Team USA Wins Big at World Angus Youth Competition in Australia

May 15, 2025

For the first time ever, the United States sent a team to compete in the World Angus Youth Competition, held in Australia during the 2025 World Angus Forum—and they didn’t just show up, they brought home the Grand Champion title.

The international competition brought together young Angus leaders, ages 18 to 25, from around the globe. Team USA included Team Captain Jonwyn Ayres of Oregon, Claire Stevenson of Montana, Tucker Stagemeyer of Nebraska, and Garrett Handsaker of Illinois.

12 teams took part from around the globe; Angus Australia Team Spinifex, Angus Australia Team Saltbush, Red Angus Society of Australia Team, Angus New Zealand Team Legacy, Angus New Zealand Team Infinity, Canadian Angus Team Oh Canada, Canadian Angus Team Canada Eh, American Angus Association Team, Czech Republic Team, United Kingdom and Ireland Team, Barbarians Team Southern Cross and Barbarians Team Universal.

“The World Angus Forum youth contest consists of multiple different events,” said Claire Stevenson. “Everything from livestock judging to fitting, showing… we just got done with a debate where we were in the finals. We also had modules like Bush Mechanics, precision ag, irrigation, and even reversing a trailer through an obstacle course with a manual transmission.”

For these young producers, success came from more than just skill—it came from adaptability and quick thinking.

“The overarching theme of this contest is adaptability and teamwork,” said Jonwyn Ayres. “Many of these challenges were unlike anything we’re used to back home. The ability to adjust on the fly, to different breeds, different environments—that's what pushed us forward.”

The competition wasn’t just about medals. It was about growth—personally, professionally, and globally.

“It’s been incredible to meet people from around the world,” said Stevenson. “These are young producers we may someday be doing business with. The connections we’ve made are invaluable.”

“I’d like to remind everyone back in the U.S. that we are still global leaders in the Angus breed,” added Ayres. “It’s an absolute honor. I’m excited about the breed’s future worldwide—and especially proud of where we’re heading in the U.S.”

When the final points were tallied, Team USA was named Grand Champion Team of the World Angus Youth Competition.

Overall Team Placings 

4th Place: Red Angus Australia

3rd Place: British and Irish Lions (separated by 0.5 of a point) 

Reserve Champion Team Angus Australia Spinifex 

Grand Champion Team Team USA 

All Events: 

Marketing – Social Media Reel 

1st: Canada Eh

2nd: British Irish Lions

3rd: NZ Infinity 

Steer Your Story 

1st: Team USA

2nd: British & Irish Lions & Red Angus Australia (tied)

3rd: Saltbush 

Stock Handling 

1st: NZ Legacy

2nd: Red Angus Australia

3rd: Team USA 

Agribusiness 

1st: Red Angus Australia & Saltbush (tied)

2nd: Team USA

3rd: NZ Legacy  

Team Spirit Awards 

Recognizing individuals who foster camaraderie, resilience, and sportsmanship. 

Taylah Hobbs

Sophie Halliday

Ellie Westaway  

The Debate 

Overall

Champion: British and Irish Lions

Reserve: Team USA

Individual Champion: Jonwyn Ayres  

Outstanding Contributor Awards 

Acknowledging significant impact through active involvement and willingness to engage. 

Oisin Keogh

Erik Seyto Prayoga

Fika Hidayani  

Willie McLaren Memorial Quaich 

For exemplary skills in stock judging and public speaking. 

Jonwyn Ayres  

Module Section Champion Team 

Testing practical farming tasks, problem-solving, and communication. 

1st: Red Angus Australia

2nd: NZ Legacy

3rd: Angus Australia Spinifex  

Stockman’s Challenge Champion Team 

A high-energy test of stockmanship and teamwork. 

1st: Angus Australia Saltbush

2nd: Red Angus Australia

3rd: British and Irish Lions  

Spirit of Angus Award 

For excellence in teamwork, leadership, and integrity. 

James Morrison  

Overall Team Placings 

4th Place: Red Angus Australia

3rd Place: British and Irish Lions (separated by 0.5 of a point)

Reserve Champion Team

Angus Australia Spinifex 

Grand Champion Team

Team USA  

Junior Judging 

Champion: Canada Eh

Reserve Champion: Angus Australia Spinofex  

Junior Judging Individual: 

Champion: Garrett Liebreich 

Reserve: Kodie Doetzel

3rd: Lilli Stewart 

4th: Nicolas Verry 

5th: James Morrison  

Teys & Greenstock Yield and Quality Quest 

1st: Spinifex

2nd: Saltbush

3rd: Oh Canada 

Handlers Overall 

Champion: Canada Eh

Reserve: Team USA 

Team USA was coached by Caitlyn Brandt of the American Angus Association. 

Congratulations to Team USA and all the global competitors who gathered Down Under to shape the future of the Angus breed.

Source: Western Ag Network