maine-Anjou. (Brown paper)
● Bulls must be born on or after Jan. 1, 2025.
● All bulls must have a nose ring or temporary lead in their nose.
● Exhibitor must be listed as breeder and owner on the original registration certificate on bred and owned entries.
● If the dam of a bred & owned animal is from another breed they must have a registration certificate showing ownership and that pedigree will need to be added to the AMAA database.
● If entering a Bred & Owned Maine-Anjou bull, you will select Bred & Owned Maine-Anjou Bull.
● Bulls must be TH/PHA free by parents or be free by test. Carriers CANNOT be registered or shown.**
● Bred and owned entries (Bulls, Steers, and Females) cannot be out of COMMERCIAL, FOUNDATION or NON-REGISTERED dams. Dams can be registered in a different breed, but the pedigree must be added to the AMAA registry.
● If the dam of a bred & owned entry is from another breed they must have a registration showing ownership on file at the AMAA and that pedigree will need to be added to the AMAA database
● Exhibitor must be listed as breeder and owner on the original registration certificate on bred and owned entries
OWNED FULLBLOOD FEMALES
100% Maine-Anjou
FULLBLOODS CLASS BREAKS
CLASS WINNER AWARD
GRAND & RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION OVERALL AWARD
**ADDED MONEY PROVIDED**
OWNED HIGH-PERCENTAGE FEMALES
● 75% - Purebred (Brown paper)
BRED & OWNED HIGH-PERCENTAGE FEMALES
● 75% - Purebred (Brown paper)
● Bred and owned entries cannot be out of COMMERCIAL, FOUNDATION or NON-REGISTERED dams.
● Exhibitor must be listed as breeder and owner on the original registration certificate on bred and owned entries.
● We do not assume that just because an animal is bred & owned that you also want to show it in the owned show. YOU MUST ENTER IN BOTH SHOWS.
● Bred and owned entries (Bulls, Steers, and Females) cannot be out of COMMERCIAL, FOUNDATION or NON-REGISTERED dams. Dams can be registered in a different breed, but the pedigree must be added to the AMAA registry.
● If the dam of a bred & owned entry is from another breed they must have a registration showing ownership on file at the AMAA and that pedigree will need to be added to the AMAA database.
● Exhibitor must be listed as breeder and owner on the original registration certificate on bred and owned entries
OWNED MAINE ANGUS FEMALES
● 3/8 - 5/8 Maine Angus (Blue paper)
● Maine Angus refers to cattle with the following characteristics:
○ The animal will have between 3/8 Maine-Anjou to 5/8 Maine-Anjou blood and have between 3/8 registered Angus to 5/8 registered Angus and/or registered Red Angus blood.
○ A registered Maine Angus female must be proven free of PHA and TH, whether identified by pedigree or test.
COLOR RULE: All qualifying individuals will be predominantly solid black or red in color. White markings are only allowed on the underline and switch of the tail.
● All Maine Angus must be approved for color pattern If your Maine Angus does not have an approved Maine Angus stamp on its paper, it will need to be brought to a designated area to check the tattoo and color pattern
BRED & OWNED MAINE ANGUS FEMALES
● 3/8 - 5/8 Maine Angus (Blue paper)
● Maine Angus refers to cattle with the following characteristics:
○ The animal will have between 3/8 Maine-Anjou to 5/8 Maine-Anjou blood and have between 3/8 registered Angus to 5/8 registered Angus and/or registered Red Angus blood.
○ A registered Maine Angus female must be proven free of PHA and TH, whether identified by pedigree or test.
● Bred and owned entries cannot be out of COMMERCIAL, FOUNDATION or NON-REGISTERED dams.
COLOR RULE: All qualifying individuals will be predominantly solid black or red in color. White markings are only allowed on the underline and switch of the tail
● All Maine Angus must be approved for color pattern If your Maine Angus does not have an approved Maine Angus stamp on its paper, it will need to be brought to a designated area to check tattoo and color pattern
● We do not assume that just because an animal is bred & owned that you also want to show it in the owned show YOU MUST ENTER IN BOTH SHOWS
● Bred and owned entries (Bulls, Steers, and Females) cannot be out of COMMERCIAL, FOUNDATION or NON-REGISTERED dams. Dams can be registered in a different breed, but the pedigree must be added to the AMAA registry.
