Taking on the role of advisors for the Louisiana Junior Angus Association (LJAA) in 2018, Kurt and Angie LeBeouf have dedicated themselves wholeheartedly to guiding junior Angus members throughout the state. Ask anyone the couple has spent time with, and they’ll say, Kurt and Angie are the epitome of Louisiana hospitality.
“As long as I have shown, I have not known a junior to view them as their advisor,” Kara Nesom said. “Though it is their title, everyone views them as family. They value having such personal connections with each child that no junior ever goes unnoticed.”
With a blend of patience, organization and investment in each junior member’s success, they have helped to increase junior involvement on both a state and national level; amplified fundraising efforts; played an integral part in hosting events such as the 2024 Leaders Engaged in Angus Development Conference (LEAD) and the 2025 Eastern Regional Angus Show; and sparked renewed energy for the Louisiana junior program, earning them the title of Advisor of the Year at the 2025 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on July 5, 2025.
“Advisor of the year, wow,” Angie LeBeouf said. “The fact that parents and juniors took time out of their schedule to write a letter to nominate us was the most humbling. We know that we would not have received this award if it had not been for our amazing juniors. They sure do make us look good.”
She continued, “When you ask what it means to us, it means we did something right along the way, we hopefully made an impact in a life and that sure does feel good to know.”
Their dedication speaks volumes about the impact they’ve made, not only through their efforts behind the scenes but through the relationships they’ve built. That impact hasn’t gone unnoticed by those around them, especially within Louisiana Angus.
“The LeBeoufs have gone beyond that of typical advisors,” said Jennifer Ourso Straney, chair of the Louisiana Angus Auxiliary. “They have extended helping hands to children across the state who need assistance or may not have the resources to participate.”
As parents of former NJAA members and long-time supporters of the Angus breed, the LeBeoufs bring extensive experience and passion to their advisor roles. They work tirelessly to educate youth on the importance of leadership, livestock and active participation, ensuring each junior has the tools to thrive both in and out of the ring. From organizing travel to coordinating educational events and contests, they are the driving force behind the LJAA’s success and continued growth.
“Whether it is helping fill out applications, physically bringing a child to a show, or just simply giving advice and encouragement before entering the ring, they have served as a second set of parents to some junior members,” Ourso Straney explained.
Kurt and Angie’s mentorship extends to every aspect of junior involvement, including hands-on guidance with scholarship applications and public speaking practice. They lead with enthusiasm and passion, encouraging new members to step into leadership roles and ensuring juniors have opportunities to shine on the national level.
“The LeBeoufs are committed to showcasing the best of Louisiana, from the people to its hospitality,” Ourso Straney said.
Their commitment to community and service is evident in every event and junior they support. Whether lending a helping hand or offering a word of encouragement, the LeBeoufs embody the spirit of servant leaders, always willing to go above and beyond to create meaningful experiences for youth in Louisiana.”
“When Kurt and Angie took on the role of advisors for Louisiana, they came in wanting to provide opportunities for all juniors in the state and increase the involvement in their state,” said Caitlyn Brandt, American Angus Association® director of events and junior activities. “Kurt and Angie’s daughters found their place within the Angus family, and I think that’s why they have always had the mindset of “what can we do to help?”. This attitude was evident when they hosted the 2025 Eastern Regional Junior Angus Show and Angie was making awards in their living room. Or their involvement and hospitality in the 2024 LEAD Conference.”
“Even now that Lani and Kara have both aged out of the junior Angus associations, the LeBeoufs are still serving as advisors,” Brandt explains about this year’s award winner. “They have a passion for Angus and a passion for juniors, so it was a perfect fit.”
Their unwavering support and exceptional leadership are transforming the LJAA into a leading junior program. For their impact and heartfelt dedication, Kurt and Angie LeBeouf are more than deserving of this recognition, as they are undoubtedly the heartbeat of the Louisiana Junior Angus family.
The Advisor of the Year award was started in 1980 to recognize the incredible work of state advisors for their respective junior Angus associations and their contributions to supporting Angus youth.
For additional photos of winners, contact the Communications Department at prcomm@angus.org. View results of the 2025 NJAS, including shows, contests, awards and scholarships at www.njas.info. Additional coverage is also available on theNJAA Facebook page and in the September issue of the Angus Journal.
