Merit Award Recipients 2026

Noah Goss

Noah Goss is a junior at Kansas State University studying animal acience on a pre-law track with plans to become a rural attorney specializing in agricultural succession and estate planning. After earning her associate degree and competing on the livestock judging team at Lakeland College, Noah returned to Kansas to continue preparing for a career serving farm and ranch families while remaining involved in her family’s cattle operation.

Noah believes the AJSA has provided far more than opportunities to show cattle. Through the Association, she has built lifelong friendships, expanded her industry network, and gained skills that will serve her well throughout her career. She gives credit to the required youth contests for pushing members outside their comfort zones and helping them grow alongside some of the most talented young people in the beef industry.

One contest that challenged Noah the most was Sales Talk. While many consider it one of the easier contests, she says it taught her an important lesson in confidence. “You might not have the best animal in the barn, but you still have to believe in what you have,” she says. “You have to get crafty and figure out how your animal can be the right fit for someone’s operation.” That experience helped her recognize the value in every animal and aided her decision-making skills. 

Looking ahead, Noah hopes to stay involved through the AJSA by helping provide scholarships and opportunities for future juniors. She knows how valuable those opportunities can be for students balancing school, work, and involvement in agriculture.

When asked why Simmental, Noah acknowledges both the people and the breed’s momentum. “The Simmental breed is in a really strong position right now,” she says. “But what makes it special is how much the Association invests in its young people. It gives you the knowledge, connections, and opportunities to succeed whether your future is in the commercial industry, seedstock, or somewhere else in agriculture.” 

Hallie Hackett

Hallie Hackett is a senior at Texas A&M University studying animal science, with plans to attend veterinary school and become a large animal veterinarian. Originally from Texarkana, Texas, Hallie has shown Simbrah cattle for the past 12 years and hopes to continue raising and marketing show cattle while staying involved with the breed she grew up loving. Hallie says the AJSA has helped shape both her leadership skills and her perspective by introducing her to people from all walks of life. As a past AJSA president, one of her favorite parts of serving the Association has been mentoring younger members. “I love getting to be a role model for them and kind of show them the ropes as they grow up in the Association like I did.” One of Hallie’s favorite AJSA memories dates back to her first National Classic in 2014, where she competed in the Public Speaking contest with a speech on halter-breaking cattle. “I placed 18th, and that little plaque was the only thing I got for a while,” she says. That experience sparked her love for the contests and motivated her to keep challenging herself beyond the show ring.

Looking ahead, Hallie hopes to continue raising Simmental-influence cattle, supporting junior exhibitors, and volunteering her time at AJSA events. She also credits the AJSA with teaching her the value of listening and accepting constructive feedback, which will serve her well as a veterinarian. When asked why Simmental, Hallie points to the opportunities the breed has given her. “I haven’t always had the chance to win every show, but I’ve always had the chance to improve, learn, and meet incredible people. There’s always room to grow, always a way to get involved, and there’s always something good happening.”

Carter Hall

Carter Hall recently graduated from West Virginia University with a degree in animal and nutritional sciences and has returned home to Ripley, West Virginia, where he works selling feed and farm equipment. A longtime AJSA member, Carter has spent the past 12 years serving his passion for the beef industry through the Simmental breed and plans to remain actively involved as both a cattleman and mentor.

Carter says the AJSA helped bring him out of his shell and gave him confidence that has carried into both his career and collegiate livestock judging experiences. The youth contests, especially the speaking contests, had the greatest impact on him. “Public speaking was always something I struggled with,” he says. “Doing those contests over the years really helped me become more confident talking to people, whether it was during job interviews or while judging in college.” 

As he begins his career, Carter hopes to give back to the breed that has given him so much. He plans to stay involved by returning to Regional Classics and the National Classic, helping juniors prepare cattle, offering advice, and providing opportunities for young exhibitors interested in the Simmental breed.

Moving forward, Carter believes the professionalism, communication skills, and relationships he developed through the AJSA will continue to benefit him throughout his career. When asked why Simmental, he points to the Association’s commitment to developing young people. “The contests teach kids so much about the cattle industry,” he says. “I think they give Simmental juniors an advantage because they’re learning skills they’ll use for the rest of their lives.” 