● If the dam of a bred & owned entry is from another breed they must have a registration showing ownership on file at the AMAA and that pedigree will need to be added to the AMAA database.
● Exhibitor must be listed as breeder and owner on the original registration certificate on bred and owned entries.
OWNED MAINETAINER FEMALES
● 1/4 - 5/8 Maine-Anjou (Green paper)
BRED & OWNED MAINETAINER FEMALES
● 1/4 - 5/8 Maine-Anjou (Green paper)
● Bred and owned entries cannot be out of COMMERCIAL, FOUNDATION or NON-REGISTERED dams
● Exhibitor must be listed as breeder and owner on the original registration certificate on bred and owned entries
● We do not assume that just because an animal is bred & owned that you also want to show it in the owned show YOU MUST ENTER IN BOTH SHOWS
● Bred and owned entries (Bulls, Steers, and Females) cannot be out of COMMERCIAL, FOUNDATION or NON-REGISTERED dams. Dams can be registered in a different breed, but the pedigree must be added to the AMAA registry.
● If the dam of a bred & owned entry is from another breed they must have a registration showing ownership on file at the AMAA and that pedigree will need to be added to the AMAA database.
● Exhibitor must be listed as breeder and owner on the original registration certificate on bred and owned entries.
CHIANINA SHOW INFORMATION
Divisions showing on Wednesday, June 17th - SHOW BEGINS AT 8:45 A.M. (note updated start time)
Prospect Steers
Bred & Owned Bulls
Progress Steers
Bred & Owned Chianina Females
Bred & Owned Chi-Composite Females
Bred & Owned Chiangus Females
Owned Chiangus Females
Divisions showing on Thursday, June 18th - SHOW BEGINS AT 8 A.M.
Owned Chianina Females
Owned Chi-Composite Females
Supreme Breeding Animal - at the conclusion of the final show of the day.
CHIANINA DIVISION BREAKS & SHOW AWARDS
HEIFERS (OWNED AND BRED & OWNED) (May 2024 - May 2026)
(CHIANGUS, CHIANINA & CHI-COMPOSITE)
Late Junior Calf (April-May 2026)
Late Junior Calf Champion/Reserve Late Junior Calf Champion
Early Junior Calves (January - March 2026)
Early Junior Calf Champion/Reserve Early Junior Calf Champion
PAIRS (OWNED AND BRED & OWNED) (Older than May 2024 with a calf at side (CHIANGUS, CHIANINA & CHI-COMPOSITE)
Grand Champion Cow/Calf Pair
Reserve Grand Champion Cow/Calf Pair
New – Cow/Calf pairs will have their own show and a Grand Champion & Reserve Grand Champion Pair will be selected for each show. The pair will be eligible to show for the Supreme Champion Chianina Breeding Animal Award.
STEER (OWNED AND BRED & OWNED)
CLASS WINNER AWARD and GRAND & RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION AWARD
BULLS (BRED
&
OWNED ONLY)
(CHIANINA, CHIANGUS & CHI-COMPOSITE)
CLASS WINNER AWARD and GRAND & RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION OVERALL AWARD
CHIANINA SHOW CLASSIFICATIONS
% RULE FOR CHI CATTLE – Breeding cattle must have a minimum of 6.25% Chianina blood to participate in ACA nationally sponsored shows such as the NJHS. This rule does NOT apply to Steers or Chi-Composite heifer shows.
OWNED FEMALE SHOW
● CHIANGUS - All registered Chiangus and Red Chiangus (1CA, 2CA & PCA) females with 6.25% Chianina or more are eligible.
● CHIANINA - All registered Chianina & Chiford females with 6.25% or more Chianina are eligible
● CHI COMPOSITE – All registered females that fall under 6.25% Chianina blood are eligible.
● ITALIAN FULLBLOOD & HIGH PERCENTAGE - All registered females 50% Chianina blood and higher (including fullblood). If 10 heifers are shown, a grand and reserve champion will be selected in this show.
