by Chloe Tolar, ASA intern
Seventeen outstanding AJSA members are recipients of the prestigious Gold and Silver Merit Awards, presented by the American Simmental Association (ASA).
The American SimmentalSimbrah Foundation (ASF) established Merit Awards in 1981 to recognize AJSA members who have made significant contributions to their home, school, community, and the Simmental or Simbrah breeds. The winners were announced at the 2025 National Classic held in Madison, Wisconsin. The ASF offers three award levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. The Gold Merit Award recipients will each receive a $5,000 scholarship, and the Silver Merit Award recipients will receive $2,500 to support their postsecondary education.
Gold Recipients
Aribella Beins is a senior at Utah State University, studying Agricultural Communications. She considers her passion for the Simmental breed, as well as the AJSA, to be one of the biggest influences on her life. Having shown cattle since she was eight years old, Aribella hopes to continue her involvement with the Simmental breed by raising her own herd. She says, “My family has been raising cattle ever since I was born and so I’ve always been part of it. I’ve watched my sisters come through it all. I wouldn’t be who I am without it.”
She plans to pursue a career in pharmaceutical sales with an emphasis in cattle. Having competed in all the contests at the National Classic from a very young age, Aribella has seen the most personal growth through Public Speaking. “I’ve grown and learned the most from it. I always dreaded it. I don’t love speaking in public and so that one always made me nervous. I feel like I’ve grown so much from doing that contest and this Association has aided that process. Being on the Board and getting myself out of my comfort zone is a big thing they’ve helped me with.”
When asked “Why Simmental?” Aribella says, “I feel like the environment of the Simmental breed is like no other. That reflects on the core families who are still doing it today. There are so many relationships that have grown, it’s very interactive, and people come together easily. It never feels closed off. Once you find your people, you can’t stay away from it.”
Jazlynn Hilbrands is a junior at South Dakota State University, studying Agricultural Business with a minor in Human Resources. She has been showing cattle for the past nine years and her first National Classic was in 2016. Jazlynn hopes to continue sharing her passion for the Simmental breed by helping her family’s operation, as well as other juniors who are just getting started. “I try to help kids from my state where I can. Whether they’re new or looking for advice, I try to help. It’s been cool to see other kids gain the same skills that I got to learn. I want to continue to help.” She says.
Jazlynn is very passionate about the Cattleman’s Quiz at the National Classic, especially since winning the Cattleman’s Quiz contest in 2024. “When I started, I thought I wouldn’t care about it. But it sparks your interest to find things that you enjoy, even if you didn’t mean to. I love the quizzes so much. I love studying for them and learning. If I was never presented the opportunity to learn those things, I don’t think I would’ve.”
She is appreciative of the skills she has gained during her time with the AJSA. She says, “I think a lot of the skills I have today stemmed from my time with the AJSA. They’ve done a lot for the juniors in that aspect. You don’t even realize that you’ve gained the skills because it feels like you’ve just had them your entire life. Yes, it’s about the cattle but I think the contests are such a good way to notice people who have a lot of the qualities that you need in this industry to be successful.”
Cecillia Newby is a senior at Kansas State University, studying Agricultural Policy and Animal Science. She has been showing Simmental cattle with the AJSA for the past nine years. Her family’s involvement with Simmental runs deep, with her grandpa raising Simmentals since the late 60s. Cecillia plans to attend Washburn University to become an agricultural attorney, and then to return to her hometown in Oswego, Kansas, and open her own practice.
Cecilla has competed in all of the National Classic contests from the beginning of her time with the Association. She mentions, “People overlook what happens behind the scenes when preparing for the contests. Studying for the quizzes, the determination and self-motivation you have because someone isn’t sitting there telling you to study for a test. The hard work and dedication doesn’t always get highlighted in the show ring or in the awards ceremony, but it’s something that every member is gaining.”
Cecillia is passionate about the contests at the National Classic. She says, “This is a way for members to have a grasp of what’s going on in the beef industry and agriculture. They can work on the personal connections and skills that they can use in the real world. I didn’t always bring cattle to the National Classic. I think a lot of people see it as just a cattle show, but it’s a great thing that we have this and a great way for members to connect and see things outside of the show ring.”
