July 11, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information, contact:

Holly Martin, director of communications

816-383-5143

hmartin@angus.org

To download the photo, click here.

Cutline: Tom McGinnis was presented with the Honorary Angus Foundation award during the 2024 National Junior Angus Show. Pictured from left are Jaclyn Boester, Angus Foundation executive director; Tom McGinnis, Heritage Farm; Jack Dameron, NJAA Board of Directors chairman; and Jimmy Stickley, Angus Foundation donor coordinator.

Kentucky Rancher Recognized for Dedication to Youth Ag Development

Tom McGinnis of Heritage Farm, Shelbyville, Ky., was recognized as an Honorary Angus Foundation Inductee for his support of youth programs.

Kentucky Angus breeder, Tom McGinnis is a man of few words and one who is not eager to be recognized for his generosity. But for decades, he and his family have illustrated their passion for supporting the next generation of leaders in agriculture through their actions.

“I’ve just always wanted to help the youth connected with the Angus breed and really youth in general,” said McGinnis. “The young people, they are our business in the future. I think anything we can do to help them along; everyone needs to be a part of that.”

The Shelbyville, Kentucky rancher grew up on a dairy farm, which he credits with teaching him the importance of hard work. Over the years, McGinnis has translated that into donating time and energy to his community. He has served on numerous community boards and currently serves on the Angus Foundation Board of Directors.

His steadfast commitment was honored during the 2024 National Junior Angus Show in Madison, Wisconsin, on July 5. McGinnis was recognized as a 2024 Honorary Angus Foundation Inductee and presented with an award during the owned female show.

“It was very much a surprise. I am humbled by it,” said McGinnis. “I have a lot of appreciation for it.”

McGinnis has donated to the Angus Foundation’s Fund the Future, Day of Giving, and Legacy Built campaigns. He has supported Leaders Engaged in Angus Development (LEAD) and Raising the Bar – youth development conferences for National Junior Angus Association (NJAA) members. McGinnis has also lent his support to foundation events at Cattlemen’s Congress and the not-for-profit organization’s annual golf tournament.

“Tom McGinnis gives unwavering support to the Angus Foundation, junior Angus members and the breed,” said Caitlyn Brandt, director of events and junior activities for the American Angus Association^®. “His selfless commitment to the longevity of the breed and the Angus family makes him more than deserving of an Honorary Angus Foundation induction.”

The award was established in 1986 to recognize and show appreciation for those who have displayed extraordinary interest and support for the NJAA’s members and programming. Up to three individuals, businesses, or organizations are selected each year from a list of nominations. All American Angus Association members are invited to nominate a candidate for the distinction.

View previous inductees and access the application for the Honorary Angus Foundation by clicking here..

- Written by Jessica Hartman, Angus Communications

About the Angus Foundation

Established as a 501(c)(3) organization in 1980, the Angus Foundation remains focused on its mission to support Angus education, youth, and research. The organization has distributed more than $4.2 million in youth scholarships since 1998 and has also invested more than $1.3 million in beef cattle research in the past decade. For more information, contact the Angus Foundation at 816-383-5100.

ANGUS MEANS BUSINESS. The American Angus Association^® is the nation’s largest beef breed organization, serving more than 22,000 members across the United States, Canada and several other countries. It’s home to an extensive breed registry that grows by more than 300,000 animals each year. The Association also provides programs and services to farmers, ranchers and others who rely on Angus to produce quality genetics for the beef industry and quality beef for consumers.

For more information about Angus cattle and the American Angus Association, visit www.angus.org.