HEREFORD YOUTH FOUNDATION OF AMERICA
LETTER FROM THE FOUNDATION PRESIDENT
Friends, fellow breeders and Hereford youth supporters, I welcome you to take a moment with me to reflect on another year of unprecedented growth, community involvement and foundation strengthening.
When the Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA) was originally established in 2000 with the goal of supporting the educational needs of those young members in the National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA), I can confidently say that it would have been impossible to imagine at that point what we would be able to accomplish together.
Not only did the 2024 Fiscal Year bring about $942,000 of growth over last year, but with your support, we were able to pay out $217,500 in scholarships. With less than 2% of the United States population being directly involved in agriculture, investing in youth that will continue to build a strong agriculture economy is more critical now than ever to ensure national security, well-being and independence of our nation through the production of the safest, least expensive and highest quality food supply in the world. HYFA’s goal is to recruit, support, educate, train and identify future leaders that will appreciate and extend our nation’s reputation as the bread and protein basket of the world. With your help, we are able to continue doing that in a big way.
A few more big picture highlights for the year were the success of the HYFA Season of Giving, with the capstone gift of HYFA’s founding president, Bob Call’s trust, and the JNHE Legacy Fund climbing to more than $2 million. The goal of that fund is to be able to financially support the JNHE. Without those funds, maintaining this annual flagship event would be nearly impossible. It goes without saying that the Hereford breed, through your support and with the help of an incredible support staff, is known for having the best junior national event, year in and year out; truly setting the standard for other breed associations and organizations to follow.
I’d like to thank all of our past and present board members, support staff and the American Hereford Association for helping us achieve these goals. It is a challenge to truly capture in words what your contributions mean to me, this board, this breed and the future leaders of our country.
SINCERELY,
RAY RAMSEY HYFA PRESIDENT
HEREFORD YOUTH FOUNDATION OF AMERICA
2023-2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
RAY RAMSEY PRESIDENT
GEORGE SPRAGUE VICE PRESIDENT
AMY COWAN DIRECTOR OF YOUTH ACTIVITIES & FOUNDATION
JILL BIELEMA KATIE COLYER
STEVE FOLKMAN NANCY KEILTY
KATHY BUCHHOLZ
BILL KING
BRUCE EVERHART
THE FOUNDATION
The Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA) was established in 2000 as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated exclusively to scholarship and educational support of youth in the business of raising Hereford cattle. The Foundation is governed by a board of directors who are heavily involved in the Hereford industry and who have a vested interest in educating youth, developing leadership, and encouraging young people to return to production agriculture.
THE MISSION
The mission of HYFA is to encourage, recognize and reward the development of life skills and values in the next generation of leaders by providing education, scholarship and leadership opportunities for Hereford Youth.
OUR HISTORY
In the year 2000, with $218,000 in net assets, HYFA was born. That same year marked the first Junior National Hereford Expo hosted in Oklahoma. Two years later the first Harvest Gala made history at the American Hereford Association as the first foundation female headlined the party and set the stage for the first scholarships to be awarded in 2004. Those founding board members had a vision to create educational and leadership opportunities for generations to come. Thanks to that vision and an army of supporters along the way, 24 years later an array of funds work together to make dreams reality for Hereford youth.
IN SCHOLARSHIPS
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM MAKES IMMEASURABLE IMPACT
“Icried tears of joy because I was honored to have been selected among my peers for this prestigious scholarship,” says Briana Katzenberger, Monroe, Wis., 2016 Vanier Family Scholarship recipient. “The Vanier family changed my life with this scholarship by giving me the financial freedom I needed to focus on getting the most out of my education and to reach my goals.”
The Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA) was established in 2000 as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to providing scholarship and educational support for youth raising Hereford cattle. Since the first award in 2004, these scholarships have changed the lives of countless National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) members by providing educational opportunities.
The scholarships awarded during the 2024 VitaFerm® Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE) marked $2 million in scholarships since HYFA’s inception.
“With the Hereford scholarship as a guiding light, I am confident that I will be able to navigate the challenges of college with resilience and determination,” says Logan Topp, Grace City, N.D., one of the 2024 Hereford Herdsman Scholarship recipients. “It will ultimately assist with developing me as a more confident, capable and successful individual.”
HYFA provides close to $200,000 annually to support Hereford youth, thanks in part to generous industry supporters and endowments. Because of these supporters’ passion for the Hereford breed and its junior members, young people across the country thrive as they accomplish their goals and dreams.
JW Cox, Flemingsburg, Ky., 2023 Vanier Family Scholarship recipient, says HYFA’s scholarship opportunities helped set him up for success at the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine.
“The Vanier family scholarship certainly will go leaps and bounds into helping with my future and hopefully my ability to give back one day just as it’s been given to me,” Cox says.
