Northland Maine-Anjou & Chianina Association

06/14/2026

06/11/2026

Do you know your contestant number?
Be sure to have your number ready for check in!!

Junior National is almost here and we want to make sure all of our characters are prepared for the different contest kingdoms! For each contest, the exhibitor will HAVE to know their contestant number to sign-up and to enter the contest room.

The contestant number listing is listed below as well as it will be listed on the exhibitor's packet and complimentary nametag.

Contestant numbers are VERY IMPORTANT to ensure our accurate records and easy sign-ups. Please make sure to double check that you have used the correct contestant number when signing up for contests on Saturday afternoon.

Contestant Number Listing: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ordUN5SgrGArOO76dNet41xMyRhnpy1EmJgBDo6_qpY/edit?usp=sharing

06/10/2026

Let’s support this Northland Junior as she runs for the Chianina Jr Board!!

Introducing Maggie Holt, another AJCA Board of Directors candidate!

For Maggie, the Chianina breed has always been more than just cattle — it has been a way of life. Raised in a family operation deeply rooted in Chianina genetics, her passion for the breed began at a young age and truly came to life when she exhibited her first Chianina heifer at Junior Nationals in Chickasha, Oklahoma. From the friendships she built to the memories made in the show ring, that experience sparked a dedication to the breed that continues to grow today through both showing and her family’s operation.

Maggie hopes to serve as an AJCA Director to give back to the association that has shaped her journey while helping strengthen the future of the breed. She is passionate about creating a welcoming environment for younger and first-time exhibitors through mentorship opportunities, stronger year-round communication, and educational programs that keep juniors engaged beyond the show ring. With strong leadership, determination, and a heart for helping others, Maggie is committed to making every member feel supported and connected within the AJCA family.

This year's applicant's are strong! When you see Maggie around the barn, stop and visit with her! 🌟🎮💥

06/06/2026

As you are packing your suitcase for Junior National, make sure to throw in your showmanship shirt!

NEW THIS YEAR - Exhibitors will wear their own attire for showmanship. A shirt will NOT be provided.

The countdown to Game On Grand Island is on! 6 DAYS TO GO!

06/05/2026

Let’s gooo!

WELCOME TO GAME ON GRAND ISLAND!

Players, start your engines! The countdown is officially on, and we can't wait to welcome you to the 2026 Maine-Anjou & Chianina Junior National in Grand Island, Nebraska.

By now you've likely reviewed the Exhibitor Handbook, but we wanted to send a few important reminders and highlights as you prepare for your trip to the Mushroom Kingdom. Additional arrival maps, stalling information, and traffic flow details will be emailed closer to the event, so keep an eye on your inbox and our social media channels.

POWER-UP CHECKLIST BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME

✔ Review Nebraska health requirements and make sure all required paperwork is complete. If you have any questions please call the NE Department of Animal Health at 402-471-2351.

✔ Double-check tattoos on every animal and make sure they match the original registration papers.

✔ Bring your ORIGINAL registration papers. Copies will not be accepted at check-in.

✔ Review the Exhibitor Handbook for all rules, contest information, and show details.

✔ NEW THIS YEAR - Exhibitors will wear their own attire for showmanship. A shirt will NOT be provided.

ARRIVAL & CHECK-IN

Tack-only unloading into the barns begins Friday, June 12 at 12:00 p.m.

No cattle will be allowed on the grounds until 6:00 p.m. Friday, June 12.

Tack & Cattle move-in will continue overnight, the gates will not close.

All cattle must be in place by Saturday, June 13 at 10:00 a.m.

Trailer staging and parking will be in the Brunks Lot across from Gate 2. This will follow the same procedures used during the Nebraska State Fair and Aksarben events.

Tattoo verification will take place Saturday morning in the barn you are stalled in. Registration papers must be tattoo verified before cattle check-in.

Cattle and contest check-in will be held Saturday from 12:00–2:00 p.m. in the Expo Hall.

Steer weigh-in will be held Saturday from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. outside of the show ring.

Exhibitor packets will be available beginning Friday afternoon and will include back numbers, contest information, and additional event materials. Please pick these up before check-in.

STALLING & TIE-OUT REMINDERS

Bedding is provided in both the barns and tie-outs.

Stalling assignments are by state.

Each head entered will receive 5 feet. That includes your tack space. Due to large entry numbers, cattle will be stalled butt to butt. It will not be cattle on one side and tack on the other as it has been in the past.

Tie-outs are first-come, first-served. They are not assigned.

No generators, tents, porta-cools, or pens (except approved cow/calf pair pens) are allowed in tie-outs.

Please be courteous with space and electrical usage so everyone can comfortably enjoy the week.


DON'T MISS THESE EVENTS

🎮 Opening Ceremonies & Complimentary Meal
Sunday, June 14

🎮 New Exhibitor Orientation & Contest Overview
Saturday, June 13 at 4:00 p.m.
If this is your first Junior National, we strongly encourage you to attend.

🎮 SC Online Sales Dodgeball Tournament
Gather your team and watch for sign-up information on social media.

🎮 Power-Up Snacks of the Day
Sunday, Monday & Tuesday we will have complimentary snacks for all exhibitors. Watch social media for more information.

🎮 Cowboy Church Service
Join us Sunday morning at 7 a.m. for a Church service in the show ring courtesy of the Influence Group and Chis for Christ.

