The National Junior Angus Association recently recognized Kelly and Martie Jo Schaff of Saint Anthony, N.D., as the newest inductees into the Honorary Angus Foundation at the National Junior Angus Show in Grand Island, Neb.

Earlier this year, the Schaffs generously donated a heifer that sold at the 2016 National Western Stock Show in Denver. The sale of that heifer generated $230,000 to support Angus youth, education and research.

“We realize the importance of a new generation,” says Kelly. “That’s the future of the breed. Being able to help them ensures the ongoing success of the breed, and giving back to an organization and breed that’s been so wonderful to us.”

HONOREES: Kelly and Martie Jo Schaff were presented with paintings to commemorate their induction into the Honorary Angus Foundation. From left are Charlie Boyd II, vice president and vice chairman of the American Angus Association board of directors; Kelly and Kourtney Schaff, Schaff Angus Valley; Jera Pipkin, 2016 Miss American Angus; Joe and Susanne Bush, J&S Angus; Evan Woodbury, foundation director; and Milford H. Jenkins, foundation president.

“Kelly and Martie Jo are very passionate about the Angus breed and providing opportunities for young people to get involved in the business they love,” says Milford Jenkins, foundation president.

The Schaffs own Schaff Angus Valley, which was first homesteaded in 1902 by Kelly’s great-grandfather, making Kelly and Martie Jo the fourth generation on the ranch. Kelly’s grandfather brought the first registered Angus cattle to Schaff Angus Valley in 1938. Today’s entire herd is built from nine of those original cow families.

At the 2016 awards ceremony, the Schaffs were honored along with fellow 2016 inductees Bob and Becky Tiedeman, North Platte, Neb., and Joe and Susanne Bush, J&S Ranch, Gatesville, Texas.

In 1985, the NJAA board of directors established the Honorary Angus Foundation to recognize and thank those who have shown incredible support  to youth. Seven Angus breeders were honored as the first inductees, and each year, NJAA honors up to three individuals.

Any member of the American Angus Association is eligible to nominate individuals or organizations for the Honorary Angus Foundation. A complete list of members can be found online.

For more information, contact the Angus Foundation at 816-383-5100 or visit angusfoundation.org.

Hill is a writer with Angus Media.