The American-International Junior Charolais Association (AIJCA) released the debut of the Phenotype and Genotype (P&G) Show to be held at the 2025 AIJCA Junior National Show. This new competition integrates traditional cattle evaluation with modern genomic selection technology, offering junior members an unparalleled opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills in cattle breeding and selection.
The P&G Show will be held in conjunction with “The Greatest Show,” the 2025 AIJCA Junior National Show & Leadership Conference, scheduled for June 16-21, in Springfield, MO.
“The P&G Show will reward real-world, structurally correct, industry-relevant cattle developed by our junior membership,” said Brett Spader, American-International Charolais Association (AICA) executive vice president. “This new opportunity empowers junior members to identify and develop females that can advance their breeding programs and contribute to the industry with functionality, longevity, and genetic improvement.”
How the P&G Show works
The P&G Show will feature a composite scoring system, with 50% weight on genotype and 50% on phenotype, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of each animal. Here’s how it will work:
• Genotype evaluation: Prior to the show, judges will receive cards detailing each entry’s birth date, genomically enhanced EPDs and breed percentile rankings. These metrics will form the basis of the genotype score.
• Phenotype evaluation: During the Junior National event, the same judges will assess the animals’ physical attributes, including structural correctness and industry relevance, to determine the phenotype score.
• Final rankings: The combined scores from the genotype and phenotype evaluations will determine class placings. In the event of a tie, preference will be given to the phenotype score.
Classes will be divided into divisions based on age and class size, as determined by the show classification committee.
Eligibility requirements
To participate in the inaugural 2025 P&G Show, entries must meet the following criteria:
• Eligible animals must be purebred Charolais heifers.
• DNA sample results must be submitted and on file with AICA by March 1.
• Genomically enhanced EPDs must be published in the April 2025 National Cattle Evaluation.
• Eligible heifers must have been born on or after Sept. 1, 2023.
• Juniors must have full interest and possession of the cattle by May 10.
• The P&G Show will follow a non-fit format.
Premiums and awards
The P&G Show will offer significant cash awards, including grand champion and reserve grand champion prizes. Additionally, 70% of entry fees will be distributed as class premiums, proportional to the number of entries per class.
“The Phenotype and Genotype Show represents an exciting new direction for our junior members,” said Kaitlyn Chism, AICA director of youth activities and foundation. “By combining visual evaluation with genomic data, we’re equipping our youth with the tools they need to succeed in the evolving cattle industry. This show encourages critical thinking about both the physical and genetic attributes of their animals, fostering a deeper understanding of cattle breeding.”
In addition to the competition, the AIJCA will host an educational event during the Junior National to provide insights into cattle evaluation, share show results, and celebrate the contributions of Charolais genetics to the beef value chain.
For more information about the 2025 P&G Show and entry details, contact Kaitlyn Chism at kchism@charolaisusa.com. — AICA