● COW/CALF PAIRS- All Shows
○ Calves exhibited in the cow/calf division are not allowed to show in individual classes. All cows and calves must be registered with the ACA. The maximum age for calves is 260 days. No maximum age limit on the cows. The registration category of the cow determines the division in which the pair shows. Calves shown at the cow’s side must be the cow’s natural calf The exhibitor may be asked to allow the calf to nurse the cow
○ Cow/Calf Pairs MUST pay 2 bedding fees (one for the cow and one for the calf)
○ A Grand Champion Cow/Calf Pair will be selected in each show They will not show against heifers for champion
○ Champion Cow/Calf Pairs are eligible for the Supreme Breeding Animal Show
BRED & OWNED FEMALE and BULL SHOW
● CHIANGUS - All registered Chiangus and Red Chiangus (1CA, 2CA & PCA) females with 6.25% Chianina or more are eligible.
● CHIANINA - All registered Chianina & Chiford females with 6 25% or more Chianina are eligible
● CHI COMPOSITE – All registered females that fall under 6 25% Chianina blood are eligible
● BULLS - NEW THIS YEAR - There will be a bull division for Chiangus, Chianina & Chi-Composite
○ Age requirement for bulls: calved after Jan 1, 2025
○ CHIANGUS - All registered Chiangus & Red Chiangus Bulls (1CA, 2CA, PCA) with 6 25% Chianina or more are eligible
○ CHIANINA - All registered Chianina & Chiford bulls with 6 25% or more Chianina are eligible
○ CHI-COMPOSITE – All registered bulls that fall under 6 25% Chianina blood are eligible
● Please note on heifers: We do not assume that just because an animal is bred & owned that you also want to show it in the owned show or vice versa. YOU MUST ENTER IN BOTH SHOWS.
● Entries that list the junior member as breeder and first owner, or are owned in a sibling membership are eligible for bred & owned.
● If the animal is owned in a sibling membership, the following must apply:
○ Each sibling must have an active individual membership.
○ At the time of entry for the NJHS, it will be designated which junior will be exhibiting the animal for bred & owned via entry forms submitted.
○ The animal must be exhibited by the same junior for the entire show season (May-April) in order to qualify for bred & owned.
○ Animals may not be co-owned with a farm or adult member.
○ Calves born to bred females that are transferred from one sibling to the joint sibling membership will still qualify as bred and owned to any of the siblings in the joint membership.
○ If the animal is exhibited in both the bred & owned and owned shows, the same junior member MUST enter and show the calf in both shows.
● Dams must be registered with the ACA.
● Embryo calves do NOT qualify unless the exhibitor owned the donor cow.
● Foundation and commercial dams do NOT qualify unless the exhibitor can show proof of ownership of the dam prior to breeding
STEER SHOW
● All steers must be registered with the ACA in the junior exhibitor’s name by the entry deadline of May 1, 2026. Additionally, all steers must be weaned.
● No percentage requirement.
● Steer tattoos must be legible and match the registration papers.
● There will be two divisions:
○ Prospect Steers – 900 lbs & lighter
○ Progress Steers - 901 lbs and heavier
● Steers MUST adhere to and abide by the same fitting and grooming regulations as breeding cattle
CLASS BREAKS WILL BE DETERMINED AFTER CHECK-IN THERE WILL BE NO DIVISIONS
Bred & Owned Champions will also be selected and will show simultaneously with owned steers but you must sign up for Bred & Owned & Owned entry in order to receive awards in both shows
SUPREME CHIANINA BREEDING ANIMAL
● The Grand Champion breeding animal from each show (Heifers, Pairs & Bulls - Owned and Bred & Owned) is eligible to compete for the Supreme Chianina Breeding Animal title at the show. This show will take place following the conclusion of the last female show on Thursday, June 17, 2026.
● Steers are not eligible
● The Supreme Champion Breeding Animal will be awarded with a traveling trophy and the exhibitor will receive a $5,000 cash scholarship
● The show will be judged by the two NJHS judges plus an additional third judge
