Josie Horsley of rural Galva has recently become a junior member of the American Angus Association, reports Mark McCully, CEO of the national organization with headquarters in Saint Joseph, Mo.
According to the press release, “Junior members of the Association are eligible to register cattle in the American Angus Association, participate in programs conducted by the National Junior Angus Association, and take part in Association-sponsored shows and other national and regional events.”
What makes her membership special is that Josie is only two years old. The daughter of Chad and Jessica Horsley, she and her older brother, Jeb, also a junior member of the Angus Association, are already a part of the livestock operation. Before leaving for day care and following suppertime, both children help their dad with the feeding and care of the cattle.
Josie’s great-great-grandfather emigrated to the U.S. from Scotland as a baby, settling with his parents and siblings in Michigan. As a boy, he moved to the farm in Illinois, where he spent his days assisting his aunt and uncle with their farming operation. Subsequent generations followed his lead, and today, the Horsley Brothers garner local, state and national recognition as cattle experts. Named the 2025 Seedstock Breeder of the Year, Chad, his dad Bob and uncle Jim manage over 180 head of Angus cattle.
As a fifth generation cattle person, young Josie has a solid farming foundation on which to build. In addition to tagging along with her dad when he does chores, she enjoys playing with her brother, the family dog, Knox and the cats and kittens that inhabit the barn.
Josie’s father hopes that she and her brother will choose to continue in the family business once they are old enough. Having the firm foundation that farming and cattle raising provides, he is certain they will be successful in anything they do.
Being part of such a large legacy is certain to inspire her to do great things.
The American Angus Association is the largest beef breed association in the world, with more than 21,000 active adult and junior members.