Natalie Trauernicht is a senior at the University of Nebraska, studying Agricultural Economics. She has been part of her family’s Simmental operation all her life and has shown cattle for the past 11 years. “We just hit 50 years of raising Simmental cattle. My grandpa started it.” Natalie says. She hopes to continue her grandpa’s legacy and keep his passion alive. “I want to show people that it’s more than a price tag, a pretty cow, all of that. It’s about the people, the legacy you leave behind, and the cattle thing is so much bigger than just cows. It’s bigger than the banners and buckles, it’s about the community that’s built.”
Through her involvement with the AJSA, Natalie has competed in showing cattle and contests at the National Classic. She expresses deep appreciation for the opportunity to compete and succeed in the National Classic contests. Natalie says, “In 2018, I won the Sales Talk contest. That was the highlight of my life. You can go out in the ring, get a slap, and it feels great. But when it’s you that does the winning because of a skill that you’ve been taught, something you can use in the real world, it feels like so much more. There is nothing in this world that’s more valuable than the skills I’ve learned through the AJSA.”
Anna Webel is a junior at Kansas State University, studying Animal Science. She has shown Simmental cattle for the past 11 years, competing at the state and national level. She hopes to build her own herd of Simmental cattle, along with staying involved in her family’s operation as long as she can. Anna has been intimately involved with the AJSA board, serving as a trustee for the past two years and beginning her second term this year. Anna says, “From the first moment at my first National Classic, I knew I wanted to be on the board.”
She has also worked closely with her state association, serving as treasurer on the state board. “I wouldn’t be where I am right now without the IJSA. The people behind it are awesome. There’s that same family aspect with the AJSA and being on the board.”
Anna expresses gratitude for the professional and personal development she has seen in competing in the National Classic contests. She says, “I wouldn’t be the livestock evaluator that I am without livestock judging. I gave my first set of reasons at the National Classic. The doors for college, show, and being an All American in Junior College were opened because of my start with the AJSA.”
Anna says, “I think that the Foundation is incredible at giving back to juniors. They recognize people who go above and beyond and do their best. This has always been something I’ve wanted to accomplish; I’m so grateful.”
Silver Recipients
Daniel Campbell has been involved with the Virginia Junior Simmental Association for the past 12 years, as well as an active leader in the Nelson, Virginia, FFA chapter. One of his recommenders described him as “The perfect example of how hard work and diligence pays off.”
A rising junior at Virginia Tech, Daniel is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Animal Production. He is an active member of the Block and Bridle club, Young Farmers at Virginia Tech, the Beef Leadership Council, and will begin with the Virginia Tech Livestock Judging team in the fall.
Daniel hopes to pursue a career in livestock photography or videography and marketing.
Kallie Cloud has been a member of the Missouri Junior Simmental Association for 11 years, serving as the secretary, junior board member, princess, queen, and a committee member of the Award and Fundraising committee for both ASJA Regional Classic events. “Exceptional dedication, leadership capabilities, and strong passion for the agricultural industry,” are a few of the qualities she is described with.
She has a deep desire to stay involved with her family’s business and looks forward to the future of their herd. Kallie is a sophomore at Crowder College, studying Agricultural Business. Her goal is to eventually return and help run Cloud’s Meats alongside her oldest sister.
Ellie Drach is a member of the Illinois Junior Simmental Association and has been for 11 years. She has served as chair for the organization of the state preview show and open show, as well as chair for awards at each show. It is said that “Ellie is an excellent role model for younger junior members and an example to her peers of what a person can accomplish with will, determination, and perseverance.”
She is a sophomore at Oklahoma State University, working toward a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science. She hopes to pursue a career in meat science. Ellie is working to grow her livestock therapy business that she began in high school.
Luke Gilbert is enrolled to attend Southeast Linemen Training Center in Trenton, Georgia, to pursue his goal of becoming a lineman after high school graduation. He is described as “a student who brings a sense of enthusiasm and light to any room that he walks in.”
After completing his studies, he hopes to return home, work for an electrical cooperative, and continue to raise Simmental cattle. Luke has been involved with the Illinois Junior Simmental Association for the last ten years and served as the junior board membership chairman.
Noah Goss has been part of the Kansas Junior Simmental Association for the last ten years and has served as a junior board member and the social media and communications director. She is described as “a quality young lady with a love for SimGenetics and for people. Undeniably, she is quite passionate about the Simmental breed, its Associations, and its general improvement.”