HYFA has immense pride when it comes to Hereford youth and the dedication they exhibit in all they do. George Sprague, HYFA scholarship selection committee member, enjoys watching applications improve each year as NJHA members get closer to reaching their goals.
“They were indeed an impressive group: thoughtful, accomplished, articulate and ambitious,” says Sprague, referring to the 2024 spring scholarship applicants. “It’s amazing that each year the applicants seem better than the previous year’s applicants.”
“A Hereford scholarship represents an investment in my potential and support for my career in the beef industry... Receiving a Hereford scholarship is a lifechanging opportunity that enables me to pursue and complete a college degree with confidence and determination.”
SYDNEY HEINS, WAYZATA, MINN.
This seems to be a common statement each year. Reaching $2 million in scholarships makes HYFA incredibly proud. NJHA members and donors go to great lengths to ensure they are doing all they can to make a difference in the future of the Hereford breed, ensuring the funds have an impact on the industry.
“A Hereford scholarship represents an investment in my potential and support for my career in the beef industry. I grew up in the suburbs of Minneapolis, so agriculture and the beef industry were rarely talked about,” says Sydney Heins, Wayzata, Minn., 2024 John Wayne Memorial Scholarship recipient. “Receiving a Hereford scholarship is a life-changing opportunity that enables me to pursue and complete a college degree with confidence and determination.”
Scholarships hold a special place in the heart of those who founded them and those who receive them. Juniors are encouraged to create and leave a legacy much like the scholarship they received.
SCHOLARSHIP.
FALL 2023 RECIPIENTS
Vanier Family Scholarships: $100,000
Molly Biggs, Kansas State University
Blake Bruns, Kansas State University
JW Cox, Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine
Lauren Gatz, Kansas State University
Clayton Hayes, Oklahoma State University
Lauren Jones, Oklahoma State University
Trevor Johnson, Kansas State University
Savay Sexton, Texas A&M University
Logan Topp, Kansas State University
Weston Wolf, University of Kentucky
National Hereford Queen Scholarship: $10,000
Madison Katzenberger
Bar One Ranch Scholarship: $5,000
Regan Mitchem, N.C. State University, College of Veterinary Medicine
Perks Ranch Scholarship: $5,000
Morgan Richardson, Black Hawk East College
EE Ranches Scholarships: $5,000
Bryden Barber, Oklahoma State University
Haley Mouser, Butler Community College
CBY Polled Hereford Scholarship: $5,000
Wesley Denton, Kansas State University
Ball Foundation/Cottonwood Springs Farm Scholarship: $5,000
Kaylee Lunsford, Oklahoma State University
MGM Memorial Scholarship: $2,500
James Brody Rogers, Texas A&M University, College of Veterinary Medicine
Gary Bishop Memorial Scholarship: $2,500
Libby Rushton, University of Tennessee, Martin
Blin Family Scholarship: $2,500
Kira Sayre, Colorado State University
Larson Polled Herefords Scholarship: $2,500
Kaylee McInvale, Tarleton State University
Tennessee River Music Inc. Scholarship: $2,500
Madison Sifford, Virginia Polytechnic State University
Whitehead Ranches Scholarship: $2,500
Luke Bludau, Texas A&M University
Bob & Lucy Kube Scholarship: $2,500
Logan McFatridge, Purdue University
HYFA Scholarship: $2,500
Isaac Rhode, Missouri State University
Ostgaard-Breiner Memorial Scholarship: $1,500
Jordan Gatz, Kansas State University
Tate Johnson, Mitchell Technical College
WESTERN STATES 2023 RECIPIENTS
Willard Wolf Scholarship: $2,000
Raney Anderson, College of Southern Idaho
John Ascuaga Hereford Scholarship: $2,000
Lydia Shaw, University of Idaho
Western States Hereford Scholarship: $2,000
Carly Wheeler, Oklahoma State University
SPRING 2024 RECIPIENTS
National Junior Merit Scholarship: $5,000
Haley Mouser, South Dakota State University
Junior Hereford Herdsman of the Year: $2,500
Mason Allan, Texas Tech University
Hereford Herdsman Scholarships: $2,500
Mason Allan, Texas Tech University
Logan Topp, Kansas State University
Golden Bull Achievement Awards: $2,500
Blake Bruns, Kansas State University
Paige Lemenager, Texas Tech University
Lydia Shaw, University of Idaho
Donna Curry Memorial Scholarship: $2,500
Jalyn Davis, Butler Community College
Kaylee Lunsford, Oklahoma State University
Lauren Jones, Oklahoma State University
Bud Snidow Award: $2,500
Logan McFatridge, Purdue University
NOP Founders Scholarship: $2,000
Salem Sifford, Virginia Polytechnic State University
John Wayne Memorial Scholarship: $2,000
Sydney Heins, South Dakota State University
Mead Memorial Scholarship: $2,000
Lauren Gatz, Kansas State University
Charles E. Boyd Memorial Scholarship: $1,500
Samuel Birdsall, Kansas State University
Buckeye/Bluegrass HYFA Scholarship: $1,500
Emma Ballinger, University of Kentucky
Walter and Joe Lewis Memorial Award: $1,000
Lauren Jones, Oklahoma State University
OTHER 2024 RECIPIENTS
Livestock Marketeers Scholarship: $1,500
Matt Bruns, Kansas State University
Tucker Rohrig, Iowa State University
Iowa Hereford Breeders Youth Scholarship: $2,000
Wisconsin Hereford Queen Fund: $3,500
51 JUNIORS
17 UNIVERSITIES
LOOKING TOWARD THE NEXT GENERATION
The scholarship fund is the bedrock of HYFA and countless youth are benefactors of its mission. This last fiscal year marked a high for the foundation, celebrating surpassing $2 million awarded since its inception to Hereford youth to assist with their college educations through scholarships.
