2026 Junior Fed Beef Challenge Results

On Friday, July 31, sixty-seven contestants from across the TCFA region met in Canyon, Texas for the 2026 Junior Fed Beef Challenge. The goal of the contest is to expose youth to the ins and outs of feeding cattle and build the next generation of cattle feeders. Youth who participate in the contest are tasked with feeding a pen of steers, taking a written exam and participating in interviews and oral presentations. The performance of their cattle is also factored into their overall score. 
 
The 2026 Junior Fed Beef Challenge prizes were sponsored by 2026 TCFA Sponsors.

In the Junior Division, the Overall Champion received a $350 prize and a trophy buckle. The overall winner was Brigham Bernhard.

In the Senior Division, the First Runner-Up received a $2,000 scholarship and trophy buckle. First Runner-Up went to Kacey Kubecka.
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The Reserve Champion received a $3,000 scholarship and trophy buckle. The Reserve Champion went to Ryan Janak.
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The Senior Division Overall Champion received a $5,000 scholarship and a trophy buckle. The overall winner was Jenna Stevenson. 

Junior Division Results
Best Written Exam
3rd – Brigham Bernhard
​2nd – Bailey Kubecka
1st – True Creel

Best Presentation 
3rd – Gage Smrkovsky
2nd – Holly Ressler
1st – Andi May

Best Individual Carcass
3rd – Emma Kubecka and Tanner Pustka
2nd – Anna Lane, Newman Neeley and Coy Tindel
1st – Kennedy Wilhelm

​Best Pen Steer Points
3rd – Emma Kubecka and Tanner Pustka
2nd – Anna Lane, Newman Neeley and Coy Tindel
1st – Kennedy Wilhelm

Top Rookie Award
2nd Place Rookie – Emma Kubecka
Top Rookie – Walker Moore

Senior Division Results
Best Written Exam
3rd – Ryan Janak
2nd – Kacey Kubecka
1st – Jake Ressler, Jenna Stevenson and Pierce Wilhelm

​Best Interview
3rd – Ryan Janak
2nd – Kacey Kubecka
1st – Jenna Stevenson

Best Individual Carcass
3rd – Ashlyn Pustka
2nd – Pierce Wilhelm
1st – Ryan Janak

Best Pen Steer Points
3rd – Ashlyn Pustka
2nd – Pierce Wilhelm
1st – Ryan Janak

Top Rookie Award
Graham Haile​