Angus breeders and beef industry enthusiasts gathered in Kansas City, Missouri, Oct. 31- Nov. 2 for the 2025 Angus Convention; and three fortunate individuals left with grand prizes to help them expand their operations’ potential.
Though some may consider it the luck of the draw, Dale Jenkins of Texas said winning the Trans Ova grand-prize giveaway package couldn’t have come at a better time. After experiencing a devastating loss of land in the Smokehouse Creek fires in 2024, and the destruction of several key structures when tornadoes hit their operation’s headquarters in 2025, the prize is a timely blessing in a season of renewal.
“I’m a small seedstock producer, and we lost so many acres in the fires, so I’m in the rebuilding phase,” said Jenkins.
The Trans Ova service voucher offers advanced reproductive technology, including one genetic preservation, an IVF cycle, and up to five fresh implants into Trans Ova or client recipients. Though Jenkins hasn’t utilized embryo transfer in his herd since 2014, he recently explored the value and potential these tools would bring to his operation.
“I was already thinking last spring that I needed some embryos frozen, but I didn’t have any recipient cows lined up,” he said. “While I’m still facing the challenge of rebuilding our facilities and fencing, building our herd is the good kind of challenge I’m looking forward to. It’s going to be perfectly timed for our operation.”
The second grand prize give-away winner was Doug Velisek of Maryland, who took home a John Deere Gator™ XUV 845M Crossover Utility Vehicle, valued at $20,250. Doug and his wife Pam know first-hand the value a utility vehicle has on their cattle operation.
“We have a small one now, and it really is an everyday piece of machinery for us,” Velisek said. With wet ground in the East, using larger equipment proves too heavy for most day-to-day chores.
“We put a cube feeder on the back, spray fencelines, drag pasture, and use it to take people out to look at cattle when they come to visit,” Velisek said. “It really is a special part of our farm.”
A new Priefert Model S04 Squeeze Chute will be added to the cattle handling system at Braden and Elisabeth Forker’s facilities near Columbus, Nebraska. The Forkers recently began building their own cow-calf operation, alongside Elisabeth’s veterinary practice, and are eager to expand with the addition of the new equipment, which is valued at $7,161.
Priefert is a long-standing partner of the American Angus Association and its members. Sara Rader, marketing and communications specialist for Priefert, says the relationship is built on shared values, mutual trust, and a commitment to supporting the cattle industry.
“For decades, Priefert equipment has played a role in helping Angus producers work safer, smarter, and more efficiently, and this partnership continues to create real value for members by connecting them with reliable tools that support the success of their operations,” Rader said. “We’re proud to stand alongside the American Angus Association and its members as we work together to strengthen the future of the beef industry.”
Caitlyn Brandt, director of events and junior activities said these giveaways would not be possible without the continued support of these three sponsors.
“We value the partnership of John Deere, Trans Ova, and Priefert and know our members use these brands on their operations regularly,” she said. “These giveaway packages contribute to our members’ success in more ways than one, and we’re grateful for the continued support these sponsors provide to Angus breeders.”