Bobby Singleton sits on the scholarship review committee in the spring assisting with selection and representing the Hereford Herdsman scholarship. “It’s amazing for myself, how focused these young people are on their goals, whether it’s in their college studies and classes or their career goals, and how they are bettering themselves and their family, while continuing their love of the agriculture industry and Hereford cattle in particular,” said Singleton.
New scholarships added this year include three $2,500 scholarships given in memory of Donna Curry from Oklahoma. The Livestock Marketeers fund was also added and recognizes young individuals aspiring to work in the livestock marketing industry. This year the two individuals who each received a $1,500 scholarship, were Hereford youth.
19 STATES
LEADERSHIP.
JUNIORS
EMPOWERING LEADERS
“It’s about doing the little things that lead to the championship and empowering others around us, so that when we rise, we raise everyone around us.”
World champion rodeo athlete Tyson Durfey posed that challenge to National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) members attending the Building On Leadership Development (BOLD) Conference in Desdemona, Texas, April 4-7.
BOLD has quickly become an NJHA staple. It is designed for selected collegeaged junior Hereford members seeking opportunities to expand their leadership skills. The conference focuses on improving personal leadership, providing career opportunities and cultivating life-long relationships.
BOLD is graciously hosted by Gary and Kathy Buchholz at their Hi Point Ranch.
Along with inspirational speakers and workshops, BOLD featured a panel of career professionals from GKB Cattle, PepsiCo, Priefert and Purina Animal Nutrition. Attendees participated in a variety of leadership and career-building activities including resume writing and mock job interviews. They received personal mentorship throughout the conference.
16 STATES
JUNIORS
ELEVATING THE NEXT GENERATION
The Faces of Leadership conference is designed to help NJHA members hone communications, team-building and other skills essential to becoming effective leaders. This year, 115 members from 25 states attended in Fort Worth, Texas, July 28-31.
Conference participants enjoyed several unique learning opportunities during the event. For the first time, the conference included Bridging the Gap, a unique career learning and networking event which also takes place during the annual Junior National Hereford Expo. It included representatives from 14 agricultural companies and universities.
“Faces of Leadership is a tool to not only build leaders, but to get these young people started on a successful career path. We hope they stay in agriculture, but whatever industry they land in after college, we want them to be armed with the knowledge and the skill sets to be successful,” says Amy Cowan, American Hereford Association Director of Youth Activities and Foundation.
Participants also had ample opportunity for fun, including time in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, a visit to the Cowboy Channel studio, a customized tour of Globe Life Field where the Texas Rangers play and AllFlex.
The annual Faces of Leadership conference — for NJHA members 14-21 years old — is made possible by the Coley-Malir Leadership Endowment and the Hereford Youth Foundation of America.
STATES
GROWING A LASTING LEGACY
LEGACY SOARS TO NEW HEIGHTS
Eleven years ago, at the 2013 American Hereford Association Annual Meeting in Kansas City, Sue Rowland, Marysville, Kan., and her late husband, Jim, were instrumental to the launch of the Growing a Lasting Legacy campaign, setting in motion a fund for the future. Put into place to ensure the sustainability of the Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE), this campaign has impacted the Hereford breed for more than a decade and no doubt the contributions will have a lasting impact for generations who enjoy and learn from the JNHE each summer.
It’s only fitting that as the JNHE celebrated 25 years at the Grand Daddy of ‘Em All, the foundation celebrated the legacy campaign reaching a $2 million milestone. “With the escalating cost of events like the JNHE, it is even more important to have legacy funds like this in place so the event can continue to grow and flourish,” says Amy Cowan, Director of Youth Activities and Foundation at the American Hereford Association. “This significant growth since 2013 is the result of families, breeders, corporate partners and so many others working together to make this event a reality each year and the educational opportunities it provides our young people.”