Isabelle “Belle” Netolicky

Belle Netolicky is a senior at Iowa State University majoring in animal science. Raised in Fairfax, Iowa, Belle has spent the past nine years involved in the AJSA, where showing cattle and competing in contests helped her find her place in the beef industry and prepared her for leadership opportunities both on and off campus.

Belle says the AJSA has given her far more than knowledge about cattle. Through contests, leadership roles, and meeting juniors from across the country, she developed confidence, responsibility, and a strong work ethic. “The friendships and mentors I’ve gained through the AJSA have become some of the most meaningful relationships in my life,” she says.

One of Belle’s most memorable AJSA experiences came at just 13 years old when she entered the Public Speaking contest for the first time. Although speaking in front of others didn’t come naturally, she embraced the challenge and placed 11th overall. But more importantly, she discovered that personal growth comes from stepping outside her comfort zone, and this continues to benefit her in interviews, presentations, and professional opportunities.

As she prepares to age out of the junior program, Belle has no plans to step away from the Simmental breed. She hopes to remain involved by volunteering at state and national events, mentoring younger exhibitors, and continuing to promote Simmental genetics through her family’s operation. She believes investing in young people is one of the best ways to grow the future of the breed.

When asked why Simmental, Belle’s answer is simple: “Simmental is more than a breed, it’s a family,” she says. “The opportunities have shaped me into the person I am today, but it’s the people, the friendships, mentors, and families, that have made the biggest impact.” 

Kylie Garner

Kylie has become a respected leader, dedicated cattlewoman, and passionate advocate for the Simmental breed through youth leadership, herd improvement, and service to the agricultural community.

She has been an active member of the Wisconsin Junior Simmental Association for the past six years, serving on the board before advancing to vice president and currently president. Throughout her time in the association, she has helped organize fundraisers, mentor younger exhibitors, promote the breed through educational events and social media, and improve opportunities for junior members across Wisconsin.

Kylie is currently a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin–River Falls, where she is studying Animal Science with a pre-veterinary emphasis. She plans to attend veterinary school and pursue a career as a large-animal veterinarian specializing in beef cattle reproduction and herd health while continuing to grow her own Simmental operation.

Growing up on her family’s cattle operation, Kylie has taken on major responsibilities in breeding decisions, heat detection, record-keeping, and daily care. She is passionate about producing quality Simmental genetics, supporting youth in the beef industry, and giving back to the organizations that have helped shape her into the leader she is today.

Wyatt Herman

Wyatt has proved himself as a dedicated leader and passionate advocate for the Simmental breed through his commitment to youth leadership, competition, and service.

An active member of the Minnesota Junior Simmental Association, Wyatt has served on the state junior board for the past four years and currently serves as vice president. Through his leadership, he has helped organize youth events, promote the Simmental breed through outreach and social media, and support fundraising efforts that improve opportunities for junior members across Minnesota.

After graduating from high school, Wyatt plans to attend Butler Community College in Kansas to study pre-veterinary medicine while competing on the nationally recognized livestock judging team. He hopes to continue his education in veterinary medicine before returning home to establish an embryology center on his family’s farm so more producers can improve the genetics of their herds.

Growing up on his family’s Simmental operation, Wyatt has gained experience in calving, herd health, breeding management, and preparing show cattle. He is passionate about advancing the Simmental breed by combining science, technology, and livestock production to strengthen the beef industry for future generations.

Grace Lemenager

Grace has been an active member of the Illinois Junior Simmental Association for the past 12 years, serving as membership chair, secretary, and vice president. 

Throughout her AJSA career, Grace has competed at National Classics, achieving awards in Livestock Judging, Showmanship, Sales Talk, and the Cattleman’s Quiz. She also values the relationships she has built through the AJSA Mentor-Mentee Program, where she enjoyed helping younger members gain confidence and become involved in the association.

On her family’s operation, Grace assists with breeding decisions, record-keeping, calving, feeding, and herd management. She also enjoys showing her family’s bred-and-owned cattle while promoting their genetics and introducing younger exhibitors to the Simmental breed.

Grace is currently attending Kansas State University, where she is studying animal science. She plans to return to her family’s operation, continue improving their Simmental genetics alongside her brother, and advocate for the beef industry by educating consumers about agriculture and food production.

Grace Lemenager

Isaac Miller

Isaac has demonstrated outstanding leadership, a passion for the Simmental breed, and a dedication to developing both cattle and people throughout his AJSA career.

