National Milking Shorthorn Convention brings the best of the ‘Red, White & Roan’ to Cortland

The American Milking Shorthorn Society brought its 2026 national breed convention to Cortland, NY. Four days of livestock showing, networking, recognition and a little bit of fun concluded with the National Sale at the Cortland County Fairgrounds on June 25.

The National Junior Heifer Show took place June 23 (designated as “Youth Day”) and each competitor delivered excellent results in the ring as they showcased their animals. The Junior Show was judged by Kelly Reynolds (Corfu, NY). Reynolds has built a name for herself as a show cattle breeder alongside her husband Tyler at Reyncrest Farm; she has also built an extensive judging portfolio covering both state and national events, such as Senior Showmanship classes at the World Dairy Expo.

Champion and Reserve Champion placements at the 2026 National Junior Heifer Show are below:

• Junior Showmanship – 1. Willow Aubin, NY; 2. Kayleigh Schoenecker, NY

• Intermediate Showmanship – 1. Addyson Olsen, NY; 2. Tristan Upchurch, IL

• Senior Showmanship – 1. Olivia VanEvera, NY; 2. Savannah Compton, NY

• Master Showman Olivia VanEvera

Breed Heifer Classes

• Spring Heifer Calf – 1. MM-T Pockets Dirty Dancing-ET, Adelyn Maloney, NY; 2. JWG Fantasy Crown Royal, James Grisa, PA

• Winter Heifer Calf – 1. Henkeseen Rock Rhythm EXP-ET, Willow Aubin, NY; 2. Top Shelf FC Tanbark Levi-ET, Tristan Upchurch, IL

• Fall Heifer Calf – 1. Top Shelf FC Bender Laurence E, Tristan Upchurch, IL; 2. Top Shelf FC Dane LOL-ET, Ashlynne Lenker, PA

• Summer Yearling – 1. Jerbie Laser Bojangles, Addyson Olsen, PA; 2. MD-MistyMedo Wild Alibi, Addison Malott, MD

• Spring Yearling – 1. Quietness Mr. Freeze Nortorious, Trevor Lancaster, MD; 2. GMC PV Cyride Scandal-ET, Olivia VanEvera, NY

• Winter Yearling – 1. MM-T Pockets Ride N Dirty-ET, Adelyn Maloney, NY; 2. Green Acres Laser Tattoo, Etta Petrella, NY

• Fall Yearling – 1. Wild Springs O Snap P, Rhett Petri, NY; 2. Green Acres Wild R Trust, Julian Petri, NY

• Junior Champion Heifer and Best Bred & Owned – Top-Shelf FC Bender Laurence E, Tristan Upchurch, IL; Reserve Champion Heifer – Henkeseen Rock Rhythm EXP-ET, Willow Aubin, NY; Honorable Mention Champion Heifer – Top Shelf FC Tanbark Levi-ET, Tristan Upchurch

For more information on AMSS and the Milking Shorthorn breed, visit milkingshorthorn.com.

by Liz Friers