On the historical evening in November 2013, $144,000 was raised in a fundraiser auction with select items such as Foundation Club Lifetime memberships, historic prints of The Hereford Ox and an original Bud Snidow painting. The capstone of the event was $50,000 generously donated by Sue and the late Jim Rowland, G&R Polled Herefords, Marysville, Kan., to kick-start the integral fund that is an important part of the foundation’s education pillar.
“It has grown but the atmosphere hasn’t changed. It’s just as special with over onethousand head of cattle as it was with 400.”
SUE ROWLAND, MARYSVILLE, KAN.
This initial gift set the stage for big things to come for the JNHE and its army of supporters.
“I was raised in the Hereford breed and married into it too. My late husband and I always wanted to support the breed in a bigger way,” says Rowland. “After Jim’s accident, I thought it was a good time to give when he and I both knew the money would be spent on the right people.”
Growing up in the Hereford breed, Rowland has been involved with the National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) since its inception in 2001 and previously the National Junior Polled Hereford Council since 1975. “My favorite memories of the JNHE are watching the youth meeting from other states,” says Rowland. “They make life-long connections and look forward to going back each year.”
Rowland commented on the impact that the very first junior national she attended had on her. She said this particular year was when she knew she was where she was meant to be. “I went into a room to pick up clothes for the kids and there were eight states being represented, sitting around and talking,” says Rowland. “I knew then I wanted to be a part of that group. I wanted to promote them and the JNHE.”
Donors like Rowland that know and believe in Hereford youth and continuously go above and beyond for junior programs like the JNHE, are the backbone of the Hereford Youth Foundation of America and this campaign. Foundation Club members have been instrumental to these campaign efforts as well as each and every sponsor that pave a way for the annual event.
“Thank you one and all who have contributed to this campaign in some way, shape or form,” says Cowan. “Because of the foundation’s amazing donor network, the JNHE has seen incredible growth and success. But what’s even more important than the record- breaking numbers are the leaders we are building and the legacy they will leave one day.”
Without gracious donors and supporters like Sue Rowland, the Growing a Lasting Legacy Campaign would not be where it is today. “It’s grown, but the atmosphere hasn’t changed,” says Rowland. “It’s just as special with 1,000 head of cattle as it was with 400.”
COMMEMORATING THE 25TH JNHE
Twenty-five years ago, hundreds of National Junior Hereford Association members saddled up and made the trek to Tulsa, Okla., for the inaugural Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE), the first-ever combined National Junior Polled Hereford Show and Forum and All-American Junior Hereford Expo after the merger of the polled and horned associations. Since then, it’s been a summer staple — a tradition for young Hereford enthusiasts to attend and compete.
This year, more than 800 exhibitors from 41 states brought almost 1,300 head of Hereford cattle — 22 cow-calf pairs, 109 steers, 86 bred-and-owned bulls, 268 bred-and-owned females and 798 owned females — to Grand Island, Neb., for “The Grand Daddy of ’Em All.”
Year after year, the JNHE is a success thanks to support from its title sponsor, VitaFerm®, along with generous breeders and corporate partners, as well as countless volunteers. “The Grand Daddy of ’Em All” was one to remember.
800+ JUNIORS
41 STATES
1,283 HEAD OF CATTLE
JUNIORS
EDUCATION IN THE FEEDYARD
The National Junior Hereford Association’s (NJHA) Fed Steer Shootout contest teaches juniors about the opportunities and challenges of the cattle feeding industry. In the 2024 contest, hosted at HRC Feed Yards LLC, 72 members from 20 states entered 211 steers in the program.
Another year was also spent hosting the NJHA Fed Steer Shootout Field Day at HRC Feed Yards, Scott City, Kan., on April 12-13. Educational sessions presented by industry leaders accompanied the opportunity to view the cattle on feed and gain hands-on experience in the cattle feeding industry.
This year’s winners received more than $15,000 in cash prizes and awards from the Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA) on Oct. 25 at the American Hereford Association’s (AHA) Annual Membership Meeting and Educational Forum in Kansas City, Mo. These prizes recognized individuals and their cattle, ranging from the cattle performance awards, the top three junior members in both the junior and senior age divisions, and the overall Junior of the Year in both age division.
STATES
SUPPORTING BREED IMPROVEMENT
The Hereford Research Foundation (HRF) was established in 2009 as a division of the Hereford Youth Foundation of America, a 501©3 not-forprofit organization, to support breed improvement projects outside the scope of the American Hereford Association (AHA) budget.
