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National Junior Santa Gertrudis Show

Contests

Why are there contests?

The contests section exists to give junior members opportunities to build skills beyond the show ring. Through contests focused on communication, cattle evaluation, industry knowledge, leadership, marketing and teamwork, NJSGS encourages juniors to develop practical skills they can carry into agriculture, their careers and future leadership roles.

It also gives juniors who may not be showing cattle additional ways to participate in NJSGS. The rules specifically allow registered non-animal participants to compete in all contests except Showmanship.

Sales talk

The Sales Talk Contest puts juniors in a real-world sales setting as they present a Santa Gertrudis animal to a panel of judges pretending to be potential buyers. Contestants use pedigree, performance data, physical attributes and other information to effectively market the animal while demonstrating their knowledge, communication skills, poise and ability to make a convincing sales pitch.

The Public Speaking Contest gives NJSGA members the opportunity to strengthen their communication and presentation skills through an original speech related to the Santa Gertrudis breed, agriculture or the beef industry. Contestants are evaluated on subject knowledge, organization, presentation, response to questions and overall effectiveness.

The Cattlemen’s Contest tests junior members’ knowledge of beef cattle production and management. Contestants work individually to identify tools and equipment used throughout the beef industry and demonstrate their understanding of each item’s name and function.

The Livestock Judging Contest challenges juniors to evaluate cattle while developing observation, decision-making and communication skills. Contestants place classes based on economically important traits and available performance data, with questions and oral reasons incorporated according to age division.

The Showmanship Contest focuses on the junior exhibitor’s ability to effectively present an animal in the show ring. Exhibitors are evaluated on their appearance, attitude and showmanship skills, placing the emphasis on the junior’s ability rather than the quality of the animal.

The Better Beef Contest connects the show ring to the ultimate purpose of beef cattle production. Eligible Santa Gertrudis bulls and heifers are evaluated using measurements including weight, carcass ultrasound data and hip height, with additional data collected on bulls. The contest helps juniors better understand carcass quality while contributing valuable performance data to the Santa Gertrudis breed registry.

The Brain Bowl Contest puts juniors’ Santa Gertrudis and beef industry knowledge to the test in a fast-paced team competition. Junior, Intermediate and Senior teams compete head-to-head, using buzzers to answer questions and work their way through the tournament bracket.

The National Santa Gertrudis Queen & Princess Contest recognizes junior members who can serve as ambassadors for NJSGA and the Santa Gertrudis breed. Affiliate-sponsored candidates participate in a prepared speech, interview, campaigning and membership vote, with an emphasis on breed knowledge, personality and poise. Those selected serve a one-year term representing NJSGA at shows, field days and other industry events.

The Photography Contest allows junior members to showcase their creativity and photography skills through images featuring Santa Gertrudis cattle or related activities. Entries are evaluated on technical quality, composition, creativity, overall appeal and their connection to the Santa Gertrudis breed.

The Herdsman Contest encourages teamwork, responsibility, hospitality and pride among NJSGA affiliates and participating groups. Juniors work together to maintain their cattle and stall areas while creating a welcoming environment that promotes mentorship, camaraderie and connections among exhibitors from across the country.

The NJSGA Ad Contest gives junior members an opportunity to develop their visual communication and agricultural marketing skills. Contestants create an informative and promotional advertisement featuring Santa Gertrudis cattle that is designed to be suitable for national advertising.