After finishing her associate’s degree at Lake Land College, she will transfer to Kansas State University to study Animal Science. Noah hopes to stay involved with the agricultural industry by taking on leadership roles. She plans to stay engaged with the Simmental breed by raising and promoting the breed through her own operation.
Brock Henderson has served as the southwest representative, at-large representative, and president during his time involved with the Iowa Junior Simmental Association. “He approaches challenges with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn, which has earned him the respect of both his peers and mentors,” shared one of his recommenders.
Brock has just finished his freshman year at Iowa State University where he is pursuing a degree in Ag Studies with an emphasis in Agronomy and Crop Production. He hopes to work in the ag chem field while continuing his involvement with his family’s cattle operation.
Garrett Jones has been involved with the Texas Junior Simmental Simbrah Association for seven years. He currently serves as the east region director for the Association. He is said to consistently demonstrate strong leadership skills, academic excellence, and a genuine enthusiasm for the agriculture industry.
Garrett is a rising junior in high school and plans to attend Texas A&M University. He plans to pursue a degree in Agribusiness and continue his studies to get an MBA. His long-term goal is to pursue a career in financial advising to financially support his own cattle herd. He has a passion for the breed and wants to contribute to the future of its growth.
Riley Mahaffey is an active member of the New York Simmental Association. In her four years of involvement she has served as secretary and president. “What distinguishes Riley is not only her academic and professional talents, but also her integrity and ability to connect with others and challenge those around her to go beyond the status quo in pursuit of something greater.”
She is a junior in high school and hopes to pursue a degree in Sales and Marketing from Purdue University. She hopes to manage or own a seedstock operation and host production sales. She desires to make a positive impact on both individual operations along with the beef industry as a whole.
Emma Massey has been a member of the Mississippi Simmental Simbrah Junior Association for six years, and has served as princess, a fundraising committee volunteer, and cattle delegate at the MSU 4H Congress. One of her recommenders says, “Emma is compassionate about others and often goes out of her way to help those in need.”
As a senior in high school, Emma is working for a local veterinarian as an assistant. She is working to gain hands-on knowledge and experience while finishing school.
Emma hopes to obtain a degree in Agribusiness. Her goal is to work in the agricultural industry to promote national growth and success of the cattle industry.
Brennir Peterson is an active member of the Minnesota Junior Simmental Association. He currently serves as vice president and has previously served as secretary and trustee. It has been said that “His reliability and dedication serve as a huge asset to the Association and render him a true and authentic role model for younger members.”
Brennir has just finished his freshman year of college at University of Minnesota–Twin Cities. He plans to get a degree majoring in Animal Science with a minor in Ag Business. Following graduation, he hopes to use the knowledge he gained through college to start a career, as well as to manage and expand his family’s seedstock cattle operation.
Jacob Poynor has been a member of the Mississippi Junior Simmental Association for nine years. He plans to run for an officer position when it is time to elect new officers. “While his leadership style is more reserved, he is willing to help when asked and has shown a genuine interest in the success of others in the program,” one recommender said.
As a freshman at Northwest Mississippi Community College, he is studying to get an AAS in Agricultural Management. After college, he hopes to start a job that he enjoys, helps the agriculture industry, and allows him to stay involved in the cattle business.
Christian Siegel is an active member of the Missouri Junior Simmental Association. During his time of involvement, he has served as a board member and treasurer. “Christian immediately impressed me with his positive attitude and knowledge of a variety of topics ranging from Missouri’s cattle industry, the Simmental breed, agronomy, and grassland management,” one of his recommenders shared.
After high school, he plans to attend the University of Missouri–Columbia to pursue a major in Agricultural Business Management with an emphasis in policy. His long-term career goal is to practice agricultural law in central Missouri. He plans to run his own herd of cattle.
Bronze Recipients
Luke Bauer
Kaeden Bronder
Abigail Clark
Caiman Cody
Elizabeth Dekker
Dillon Earles
Sophie Easley
Kate Fischer
Silas Fredenburg
Mason Harris
Holden Hawkins
Abigail Henry
Colton Herman
Jaxon Hilbrands
Sadie Jackson
Luke Katz
Avery Knupp
Cassidy Laake
Lainie McAlister
Caden McKnight
Abigail Miller
Ella Miller
Colton Netolicky
Wyatt Phillips
Cash Rumple
Caliegh Scheihing
Aubree Schmidt
Kate Schmidt
Kendyll Smallen
Lucy Specht
Alivia Upton