The research division was developed to support programs that enhance beef cattle production. These projects are conducted throughout the U.S. in conjunction with universities, private firms and ranches and are funded by donations. Extensive time and resources are spent each year by the AHA to enhance beef cattle production through various ongoing projects. You can see the value of these projects at Hereford.org.
To learn more about the Hereford Research Foundation contact AHA Chief Operating Officer and Director of Breed Improvement, Shane Bedwell, sbedwell@hereford.org.
THE MISSION
The HRF creates a culture for the advancement of the Hereford breed through genetic research.
CAMPAIGNS IN ACTION
A GIFT OF A LIFETIME
One of those founding members, who led the charge to lay the groundwork in 2002 for today’s scholarship and leadership programs, was the late Robert D. Call. Bob and his wife, Dolores Call, Cushing, Okla., owned and operated CBY Polled Herefords and loved nothing more than supporting Hereford youth and watching them succeed. $125,000 was gifted from the Robert D. Call Trust to HYFA during the 2023 Hereford Season of Giving.
THE GRAND DRIVE TO 25
To celebrate 25 years, it is only fitting to look ahead to the next 25 and sustaining the legacy of the Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE). To commemorate this milestone, HYFA offered special Grand Drive to 25 donor packages to all of our valued partners who make up the history and future of the JNHE. Partnerships made through this effort focused on the future of the event and were instrumental in the Growing a Lasting Legacy fund surpassing the $2 million mark.
FOUNDATION 1 CAMPAIGN
The Foundation 1 Campaign and its gracious supporters worked together to add an impressive $250,000 in funds generated from sales throughout the fiscal year. Highlighting the annual offering was the Sale of Champions featuring genetics from the heart of junior members and a legacy heifer offering paying tribute to the late James Bennett of Knoll Crest Farms. The remainder of the year was filled with proceeds from production sales and special lots leading off the National Sale at Cattlemen’s Congress and the Western States Hereford sale in Reno.
EDUCATION & RESEARCH
THE NJHA FED STEER SHOOTOUT
MAKING A POSITIVE IMPACT: CONNECTING JUNIORS TO THE
The National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) Fed Steer Shootout program focuses on teaching junior members the importance of the business side of the industry and the work it truly takes. The program prides itself on being an industryleading opportunity for NJHA members to gain invaluable industry education and experience, giving them the opportunity to gain a broad knowledge of the cattle feeding and packing industries through a comprehensive educational contest. A huge importance of the Fed Steer Shootout is to give opportunities to, not only the kids who may not be involved in the show industry, but to help bridge the gap for those who are heavily involved in the showring and watch them really begin to understand the commercial side of things as well,” says Trey Befort, American Hereford Association (AHA) director of commercial programs.
The NJHA Fed Steer Shootout has continued its growth and is now in its eighth year. In 2021, the program added another immersive element, the NJHA Fed Steer Shootout Field Day, giving juniors the opportunity to come to HRC Feed Yards and have a front-row view of cattle feeding and how their own genetics are performing in the feed yard.
“The ability for our junior members to have an opportunity to learn about a segment of the industry that’s a little bit hard to participate in, is a pretty neat aspect of the contest,” says Befort. He expressed the importance of carcass report research and its impact for the juniors. Carcass data and reports are sent to each participant, giving them the ability to make genetic improvements within their own herd.
“All data of the cattle entered is fed into a genetic evaluation at the association, so the members will receive carcass EPD’s,” says Befort. “They are then able to view strengths and weaknesses, which gives them the opportunity to make changes or know what to select when moving forward.”
Befort is very passionate about the Fed Steer Shootout experience and extends his gratitude to the industry supporters and donors that help make this contest possible. “The support to our junior association is incredible and it’s the breeders and donors who make these educational opportunities, advanced technology and data collection available, to provide feedback to our members.”
GIVING BACK
Jon and Beth Averhoff, Texas Stardance Cattle LLC, Jonesboro, Texas., are amongst some of the generous supporters Befort mentioned.
Averhoff and his wife wanted to give back all that he gained from the agriculture industry to the next generations but was searching for a non-traditional option.
“My wife Beth and I wanted to find an opportunity to support and fund an effort that was going to have a positive impact on our next generation,” says Averhoff. The NJHA Fed Steer Shootout offered just what they were hoping to find, something that truly taught the business side of the operation.
“Not only do you see the feedlot side, but also the process side,” Averhoff says. “It’s all based on economics, rate of gain efficiency, carcass quality, who made money, who didn’t make money. It’s a very business driven contest that you don’t find anywhere else.”
