Gracyn Stevens of Kirklin, Indiana, is the winner of the 13th annual NCBA National Anthem Contest. Stevens will sing the Star-Spangled Banner at CattleCon 2026 in Nashville from Feb. 3 to 5.
“Cattle have nutritional and economic value, but to me their value is immeasurable; it is an honor to win this contest to represent an industry I love,” Stevens said. “I will strive to make a meaningful impact for years to come.”
Stevens appreciates the lessons she learned growing up showing cattle in 4-H. The cattle industry taught her that success is not about the banners, but the effort and passion put into each project. She looks forward to leaving a lasting footprint in the industry past her 4-H career.
Online voting by the public determined the winner, and as the winner of the contest, Stevens will receive roundtrip airfare to Nashville, a hotel room, convention registration, plus a pair of boots, jeans, and a shirt from Roper or Stetson. Stevens will sing the National Anthem during the Opening General Session and before both “Cowboys Night at the Opry” shows at the historic Ryman Auditorium.
CattleCon is the oldest and largest convention for the cattle industry and features education, entertainment, and meetings of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Cattlemen’s Beef Board, CattleFax, National Cattlemen’s Foundation, and American National CattleWomen.
