Annual Meeting Preview 2023

THURSDAY, Oct. 19

Friday, Oct. 20

Saturday, Oct. 21

SUNDAY, Oct. 22

Trade Show Set-Up | Basie Foyer

Attendee Registration and Trade Show Open | Basie Foyer

Gene Editing and Potential Impacts: A Panel Discussion | Basie Ballroom A

Association Workshops: Discover MyHerd and Certified Hereford Beef® Marketing | Julia Lee A&B and Bennie Moten A&B

Refreshment Break | Basie Foyer

Marketing the Breed: Tools and Resources | Basie Ballroom A

National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) Fed Steer Shootout Interviews | 12th Street Room

Attendee Registration and Trade Show Open | Basie Foyer

Opening Session | Coffee Conversation: Maximize Genetic Value | Basie Ballroom A

Lee Mayo, Manager, HRC Feed Yards LLC

Garrett Parsons, Consulting Nutritionist, Midwest PMS

Educational Session 1 | Merck Animal Health: Enhancing Productivity through Beef Animal Monitoring | Basie Ballroom A

Tim Parks, DVM, Ruminant Technical Services Manager, Merck Animal Health

Refreshment Break | Basie Foyer

Educational Session 2 | Hereford and Heterosis Economics | Basie Ballroom A

Charley Martinez, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist for Agricultural Economics, University of Tennessee

Educational Session 3 | Cow Efficiency Pays | Basie Ballroom A

David Lalman, Ph.D., Professor and Extension Specialist for Beef Cattle, Oklahoma State University

HYFA Scholarship Presentation and NJHA Awards Luncheon | Basie Ballroom B&C

National Hereford Queen Interviews | Andy Kirk B

Educational Session 4 | Neogen: Unveiling a New Price Structure | Basie Ballroom A

Kenny Stauffer, Director of Key Accounts – Livestock Team USAC, Neogen

Educational Session 5 | AHA Research: Genetics of Sustainability | Basie Ballroom A

Mark Enns, Ph.D., Professor, Colorado State University

Refreshment Break | Basie Foyer

Closing Session | Customer Service Power | Basie Ballroom A

Mark Core, Executive Vice President and CMO, Vermeer Corporation

National Hereford Women Annual Meeting | Julia Lee A&B

The Hereford Gathering | Basie Foyer

NJHA Meet-up: Building on Confidence, Community and Connection | 12th Street Room

Breakfast | Basie Foyer

Trade Show Open | Basie Foyer

Annual Membership Meeting & Hereford Honorees Recognition | Basie Ballroom

Continuous shuttle from Marriott Downtown to American Royal Complex

National Show Award Presentation | Wagstaff Sale Arena, American Royal Complex

Ladies of the Royal Sale | Wagstaff Sale Arena, American Royal Complex

Junior Hereford Show | Hale Arena, American Royal Complex

American Royal Supreme Champion Junior Female Show | Hale Arena

Continuous shuttle from Marriott Downtown to American Royal Complex

2023 American Hereford Association Educational Forum & Annual Meeting Schedule subject to change.

National Hereford Show and National Queen Selection | Hale Arena, American Royal Complex

Historic Opportunity is Yours

Hereford breeders and commercial users of Hereford genetics are at the threshold of historic opportunity because of what the U.S. beef cattle industry needs and what the breed offers.

First, the industry must rebuild the national beef cow herd when drought subsides, and forage and water resources allow. There were 28.9 million beef cows at the beginning of this year, according to the USDA’s semi-annual Cattle report. That was 2.8 million fewer than the most recent peak in 2019.

Besides raw numbers, various data over time suggest commercial cow-calf production efficiency has either stagnated or declined. Strategic, complementary crossbreeding — especially maternal heterosis — provides the surest and quickest way to boost the efficiency demanded by economic and environmental sustainability.