“It’s all based on economics, rate of gain efficiency, carcass quality, who made money, who didn’t make money. It’s a very business driven contest that you won’t find anywhere else”
JON AVERHOFF, JONESBORO, TEXAS
Averhoff says he respects the NJHA Fed Steer Shootout because it connects the kids to the future of the economy in the livestock industry. Their driving purpose, in order to make a difference in the industry, is to focus on the upcoming generations and how we can connect to them.
George Sprague, Bar One Ranch, Eugene, Ore., is also a passionate supporter of the program. Being in the Hereford business for nearly 30 years, his operation began with no experience at all. He said his non-traditional background is what created the dedication to youth education he and his wife have today.
“My wife and I started going to the Oregon State Fair and we were so impressed with the Hereford breeders,” he says. “Their work-ethic, friendliness and how willing they were to help one another, is what made my wife and I really want to support this group of juniors.”
“There is no better way to learn about animal health, nutrition and genetics until you have your own cattle on feed.”
PECOS WORRELL, HARPER, TEXAS
Amy Cowan, director of youth activities and foundation at the AHA spoke to Sprague about the NJHA Fed Steer Shootout, sparking an interest in the couple as they didn’t have much experience with that particular side of the industry.
“I was invited to the field day and was just so impressed,” says Sprague. “I love the educational opportunities and the chance it gives for kids outside of the showring to be involved.”
Sprague knows that he is investing in a group of juniors who are genuine and are excited to learn, which makes him an incredibly proud donor and supporter of these young Hereford breeders.
“I especially love that the younger members are getting started early, learning to keep records, collect data and making their own decisions,” he says. “It’s clear they really enjoy it and really want to do it. I’m all about it.”
FROM THE JUNIORS
“I always wanted to feed some steers in a commercial feed yard, but I never had enough for a full pen,” said Pecos Worrell, NJHA Fed Steer Shootout participant. “There is not a better way to learn about animal health, nutrition and genetics until you have your own cattle on feed.”
The junior members understand and appreciate the gain they receive from the contest. It’s an experience that really is unique and brings new light to junior membership opportunities.
“I never really knew a lot about the fed cattle industry as whole before getting involved,” says Sophia Smith, NJHA Fed Steer Shootout participant. “Most definitely, my favorite part has been getting to invest in something that I know is going to further my future.”
The NJHA Fed Steer Shootout and associated field day are a special experience provided to Hereford youth that is quickly growing and the impact of it is very evident. “I just hope at the end of the day, we can help better the beef industry as a whole,” says Befort. “Our members are the next generation of beef producers, so I’m very passionate about it.”
GETTING INVOLVED
The AHA offers a similar program for adult breeders, the AHA Feedout Program. If you are an individual who is passionate about this program, consider joining together as a partner with a junior. When “Partnering with a Junior,” an adult breeder can offer cattle of their own to a junior member, interested in the program but does not have cattle of their own to feed. The junior then will review reports and be able to provide insight to the breeder on their cattle’s performance and development.
“Partner with a Junior,” sets your own breeding program up for success, while simultaneously supporting the dreams and ambitions of the next generation of Hereford breeders. Information about this program or any other aspects of the NJHA Fed Steer Shootout can be directed to Trey Befort, tbefort@herefordbeef.org.
BUILDING
A PIPELINE
OF LEADERS
The Foundation has $3,058,918 available for general expenditures. This would cover approximately 1.95 years of expenses, even without the income it has budgeted.
The Foundation has received an indication of gifts in the form of bequests, which are revocable during the donors lifetime. The estimated total intention to give is $1,850,000 at August 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
*$30,898 is given back through the NJHA Fed Steer Shootout Program. *$286,571 is paid forward into the JNHE Legacy Fund, continuing to develop the JNHE for future generations. *
FISCAL YEAR DONORS
2M
4B HEREFORDS
AARON GLASCOCK
ABBY HILL FARMS
ABRAKADABRA CATTLE CO
AGRIBUCKLE
AMERICAN HEREFORD ASSOCIATION
ANDY SUCHAN
ANNE & WENDEE WHITEHEAD
BACON BRANCH BEEF
BAILEY CLANTON
BAR A CATTLE
BAR ONE RANCH
BAR STAR CATTLE
BARNES HEREFORDS
BARRON ROAD HEREFORDS
BECK-POWELL POLLED HEREFORDS
BECKY KING-SPINDLE
BEEF IMPROVEMENT FEDERATION
BETTY HARDING
BIGGS POLLED HEREFORDS
BLACK LOCUST LIVESTOCK
BLAGG HEREFORDS
BLING ME
BOBBY WADDELL
BOVITEQ
BOW & ARROW BOUTIQUE
BRAUN FARMS
BRETT HALLER
BROWN POLLED HEREFORDS
BRUCE WISEMAN
BRUMLEY FARMS
BURNS FARM
BUYRL & MISTY SHIRLEY
CARDINAL CREEK CATTLE CO
CARGILL, INC
CAROL HAYGOOD
CARTER CATTLE CO
CATTLEMEN’S CONGRESS
CCI.LIVE
CENTRAL LIFE SCIENCES
CENTRAL VIRGINIA
ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
CHAPMAN LAND & CATTLE
CHARLES & DARLA MOORE
CHURCHVIEW FARM
CLARENCE TEGTMEIER & SONS
CLAUDIA TUCKER
CLAYTON MITCHELL
COLEY HEREFORDS
COLLINS CATTLE INC
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL SCIENCE
COLYER HEREFORDS INC.
