05/30/2026
It's just about Game Time In Grand Island... Let's Go!
Northland Junior Maine-Anjou & Chianina Association
Dear Northland Exhibitors and Families,
Welcome to the 2026 Maine-Anjou & Chianina Junior National Show in Grand Island, Nebraska!
We are excited to welcome everyone to what promises to be an incredible week. We know there will be many new faces joining us this year, and we want to extend a special welcome to all first-time exhibitors and families. The American Junior Maine-Anjou Association and American Junior Chianina Association put on an outstanding event, and we can't wait for you to experience everything Junior Nationals has to offer.
Three years ago, during Junior Nationals in Grand Island, the juniors voted to merge the South Dakota and Minnesota state associations into the Northland Junior Maine-Anjou & Chianina Association. Since then, our states have worked together as one team, and we are incredibly thankful for the friendships, support, and teamwork that continue to make Northland special.
Northland Theme: Game Time in Grand Island – Let's Go!
Thanks to our generous sponsors, every Northland junior member will receive a themed t-shirt to wear during Opening Ceremonies.
We are still accepting shirt sponsors through Sunday, May 31. Sponsorships are $200.
To become a sponsor, please contact:
Stephanie Steck
Thank You to Our Current Shirt Sponsors:
• MPJ
• Caffee Ranch
• Mente Cattle
• Par V
• East View Maines
• Holt Cattle Company
• Bothe
• Steck Cattle
Opening Ceremonies
Opening Ceremonies will be held on Sunday, June 14 at 7:00 PM.
Northland members should plan to meet at the Northland State Booth around 6:30 PM to pick up shirts and any props needed for our group entrance.
We Are Looking For:
South Dakota State Flag
- Minnesota State Flag
- Game-themed costumes
- Fun game-themed props and decorations
Opening Ceremonies are always one of the highlights of the week. Bring your energy, enthusiasm and Northland spirit as we kick off Junior Nationals together!
State Display
The advisors are currently working on our Northland State Display centered around our theme, Game Time in Grand Island – Let's Go!
We welcome any assistance, ideas, or contributions. Think gamer, sports, competition, and interactive displays. State points are awarded for creativity and interaction, so let's make it memorable!
The display will also recognize:
- Maggie Holt, Northland's Junior Board Candidate
- Regan Ringkob, Retiring Junior Board Member
- Isaac Swenson, Retiring Exhibitor
We will also be featuring photos of our Northland membership throughout the display.
State Baskets
As in previous years, we will be putting together two state baskets—one representing South Dakota and one representing Minnesota.
The Northland juniors receive 50% of the auction proceeds from the baskets, making this an important fundraiser for our association.
We are currently seeking volunteers to help coordinate each basket:
South Dakota Basket:
Contact Amanda Holt
Minnesota Basket:
Contact Stephanie Steck
Any donations or contributions are greatly appreciated!
Contests
We strongly encourage every exhibitor to participate in contests throughout the week. Contests are one of the best ways to meet new people, make friends from across the country, and gain valuable experience.
If you have questions about any contest that aren't answered in the exhibitor handbook, please don't hesitate to ask. Our advisors and older exhibitors have participated in many of these events and are happy to help.
Need a Team?
If your exhibitor is interested in a team contest but doesn't have a team, we're here to help.
Whether it's:
Fitting Contest
Quiz Bowl
Judging Competitions
Other Team Events
Please reach out to Stephanie Steck as soon as possible no later than 10 AM Saturday, June 13 in Grand Island. We will do our best to connect exhibitors from Minnesota, South Dakota, and other states so everyone has an opportunity to participate.
We may be a small group, but with active participation and teamwork, Northland continues to grow stronger every year.
First year exhibitors pack a sharpie! And, be sure to attend the New Exhibitor meeting Saturday, June 13th at 4 PM.
Stalling Information
The entry numbers are off the charts this year and that means stall may be tighter than usual. Please note your tack space is in within your stall based off your entires.
If you submitted a stalling request during the entry process, we will do our best to honor those requests. If you have any questions or concerns regarding stalling, please contact Amanda for SD or Stephanie for MN directly.
Stall Cards
Stall cards are provided by Wilson Cattle Company. Please hang them at your stalls with your animals info.
Bedding
Both inside and tie-outs are prebedded. Tie-outs are not pre-assigned.
As of now, Northland exhibitors are expected to be stalled in the Swine Barn. This could change, all info from the Maine-Anjou/Chianina Association overwrites our state communications. We stalled here in 2023 and it was very nice.
Tattoos
DOUBLE CHECK that your animal tattoos match your registration papers this week. Don't delay.
See you in Grand Island!
