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Junior Angus office welcomes intern

Wagner joins the team in Saint Joseph, Mo., assisting with nationwide Angus events.

Jena Lee Wagner of Billings, Mont., is well versed in junior activities through the American Angus Association®. She has been involved with the National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) for more than ten years, and is bringing that experience back to the Association by serving as the extended intern in the Events and Education Department.

Wagner’s role officially began at the 2015 National Western Stock Show (NWSS), and she will continue to be involved in planning activities and events until mid-August. A former National Junior Angus Board (NJAB) member, Wagner says she looks forward to traveling and getting to know Angus members nationwide.



“It’s such a tremendous opportunity to have an internship like this that involves traveling the country,” Wagner says. “I would never get to see these places on my own, and what’s even better is that I get to watch the NJAA members enjoy all these experiences, as well. Seeing them excited about Angus cattle and new friends is really the best part.”

During her eight-month internship, Wagner will assist with planning Association-sponsored shows and conferences, attend several events throughout the country, and play a key role in preparations for the 2015 National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) in Tulsa, Okla.



A top priority during her first weeks on the job is planning for upcoming Raising the Bar conferences at the University of Illinois and the University of Georgia. The deadlines to apply for these events are Feb. 13 and Feb. 23, respectively. Visit http://www.njaa.info for complete details.

“Raising the Bar conferences give youth a rare opportunity to tour a college town, the campus and have one-on-one time with professors to find out what their programs are all about,” Wagner says. “It’s an experience a lot of people may not have when visiting universities.”

Wagner attends Montana State University where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in communications, with a minor in graphic design and marketing. She has an interest in event planning, and says she looks forward to learning more about the behind-the-scenes details that go into making the NJAA leadership experiences possible.

“Because of her understanding and enthusiasm for the National Junior Angus Association and its activities, we are fortunate to have Jena on board,” says Jaclyn Upperman, director of events and education. “She has a keen eye for detail, and will help us continue to present industry-leading programs for our youth and adult members.”

Together with her sister, Jordan, the Wagners run JL Farms in Billings, Mont., where they manage a string of Angus show cattle. Prior to her internship with the Association, Jena has served as a sales representative for the Midland Bull Test Sale, the Northern International Livestock Exposition (NILE), as well as previous internships with Genex Hawkeye West and the Montana Angus Association.

At Montana State University, Wagner is active in the Collegiate Stockgrowers Club, the Women’s Cattle Club, Sigma Alpha and Young Farmers and Ranchers.

“I truly believe the American Angus Association and the National Junior Angus Association are giving youth members so many opportunities to be successful and develop leadership skills,” Wagner says. “And I am so pleased to be able to be a part of that.”

In addition to the eight-month internship with the Events and Education Department, the Association offers four summer internships that run from May to August. Additional positions are available in the events department, communications and the Angus Journal. The deadline to apply for these opportunities is Feb. 6. Learn more online.

–American Angus Association