For the past ten years, he has been an active member of the Virginia Junior Simmental Association, serving as treasurer, secretary, vice president, and currently president. Through these leadership roles, he is always working to promote his state association and build new relationships.

Isaac is currently a junior at Texas Tech University, where he continues to pursue his passion for livestock judging after transferring from Redlands Community College. He plans to earn a master’s degree focused on EPD and phenotypic performance before pursuing a career as a collegiate livestock judging coach. Long-term, he hopes to work with a breed association or sales management group while continuing to improve his family’s cattle operation.

Growing up on his family’s Simmental operation has given Isaac experience in every aspect of the business, calving to breeding and herd management. He is committed to mentoring the next generation, improving genetics, and giving back to the Simmental community that has shaped his future.

Josie Phillips

Josie has distinguished herself as a leader, accomplished exhibitor, and passionate advocate for the Simmental breed through her service, education, and youth leadership.

For the past ten years, she has been an active member of the Kentucky Junior Simmental Association, serving as a photographer before being elected president. She has worked to grow the association by recruiting new members, promoting events through social media, and encouraging young exhibitors to become involved in the Simmental breed.

Josie plans to attend Oklahoma State University to pursue degrees in animal science and agricultural business. She hopes to continue building her leadership skills while preparing for a career in the beef industry. Her long-term goals include growing her own cattle operation and becoming a better advocate for animal agriculture and the beef cattle industry.

Growing up on her family’s operation, Rocking P Livestock, Josie has gained experience in feeding, calving, breeding decisions, and preparing cattle for shows and sales. She is passionate about promoting quality cattle, mentoring future exhibitors, and giving back to the organizations that have helped shape her into who she is today.

Mabrey Schick

Mabrey is described by others as a leader, hard worker, and passionate ambassador for the Simmental breed through youth leadership, herd involvement, and service to her community.

For the past nine years, she has been an active member of the Illinois Junior Simmental Association, serving as membership chair, secretary, vice president, and as the 2025 Illinois Simmental Queen. Through these roles, she has organized events and encouraged youth involvement while representing the Illinois Simmental Association with pride.

This fall, Mabrey will attend Lake Land College as a member of the livestock judging team while studying in the agricultural transfer program. She plans to continue her education in animal science and pursue a career as an in-vitro fertilization laboratory technician before returning home to help grow her family’s Simmental operation.

Growing up on her family’s cattle operation, Mabrey has taken an active role in feeding, calving, herd health, reproductive management, and record-keeping. She is passionate about advancing Simmental genetics, mentoring future exhibitors, and producing quality cattle that will positively impact the next generation of the beef industry.

Aubree Schmidt

Aubree has been an active member of the Minnesota Junior Simmental Association for many years, serving as treasurer, trustee, social media volunteer, and helping organize National Classic prep workshops and junior events.

Throughout her AJSA career, Aubree has competed at Regional and National Classics, earning recognition in educational contests including Sales Talk, genetic evaluation quiz, Public Speaking, and Livestock Judging. She values the relationships she has built through AJSA, especially serving as a mentor to younger members, and credits the Association with helping her develop confidence, leadership, and communication skills.

This fall, Aubree will attend Kansas State University to study animal science with an emphasis in marketing, communications, and psychology. She hopes to pursue a career in agricultural communications or animal pharmaceutical sales while remaining actively involved in the Simmental breed and continuing to support her family’s cattle operation

Grace Thorson

Grace has been an active member of the AJSA for the past 11 years and has represented the Simmental breed through 4-H, FFA, county fairs, and Montana State Simmental Association events. She hopes to one day help establish a Montana Junior Simmental Association, to create new leadership and educational opportunities for junior members across the state.

Throughout her AJSA career, Grace has competed at Regional and National Classics, earning honors in Livestock Judging, Public Speaking, genetic evaluation, and in the show ring. She credits AJSA with helping her build leadership and communication skills.

On her family’s operation, Lassle Ranch Simmentals, Grace is involved in all aspects of herd management, including breeding, calving, and preparing for the family’s annual bull sale.

Grace is attending Montana State University, where she is studying kinesiology with plans to earn a doctor of physical therapy degree. She hopes to return to rural Montana to open her own physical therapy practice while remaining actively involved in her family’s Simmental operation.