Decades of research and experience verify Hereford is the essential component to complementary crossbreeding, providing genetic advantages, such as fertility, cow longevity and feed efficiency in the pasture and the feedlot. Hereford also provides more hybrid punch than other Bos Taurus breeds in crossbreeding because it is the most distantly related Bos Taurus breed.

Hereford breeders’ decades long, steadfast commitment to genetic improvement means the breed’s genetic advantages are at the highest level in history.

Tools and services

Likewise, the American Hereford Association (AHA) offers more opportunity than ever to those

utilizing Hereford genetics. A short list of these opportunities includes unmatched genetic evaluation and genetic predictability, innovative marketing resources for breeders and commercial users, unequaled youth development and leadership programs, and one of the premier premium branded beef programs in the nation.

Oct. 19. Features include assessing how the latest technologies could affect seedstock and commercial cattle producers, maximizing genetic value in marketing, new economics associated with Hereford advantages, the power of cow feed efficiency and Hereford’s pioneering research efforts related to sustainability. The Educational Forum also provides interactive opportunities to learn more about AHA tools and resources.

The AHA’s focus is the clearest in its history: Establish Hereford genetics as the essential component of the U.S. beef cowherd. That is the vision statement from AHA’s fiveyear Strategic Plan introduced at last year’s Annual Membership Meeting and Educational Forum. Since then, much ground has already been covered in achieving the plan’s goals and strategies.

Please join us

Everyone involved in the Hereford breed plays an integral role in its progress. By extension, everyone involved in the breed plays an essential role in the sustainability and success of the U.S. beef cattle industry. That deserves celebration while preparing for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

I hope you will join us for the Annual AHA Membership Meeting and Educational Forum Oct. 19-22 in Kansas City, Mo. This year’s Educational Forum is expanded and will begin Thursday afternoon,

Along the way, we’ll celebrate AHA and National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) member achievements. The newest inductees to the Hereford Hall of Fame and Hall of Merit will be introduced during the Annual Membership Meeting Saturday morning, Oct. 21, along with the Hereford Commercial Producer of the Year. At the awards luncheon on Friday, Oct. 20, the Hereford Youth Foundation of America will award scholarships and NJHA members will be recognized for excellence in the Fed Steer Shootout.

Three new AHA Directors will be elected. You will find candidate bios, candidate Q&A and the list of delegates in this Annual Meeting Preview. Candidates prerecorded their speeches, which you can view at Hereford.org/events/ annual-meeting. You will find a list of delegates at the same location. Delegates are required to attend the Annual Meeting, but voting will be done electronically.

As always, the event provides the opportunity to learn from one another. These are exciting times for Hereford. I hope to see you there.

Jack

—

Ward AHA executive vice president

The AHA’s focus is the clearest in its history: Establish Hereford genetics as the essential component of the U.S. beef cowherd.

2023 Annual Membership Meeting and Conference

The American Hereford Association (AHA) invites Hereford breeders to the 2023 Annual Membership Meeting and Conference and the National Hereford Show at the American Royal. This event is an opportunity to network with Hereford breeders and enthusiasts from across the U.S. and other countries.

“Efficiency Pays. Numbers Matter,” at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown Hotel in Kansas City, Mo. will feature Educational Forums, an industry trade show, a scholarship and awards luncheon, the AHA social and the Annual Membership Meeting. The weekend concludes at the American Royal complex for the Ladies of the Royal Sale and the National Hereford Show. Members are welcome to tour the AHA headquarters Thursday morning, Oct. 19.

Thursday, Oct. 19

The first session of Educational Forums starts at 12:30 p.m. The trade show and registration will open at noon.

