Josie Thompson and Paige Thompson, both of Vallonia, recently became junior members of the American Angus Association, headquartered in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Junior members are eligible to register cattle with the association, participate in programs conducted by the National Junior Angus Association and take part in association-sponsored shows and other national and regional events.

The American Angus Association is the largest beef breed association in the world with more than 25,000 active adult and junior members, according to a news release from CEO Allen Moczygemba.