COOPER HEREFORDS
COPELAND & SONS
COTTONWOOD SPRINGS FARM
CREATIVE SIGNS BY R&H
CROSS C RANCH
CROWFOOT HUNT CLUB
CRYSTAL & FREDDY CAMPBELL
DANIEL SMITH
DANIEL TURNER
DARRELL HICKS
DEATSMAN FARMS
DEER TRACK FARM
DENNIS & HEATHER BIRDSALL
DENNIS P THOMPSON
DENTON BROS
DESTINATION MADISON
DETAILS BY DESIGN
DORRELL CATTLE
DOUBLE HEART DIAMOND CATTLE
DOUBLE L CATTLE
DOUGLAS & TERESA HARRIS
DR RONNIE GREEN
DRY CREEK FARM
Sept. 1, 2023 - Aug. 31, 2024
GRAVES CATTLE CO
DUNK CATTLE CO
EDDIE & RUTH SIMS
EDENBURN FAMILY FARM
EE RANCHES
ELANCO ANIMAL HEALTH
ELLA WELDON CATTLE COMPANY
ELMWOOD SHARPENING
ERIC & MARGARET BROWN
EUBANK FARM
EVERHART HEREFORDS
FERA DIAGNOSTICS & BIOLOGICALS CORP
FIRST BANK & TRUST COMPANY
FOCUS MARKETING GROUP
FRANK CLOWDIS
G&R HEREFORDS
G.D. & FRANCES GILLIAM
GARET & MARTHA BOSIGER
GARY MOORE
GATZ STOCK FARM
GKB CATTLE CO
GLM HEREFORDS
GOHR CATTLE COMPANY
GRAND MEADOW FARMS
GRASS POND FARM
GRIMMEL GIRLS SHOW CATTLE
GRIMMEL SCHAAKE CATTLE COMPANY
GUNN BROTHERS CATTLE COMPANY
HAALA DENIM
HANNAH PEARSON
HARFST RANCH
HARP CATTLE COMPANY
HARRY & LINDA WISTRAND
HARRY & PHYLLIS KUEBLER
HAWES CATTLE CO
HEAD BROTHERS LAND AND CATTLE
HEART F HEREFORDS HEREFORD PUBLICATIONS
HERITAGE STYLE
HOFFMAN RANCH
HOLDEN HEREFORDS
HOPKINS RANCH OF HEREFORDS
HORSE CREEK OUTFITTERS
HOWLING COYOTE
HULA HEREFORDS
HURRICANE HEFTY RANCH
HUTH POLLED HEREFORDS
ILLINOIS JUNIOR HEREFORD ASSOCIATION
INNISFAIL FARMS
J.C. & DEB ANDRAS
JACK & MARY ANN WARD
JACOBS LIVESTOCK SALES INC
JAMISON RANCH
JANICE MEAD BEARD
JARED PATTERSON
JASON CARTER
JASON THOMPSON
JB LIVESTOCK
JENSEN BROS
JIM WILLIAMS
JODIE E CLARKE
JOHN & MONA LOEWEN
JOHNSON FARM OPERATIONS INC
JOSHUA & KELLY OLESON
JOURNAGAN RANCH/ MISSOURI STATE UNIV
KANE MANOR FARM
KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL SCIENCE
KATHY N. INGE S.B. BENEVOLENT FUND
KATIE COLYER
KAYLA CARLSON
KELLY & STACIE BRUNS
KELSEY VEJRASKA
KL LEMMON
KM CATTLE
KOTTKAMP CATTLE
KRISTY CAMPBELL
LANDGREN RANCH
LARRY & LORRAINE AGEE
LARSON HEREFORD FARM
LAYTON AUCTION SERVICES
LIND FAMILY FARMS
LITTLE MOO BOUTIQUE
LORI STICKLEY
LOWDERMAN AUCTION COMPANY
LUK CATTLE
MAE & NANCY GUTHRIE
MAGGIE HOLT
MARIE KOKKELER
MARK LEIF HEEDE
MARYLAND JUNIOR HEREFORD ASSOC
MATHENY HEREFORDS
MATT & CHLOÉ DURIAN
MAY CATTLE COMPANY
MC CATTLE COMPANY
MEAD ANGUS FARMS
MELVIN C KURTZ III
MERCK ANIMAL HEALTH
MICHAEL & JANET KONKEL
MICHAEL & WANDA MCDOWELL
MILLER CATTLE CO
MINNESOTA JUNIOR HEREFORD ASSOCIATION
MITCHEM’S FARM
MJR MULCHING & RENTAL
MKS RANCH
MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY
DARR COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
MOORE CATTLE CO
MORGAN RANCH
MULLETT LIVESTOCK
NATIONAL CATTLE SERVICE
NATIONAL HEREFORD WOMEN
NEBRASKA COLLEGE OF TECHNICAL AG-CURTIS
NELSON HEREFORDS
NEOGEN
NEW GENERATION SUPPLEMENTS
NEXT LEVEL GENETICS
NORTH CAROLINA JUNIOR HEREFORD ASSOC.
