Fifteen junior showmen from across the country stood in the center of Broadbent Arena. Filled with anticipation, they would soon learn who would earn the prestigious title of champion showman of the 2026 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS).
For Ashton Dillow of Villa Ridge, Illinois, years of dedication to the show ring paid off in a single unforgettable moment. With junior members eagerly awaiting the results, her name was called as champion of the 2026 National Junior Angus Showmanship Contest.
“This win is special to me because I went to my first junior nationals in 2018, and I can remember sitting there watching the showmanship contest and I was like, ‘This is something I want to do,’” Dillow said. “Now it’s finally here, and I’m so glad that over the years I’ve learned what I have from this association. I’m just thankful.”
After being announced the winner, Dillow was immediately greeted with hugs and tears from her grandparents, cousins and other supporters.
“The first people that I saw after they announced my name were my grandparents,” Dillow said. “They’ve raised me to be who I am, and I’m just so thankful for them. They do everything for me, and I wouldn’t be here without them.”
Reflecting on her win, Dillow noted the achievement is exciting, but the people are the most valuable part of the experience.
“It’s not about the wins and the banners,” Dillow said. “Yes, they mean a lot, but at the end of the day, it’s the people who are with you.”
The NJAS showmanship contest requires participants to first qualify at the state level. Each state sends only two junior representatives to compete nationally each year, and members have just one opportunity to participate during their junior career. With limited spots and a one-time eligibility rule, the contest carries significant prestige and is considered one of the most competitive events in the industry.
Contestants were evaluated by Wravenna Bloomberg of Secor, Illinois; Chance Myers of Niles, Michigan; and Hannah Tolbert of Harrodsburg, Kentucky. Chuck Grove of Forest, Virginia, served as surrogate judge for the contest.
These industry leaders faced the challenging responsibility of evaluating an exceptionally talented group of junior members throughout the contest’s multiple rounds. Judges assess each participant’s proficiency in show ring etiquette and sportsmanship, animal handling, proper equipment use and ability to follow directions.
Following the initial four heats, 15 showmen earn a spot in the final round, where judges determine the top five overall winners.
Joining Dillow in the top five were: second place, Brenna Bartlow, Illinois; third place, Addison Ward, Missouri; fourth place, Bryanna Smith, Kentucky; fifth place, Houston Ferree, Indiana.
The remaining showmen selected in the top 15, in alphabetical order, were:
Cambria Cook, Calif.
Jenna Hetzel, Minn.
JessaLynn Hudson, Neb.
Cale Jensen, Iowa
Avery Kimble, Colo.
Kaylee Langford, Texas
Eliza Rosenhagen, Kan.
Keely Shultz, Ga.
Cassidy Sill, Md.
Madison Stratton, Va.
The following juniors were recognized as honorable mentions:
Allie Howell, Ind.
Daisy Trowbridge, N.Y.
Samantha VanVorhis, Ohio
Each year the champion showman at NJAS is presented the Dean Hurlbut Award, named after the man who organized the first National Junior Angus Showmanship Contest in 1967. Hurlbut coordinated the contest until his retirement from the American Angus Association in July 2000, Through support from his family and memorial contributions, the award continues to honor his legacy with a $500 scholarship presented to the Champion Senior Showman and a $400 scholarship awarded to the Reserve Senior Showman.
Also, juniors placing in the top five are presented the Hamilton “Ham” James Award. Established in 1983 by friends of its namesake, the endowment honors his lasting contributions to the Angus industry by providing monetary awards.
View results of the 2026 NJAS, including shows, contests, awards and scholarships at www.njas.info. Additional coverage is also available on the NJAA social media channels and in the September issue of the Angus Journal.
