Boarders Inn & Suites - Grand Island
3333 Ramada Road,Grand Island, NE
Room Code: Maine - Chi Junior National
P: (308) 384-5150 - Must call to make reservations.
Rate: $139
Cancellation or Changes to Arrival/Departure Dates must be made by 4 pm, 72 hours prior to arrival.
3.7 Miles from Fairgrounds.
Ramada Midtown Conference Center
2503 S. Locust St., Grand Island, NE 68801
Room Code: Maine - Chi Junior National
Booking Link: https://bit.ly/2026RamadaMidtown
P: (308) 384-1330
Rate: $159
2.5 Miles from Fairgrounds.
Springhill Suites Grand Island - BRAND NEW IN 2025
3604 Prairieview St., Grand Island, NE 68803
Booking Link: https://bit.ly/2026SpringhillSuites
P: 308-403-0700
Rate: $209
5.9 Miles from Fairgrounds
Camping
P: (308) 382-4515 - Must call to make reservations.
Rate: $55/Night - Full hookup. (Water, Sewer, Electric)
Due to the nature of hotel room blocks and the attrition associated with them, the following hotels are the only ones with reserved room blocks for the Maine/Chi Junior National. Additional hotels are available in Grand Island; however, with sports complexes and other events taking place in the area, rooms fill quickly. Once these blocks are full, no additional hotels will be added. We strongly recommend booking early.
More information coming soon!
More information coming soon!
Jack Ward started with the American Hereford Association in 2003 and currently serves as the executive vice-president. Jack received his bachelor of science degree in Agriculture Economics from Purdue University, and an Associates of Science degree from Black Hawk College, East Campus. Jack and his wife Mary Ann have two grown sons and together with their sons, they operate Ward Brothers Livestock. Ward has traveled around the United States and into 7 different countries to judge livestock shows and present lectures on beef cattle genetic improvement.
Skyler Scotten hails from Nevada, Missouri, where he grew up on a diversified livestock operation. His family continues to raise show cattle, sheep, and goats, and they enjoy working with exhibitors across the country. He received a bachelor’s degree in animal science and a master’s degree in ruminant nutrition. Skyler currently resides in Lubbock, Texas, where he is a Ph.D. candidate and Livestock Judging Coach at Texas Tech University. His research focuses on phenotypic measures of mature beef cows and how these traits relate to efficiency and sustainability across varying environments and regions of the United States.
Ed and Mandy Raithel of Falls City, Nebraska, have a lifetime of cattle experience across multiple breeds, stockmanship, and industry involvement. Together, they have managed Herbster Angus Farms for the last 28 years, where they focus on building cattle that combine structural integrity, maternal strength, and real-world performance. Their Angus and Simmental programs emphasize cattle that work in practical environments while still competing at a high level in today’s industry. They manage 300 head of cows and have a bull sale each spring. Mandy is a dedicated cattlewoman and entrepreneur, known for her attention to detail, discipline, and eye for presentation—qualities that translate directly into the show ring. Ed is deeply rooted in cattle production, with a strong understanding of phenotype, functionality, and the kind of cattle that stand the test of time. His practical, no-nonsense approach to evaluation has earned respect across multiple facets of the business. As parents and mentors, Ed and Mandy are passionate about investing in the next generation of cattlemen and women. They believe showmanship is about more than winning banners—it is about developing work ethic, confidence, and pride in doing things right. They are honored to evaluate this year’s exhibitors and look forward to watching the future of the beef industry compete in the ring.
Quick Links:
Showmanship
Public Speaking
Salesmanship
Photography
Videography
2025 Quiz Bowl Study Guide
2025 Livestock Judging
Household & Cleaning Supplies:
• Paper towels
• Toilet paper
• Disinfectant wipes
• Swiffer pads
• Trash bags (13-gallon and large black bags)
• Febreze or other air fresheners
• Universal cleaner
• Windex
• Hand soaps
Personal Care & Health:
• Kleenex
• Baby wipes
• Laundry detergent (pods)
• Dryer sheets
• Tylenol (adult and children’s)
• Luffas
• Razors
• Shaving cream
• Body wash (travel size)v
• Shampoo and conditioner (travel size)
Food & Beverages:
• Drinks and snacks for kids
• Canned foods (all types)
• Boxed dinners (all types)
• All food to refill our food pantry
Everyday & Office Supplies:
• AAA batteries
• Phone chargers (all types)
• Highlighters
• Sticky notes
• Pens
• Scissors
• Staplers
• Notebooks
Safe Home Items:
• New pillows
• Hand towels and bath towels (new)
• Rake for leaves
• Leaf bags
• Storage container bins
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