OLLERICH BROS HEREFORDS
OTTER CREEK POLLED HEREFORDS
OWEN BROTHERS
PATRICIA KLEINMAN
PATRICK TIERNAN
PEREZ CATTLE COMPANY
PERKS RANCH
PERRY RANCH
PIEPER LAND AND CATTLE
PRAIRIE CROSS RANCH
PRECISION LIVESTOCK DIEKEVERS
PURINA ANIMAL NUTRITION
PURPLE REIGN CATTLE CO
PUTZ CATTLE
RANCH REBEL
RANDOLPH-HENRY HIGH SCHOOL
RASMUSSEN POLLED HEREFORDS
RICK MALIR & BONNIE COLEY-MALIR
ROBERT D CALL TRUST
RODERICK & BELINDA PILLOW
RODNEY & BARBARA PHILLIPS
ROSE WINSTON
ROSEVIEW CATTLE FARM
RR HUNT CLUB
RUSSELL CLARK
RYLEE BARBER MATHENY
SALLY WINGLER
SAND ROCK RANCH
SANDHILL FARMS
SCOTT GREINER
SCOTT & SHERRY SULLIVAN
SE LAWRENCE HEREFORDS
SELECT SIRES
SHAW CATTLE CO
SHELTON & JODY MILES
SHOWBOX BOUTIQUE
SHOWSTRING USA, INC
SIDWELL HEREFORDS
SIERRA RANCHES
SILO CREEK FARMS
SISTERS CATTLE CO
SLEEPY HOLLOW FARM
SOUTHERN PIEDMONT AREC VENDING
SPAULDING EQUIPMENT CO., INC
SPRING HILL HEREFORD FARM
STELLPFLUG CATTLE CO
STEPHAN WALDOCH
STEPHANIE MCKAY
STEVE MCCALL
STEVEN W SCHOHR
STOREY SHOW CATTLE
STORIE FARMS
STUBER RANCH
SULLIVAN SUPPLY
SWEET SPRINGS FARM
TENNESSEE RIVER MUSIC, INC
TERRA LEATHER
TEXAS HEREFORD ASSOCIATION
TEXAS STARDANCE RANCH
THE BADEN BALDY & RUSTIC ROSE
THE GREEN STUFF
THE LITTLE NUT HUT
THE LIVESTOCK MARKETEERS
THE MOUNT CARMEL UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
THE MURPHREE FAMILY
THE VANIER FAMILY
THOMAS TERRY
TIMOTHY & JUDITH BICE
TIP TOP FARMS
TK CATTLE
TODD & MARTHA SELDEN
TODD TIPPETT
TOMMY & KIM COLEY
TORMANYA TUT
TRANSOVA
TRAVIS & VIRGINIA RICH
TUCKER CATTLE CO
TWO H FARMS
TYLER ROGERS
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA, COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
VALLEY OAKS FARMS
VELDA H AGEE
WALKER POLLED HEREFORD FARM
WALLACE & ELEANOR HOLTHAUS
WATERS FARMS
WATSON LAND & CATTLE
WESTERN STATES HEREFORD ASSOCIATION
WILLIAM BUNCE
WILLIAM KERN
WILLIAM LAMBERSON
WILLIAM MCDONALD
WINFRED & PATRICIA NASH
WISCONSIN JUNIOR HEREFORD ASSOCIATION
WOODEN SHOE FARMS
DECEMBER 18-20, 2024
Thanks to an outpouring of support from Hereford breeders, donors and friends, the Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA) generated an amazing $284,000, during the 2023 Hereford Season of Giving. These funds went right to work building all of HYFA’s pillars. Join us this season as we come
2023-2024 FISCAL YEAR
HEREFORD YOUTH FOUNDATION OF AMERICA
