HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Over 270 junior youth and their families are on the Kansas State Fairgrounds now through Saturday.

The North American Junior Red Angus Event provides educational activities for Red Angus youth breeders. The program gives youth the opportunity to learn and practice business skills in the beef industry and engage in leadership positions. It also emphasizes and recognizes those youth who show initiative and interest in owning and raising Red Angus beef cattle.

The annual event serves as a forum for junior Red Angus youth and their families. Breeders and other beef enthusiasts come together to compete and exchange ideas, knowledge and technology.

The jam-packed week of activities includes cattle shows, educational programs, judging contests, sales talk, public speaking and quizzes. An awards banquet attended by over 534 guests wraps up the week by recognizing the top five individuals in each competition and the Top Ten Overall Exhibitors. New royalty will be crowned at the banquet and some participants will receive scholarships.

Money raised or donated for this stand-alone event goes directly to the juniors through premiums, awards and scholarships. The money is also used to develop and build leadership skills through competition and education.