🎮 Sullivan Supply Educational Clinic
Sullivan Supply is hosting a clinic on Sunday, June 14th at 11 a.m. in the Showring. All are welcome to attend to learn new tricks and collect some cool giveaways.

🎮 Princess Peach Queen & Princess Tea
Join us in the Quilt Room in the Expo Hall for tea and fun activities on Sunday, June 14th.

🎮 Waterpark Fun Night
Thank you to the Gensini Family for sponsoring the waterpark night for all exhibitors and their families on Monday, June 15th. Don’t forget to pick up your complimentary towel and super soaker too at check-in compliments of Kersten Cattle, Dunk Cattle Co., Ohlrichs Cattle and HPS Cattle Co.

🎮 Boyert/Core Fun Zone
Scooters, games, activities, and fun throughout the week.

🎮 Power Pals Activities
Sunday through Tuesday for our youngest exhibitors.

🎮 AJCA Fundraiser Auction
Monday evening at 6:30 p.m. in the VIP Club.

🎮 Herdsman Gathering & Maine Meet-Up
Tuesday evening at 6:30 p.m. in the Show Ring.

🎮 Awards Ceremony
Wednesday, June 17 at 6:30 p.m.

A FEW FINAL REMINDERS

This event is about more than banners and buckles. It's about learning, friendships, sportsmanship, and creating memories that last long after the final drive.

Please remember that the National Junior Heifer Show is a JUNIOR event. We ask all exhibitors, families, advisors, and supporters to help create a positive and welcoming environment for everyone attending.

We are excited to welcome more than 850 exhibitors to Grand Island and can't wait to see everyone level up for an incredible week.

Safe travels, and we'll see you soon!

Game On Grand Island
2026 Maine-Anjou & Chianina Junior National Staff

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!

05/27/2026

It's just about GAME TIME in GRAND ISLAND! We know the Northland Junior are ready to play! Let's go!

We should have an exhibitor email out to you this week, stay tuned. Until then we will leave you with our 2026 Shirt Design.

If you have any questions please reach out to Northland Advisors Stephanie Steck or Amanda Holt.

04/09/2026

Hello Everyone - Junior Nationals is RIGHT AROUND the CORNER and we're so excited.

BELOW ARE SOME IMPORTANT DATES & REMINDERS

Exhibitor Handbook - Some Rules Have Changed
All of the rules and important information for Junior National can be found in the Exhibitor Handbook -https://maine-anjou.org/images/2026/Exhibitor%20Handbook%20-%20Web.pdf

Important Dates
April 1, 2026 – Entries opened at www.cmanjhs.fairwire.com
April 15, 2026 – ACA Ladies Auxiliary Scholarship Applications Due
May 1, 2026
Junior National Entry Deadline
Ownership Deadline
Maine-Anjou Junior Board Applications Due
Chianina Junior Board Applications Due
Maine-Anjou Scholarship Applications Due
Maine-Anjou Royalty Applications Due
May 11, 2026 – Late Junior National Entry Deadline (entry fees are doubled)
*NEW* May 15, 2026 – Photo & Video Contest Entry Deadline
June 1, 2026 – Chianina Queen & Princess Applications Due

Entry Website
The entry website is LIVE and we have our first few exhibitors signed up already! If you need help with entries reach out to Rylee or Heather. Or a Northland advisor at anytime.
Link to Entry Site: www.cmanjhs.fairwire.com

Community Service Project
This year we will be collecting personal items for Willow Rising.

They are in need of the following items: bathroom tissue, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, hand soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hairbrush, combs and lotion.

Stalling & Tie-Out Information
Stalls in the barn and tie-outs will be pre-bedded. Stalls in the barn will be assigned by state. Stall requests must be made through the online entries.
**Stall requests not submitted through your entry will not be guaranteed.

Junior National Schedule Additions/Changes
Friday June 12th
12 p.m. – TACK ONLY move-in begins
6 p.m. – Tieouts open for cattle

Saturday, June 13th
6 a.m. – Cattle may enter barns
10 a.m. – Cattle must be in place
11 a.m. – State Advisor Meeting
4 p.m. – New Exhibitor Meeting sponsored by Zinpro – State Advisers are encouraged to attend
4:30 p.m. – Contest Overview: What to Expect sponsored by Zinpro

Sunday, June 14th
1:15 p.m. – A minute for Moms Sip & Social

Tuesday, June 16th
7:30 a.m. – Maine-Anjou Showmanship
8 a.m. – Chianina Showmanship

Wednesday, June 17th
7 a.m. – Maine-Anjou Delegate Breakfast *NEW TIME & DATE*
8 a.m. – Maine-Anjou Show starts (notice order of shows has changed)
8:45 a.m. – Chianina Show starts (notice order of shows has changed)


State Shirt, Booth & Basket
State Booths will be allotted a 10 X 10 space.
Start thinking of state shirt, booth & state basket ideas.

Contest Only
If you are an exhibitor that is going to be contest only, please sign up on the entries be sure your dues for AJMAA and/or AJCA dues are PAID ahead of the show to speed up the sign-up process.

Social Media
We encourage each of you to follow the SM accounts for AJMM & AJCA for the most up-to-date information. Plus sponsor recognition, contest highlights, and more!

Facebook:
American Junior Maine-Anjou Association / American Junior Chianina Association
Instagram:
amaa_ajmaa / ajca.association

03/26/2026