2027 Junior National – June 18-24, Louisville, Ky

General Information


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General Rules

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Shows

More information coming soon!

Contest Rules

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Exhibitor Handbook

Judges


Jack Ward, Missouri

  • Owned Maine-Anjou Females
  • Owned Maine Angus Females
  • Bred & Owned MaineTainer Females
  • Bred & Owned Bulls
  • Prospect Steers

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, Texas

  • Owned MaineTainer Females
  • Bred & Owned Maine-Anjou Females
  • Bred & Owned Maine Angus Females
  • Fullblood Females
  • Progress Steers

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 & Mandy Raithel - Showmanship

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.