Wearing the iconic red coat of Miss American Angus for the first time, Claire Murnin can’t seem to stop smiling, because she says this moment is actually a dream come true.
For any who might think she’s exaggerating, the Montana junior has a photo. She has not even started her own National Junior Angus Association membership in the image, smiling next to Sally Yon, who was Angus royalty at the time.
“What you don’t see in the photo is there’s a princess Barbie in my hand,” Murnin says. “I was the girl who loved princesses growing up, and I loved Angus cattle. To see Sally go from being in the show ring and being an active showman to then being royalty in my eyes, that was amazing.”
Murnin was crowned recently during the 2025 National Angus Convention after a competition that included public speaking and an interview process. Today, as an 18-year-old, Murnin knows there’s more to this title than just a talent on the end of a show halter and donning a shiny crown.
“Now as I look at Miss American Angus, I see how much she’s really able to be a representation of our breed,” she explains. “The role has shifted, and I think that it’s so important for not only those little girls that look up to you as royalty but then also those older girls to show how you can be a leader and be involved.”
The Pompeys Pillar resident is also currently serving the entire state of Montana as the president of Montana FFA. She’s coupling that responsibility with online courses at Montana State University Billings, where Murnin is studying animal science on a pre-law track. She has hopes of serving as an agriculture lobbyist one day, as she says she foresees herself serving as a resource and advocate for the industry.
Clearly the Big Sky State is a big part of her core identity, and that truth even shines as she wears the crown of Miss American Angus. She’s the first from her state to serve in this capacity.
With all her different leadership roles and classwork filling up her calendar, Murnin says now more than ever she’ll be leaning on her support team.
She says her parents, Julie and Jared, have consistently been on board with all her plans, always finding ways to help her achieve her goals. Her brother, too, helps in big ways behind the scenes. While Cooper has jokingly dubbed himself a coat rack, Murnin says he’s always been the work horse at home that keeps the cattle in line while she’s traveling.
Looking to the busy year ahead, Murnin has nothing but excitement.
It’ll be a chance to give back to the industry that built her. With her servant’s heart, there’s no doubt some little girl holding a princess Barbie will get own photo with the first ever Miss American Angus from Montana.
Find Murnin in the crown, red blazer and sash during her travels as Miss American Angus this year. For more information about the American Angus Auxiliary-sponsored contest, visit www.angusauxiliary.com.
