Miss American Angus, Outstanding Leader and Junior Herdsman of the Year: Three incredible titles have been presented to Kansas native, Eva Hinrichsen for the character, quality and skill she has displayed throughout her years in the National Junior Angus Association (NJAA).
The most recent of those awards, the 2022 Junior Herdsman of the Year award, topped off her career and is no small feat. The award was created to honor an outstanding member who displays a strong work ethic, dedication to his/her animals, and has the skill to prepare their cattle for exhibition to the best of their ability. From the juniors in attendance at the 2022 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS), they believed Hinrichsen possessed the character and qualities to receive the 2022 Junior Herdsman of the Year honor.
"When I was younger, I would always vote for the person I thought demonstrated a strong work ethic, always was willing to take a minute to talk to anyone, and someone who was encouraging to all juniors," Hinrichsen said. "Now winning the award myself, I hope I was voted for those same reasons."
From a state advisor perspective, Anne Lampe speaks highly of Hinrichsen winning this award.
"It may be cliche' but the term "well rounded" defines Eva when it comes to her NJAA involvement and achievements," Lampe said. "She excelled and has given her all to everything she does allowing her to be an accomplished leader, public speaker, showman, livestock judge, fitter, herdsman, and role model to juniors especially girls."
Hailing from Westmoreland, Kan., Hinrichsen is a fourth generation Angus breeder as her parents and brother run a purebred operation in the Flint Hills of Kansas. Currently she is working on her bachelor's degree in animal science from Oklahoma State University before she continues her education in the ruminant nutrition field. Her goal is to earn a Ph.D., gain industry experience and then ultimately land back in academic teaching at a university.
A herdsman of the year shows qualities of working well with customers and fellow junior members. Hinrichsen has displayed these qualities as a junior member and through Miss American Angus which should help her achieve her goals of teaching.
"Winning the junior herdsman award at my last NJAS was an honor because it felt as if all my hard work had finally paid off," said Hinrichsen. "I also think it's neat to have been Miss American Angus and receive the junior herdsman award as I'm not sure it has been done before."
As Hinrichsen closes one chapter of her Angus career, she leaves the juniors with a piece of advice.
"Cherish your time and the friendships in the NJAA because time goes by quick and those friendships will be the ones to last a lifetime," said Hinrichsen. "Also, remember people are always watching even when you think no one is. It could be someone who looks up to you or a future employer, so work hard and smile big."
To learn more about the NJAA, the NJAS or the junior herdsman of the year award, visit www.angus.org/NJAA.
Categories: Kansas, Livestock, Beef Cattle