Pillars of the Foundation

A pillar is defined as any upright, supporting post that makes a structure worthy and prominent to stand the test of time. The Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA) is built on the pillars of scholarship, leadership, education and research. These four pillars are the motivation behind all fundraising efforts, creating and developing growth in the next generation of Hereford breeders and cultivating leaders who will carry industry research and breed development forward.

When the foundation was established, net assets totaling $218,000 from the two youth foundations, including the American Hereford Youth Foundation and the American Polled Hereford Youth Foundation Inc., were blended together and HYFA was born. Twenty years later, the village of supporters grows and the donor network includes year-round breeder and corporate support and a host of fundraising efforts, including the annual Season of Giving campaign.

The foundation has experienced many monumental milestones, but none more exciting than surpassing the $5 million net asset mark in 2021. Through the years, the National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) and HYFA have worked hand in hand to provide Hereford youth multifold opportunities to share their common passion for the cattle they raise, while extending their knowledge, honing leadership skills, networking and engaging in professional development opportunities.

Scholarship

Thanks to the army of HYFA supporters, the scholarship program as well as all of our education and leadership endeavors continue to thrive. Last year alone, $185,000 in scholarships was awarded to Hereford youth who are busy putting their scholarship dollars to work as they chase their dreams and work toward their college degrees. Even more impressive, since HYFA’s inception, close to $2 million has been disbursed to Hereford youth through various scholarships.

Leadership

Many junior members have benefited from the Faces of Leadership program that HYFA and the Coley-Malir Leadership Endowment have helped to fund over the last several years. This spring, thanks to the generous hospitality of GKB Cattle and Gary and Kathy Buchholz, the second annual BOLD Conference was held, giving junior members ages 18-21 a platform to build on their leadership development.

Education

From classroom settings to feedyards and different events both in and out of the showring, HYFA and its host of supporters are steadfast when it comes to supporting Hereford youth. In recent years, the foundation has expanded and helped fund a diverse and exciting lineup of educational programs and opportunities for Hereford youth, one being the VitaFerm® Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE), along with the Bridging the Gap College and Career Fair and Pen to Pen mentorship program. To help with these unique programs and keep the tradition growing, HYFA started and maintains a legacy fund and a steering committee to ensure the sustainability of this flagship event. The Fed Steer Shootout is another HYFA-funded program where youth can compete. It offers participants a unique opportunity to follow their cattle through the feedlot and beyond, showcasing what their genetics are producing at the consumer level and expanding their knowledge beyond the showring.

Research

In addition to these junior competitions, learning and scholarship opportunities, HYFA also houses a research fund, which the AHA utilizes to fund research projects benefiting the total membership of the Hereford breed. So, whether you are looking to support juniors through scholarships, the showring or wanting your contributions to be used for research or other purposes, we welcome you to get in touch with us. We can work together to identify the best fit.

Just like the Hereford breed that started in 1881, HYFA was built to stand the test of time. In a year when markets and inflation rates test us, the strength of the foundation’s pillars are standing firm and supporting our missions like never before. HYFA’s already strong pillars gain more strength each year as more programs and opportunities are added to benefit future generations and breed research.