Whether it is the glaring passion of the Jenkinses or the subtle smile of the Pollards, there is an indisputable dedication to supporting the future of Angus in this year’s inductees of the Honorary Angus Foundation. Milford and Peggy Jenkins of Stillwater, Oklahoma, and Dr. Barry and Roxanne Pollard of Waukomis, Oklahoma, were recognized as the 2023 inductees for their outstanding support of the National Junior Angus Association (NJAA). The NJAA provides numerous youth development opportunities for the next generation thanks to generous Angus donors. 

The award was announced July 7, at the National Junior Angus Show in Grand Island, Nebraska.

“My wife Peggy and I have been very blessed to be part of the Angus Foundation, and we are extremely humbled and immeasurably honored by this recognition,” Milford Jenkins said.

The Jenkins were selected for their many years of leadership in the Angus Foundation and their sustained support of the NJAA.

“Milford and Peggy Jenkins have made an unmeasurable impact on the Angus Foundation, through their dedication and service to the Angus family,” said Jaclyn Boester, Angus Foundation executive director. “Their passion for the Angus breed and success of the Foundation’s mission is second to none.” 

Milford served as the Angus Foundation president for nearly 15 years. During this time, his most notable accomplishment was the development of the Cameron ‘Cam’ Cooper Endowment, which created opportunities for youth to learn about Angus production through the Talon internship program. He also spent countless hours raising funds to support other Foundation programs, related to its three pillars of education, youth and research.   

“During my time as the Angus Foundation president, the most rewarding feeling came from seeing the smiles on the Angus youths’ faces at the scholarship presentations every year at the National Junior Angus Show,” Milford said. “It was so powerful.” 

In addition to the time and expertise Milford contributed to the Angus Foundation, he and Peggy have continued to generously support the Foundation through consistent monetary gifts to sustain the future of the Angus breed.

Boester said the Angus Foundation would not be what it is today without the Jenkins and Pollard families’ enthusiasm. 

The Pollard family has a long history of passion for supporting Angus youth.

“Supporting the future of the Angus breed, starting with youth is so important,” Dr. Pollard said. “Programs like the National Junior Angus Association are key and fundamental in creating positive leaders and upstanding citizens.” 

The Pollards’ commitment to helping youth is displayed in their consistent donations to the Angus Foundation. 

The Pollards were early contributors to the Legacy Built campaign and the first to participate in the Fund the Future campaign. As owners of John Deere dealerships across the Midwest, the Pollards annually donate equipment for the National Junior Angus Show (NJAS) to assist volunteers with running the show. 

In addition to the generous donations put forth by the Pollards, Dr. Pollard served on the Angus Foundation board for five years and was chairman of the board in 2021. 

Dr. Pollard recently retired from his career as an accomplished neurosurgeon. For 40 years, he operated his own medical practice in Enid, Oklahoma, where Roxanne worked alongside him as a nurse. Outside the operating room, they have a successful Angus operation with over 30 elite donor cows and 400 performance females. 

Dr. Pollard also currently serves as vice president of the Association board of directors. 

“My wife and I are very satisfied and pleased to have received this honor,” Dr. Pollard said.

Their contributions and dedication to the Angus family have advanced research and educational opportunities. 

 “We are proud to recognize Dr. Barry and Roxanne Pollard because they exemplify unyielding support for the Angus Foundation, Angus youth and the Angus breed,” said Caitlyn Brandt, Association director of events and junior activities.

In 1985, the NJAA initiated the Honorary Angus Foundation to recognize and show appreciation to those who have displayed extraordinary interest and support for young members of the Association.