Friday, Oct. 20

Educational Forum sessions resume Friday morning at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown at 7:30 a.m. The trade show will open at 7 a.m. There will be a break between Educational Forum sessions from noon to 1:30 p.m. for the Awards Luncheon, where National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) Fed Steer Shootout winners will be recognized, and the Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA) will award scholarships. National

Hereford Queen interviews will be at 1:30 p.m. The closing Educational Forum session will be at 3:30 p.m. The National Hereford Women (NHW) Annual Meeting is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. The AHA Board of Directors will host The Gathering, a social, from 4:30-6 p.m. The NJHA Meet-up: Building on Confidence, Community and Connection will be 5:30-7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 21

Breakfast is at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday followed by the AHA Annual Membership Meeting at 8 a.m., including the annual AHA report. Hall of Fame and Hall of Merit inductees, Century and Golden Breeders, and the Commercial Hereford Producer of the Year will be recognized during the Annual Meeting. Association members will select up to 153 delegates to conduct the Association’s business and elect three new directors to serve on the Board. The six 2023 candidates are:

Northeast: Tom Boatman, Rockford, Ill.; Jerry Delaney, Lake Benton, Minn.

Northwest: Linda Sidwell, Carr, Colo.

Southeast: David Burns, Pikeville, Tenn.; Scott Sullivan, Grannis, Ark.

Southwest: Cindy Pribil, Hennessey, Okla.

Candidate profiles can be found on Pages 4-7. The list of delegates is on Pages 8-11.

American Royal Events

The National and Regional Show Award Presentations will be at 1 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 21, in the Wagstaff Sale Arena at the American Royal Complex. The Ladies of the Royal Sale will be at 1:30 p.m. View the entire offering at Hereford. org/marketing/hereford-sales/ production-catalogs.

The junior Hereford show, judged by John DeClerck, College Station, Texas, will begin at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, in Hale Arena. The National Hereford Show at the American Royal, judged by Tim Schaeffer, Hagerstown, Ind., will be at 8 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 22, in Hale Arena. For those who cannot attend, show results will be available online at Hereford.org.

The National Hereford Queen will be crowned following selection of the supreme champion Hereford female.

RSVP

Please assist the AHA in planning this event by submitting your RSVP at Hereford.org/events/ annual-meeting. The educational sessions, trade show and the national and regional award presentations are free for all AHA members and guests to attend.

Event Locations

Hotel headquarters: Kansas City Marriott Downtown 200 W 12th St.

Kansas City, MO 64105

American Royal complex: 1701 American Royal Ct. Kansas City, MO 64102

AHA headquarters: 11500 N. Ambassador Dr., Suite 410

Kansas City, MO 64153

AHA Academy

Learn the latest about the industry during Educational Forums.

Thursday, Oct. 19

Gene Editing and Potential Impacts: A Panel Discussion

12:30 – 2:30 p.m. | Baise Ballroom A

Learn from key industry leaders how consumers and policy makers view gene-edited animals. This session will also provide an overview of the technology, currently approved geneedited animals within the beef cattle industry and American Hereford Association (AHA) policy regarding registration of gene-edited animals.

Association Workshops: Discover MyHerd and Certified Hereford Beef® Marketing

2:30 – 3:30 p.m. | Julia Lee A&B and Bennie Moten A&B

The AHA has a variety of tools and programs for members to utilize. In these two 30-minute sessions, discover the latest features in MyHerd and learn how to help promote the Certified Hereford Beef® brand.

Marketing the Breed: Tools and Resources

4 – 5:30 p.m. | Basie Ballroom A

Marketing Hereford genetics to commercial cow-calf producers with a cohesive message is essential for the breed to capitalize on the historic national herd rebuilding opportunity. Explore the communications and marketing resources available for AHA members to use.

Friday, Oct. 20

Coffee Conversation: Maximize Genetic Value

7:30 – 9 a.m. | Basie Ballroom A

Lee Mayo, Manager, HRC Feed Yards LLC

Garrett Parsons, Consulting Nutritionist, Midwest PMS

Grab a cup of coffee and join your peers for a conversation about cattle feeding industry trends and carcass value drivers. Hear more about how the Hereford Feedout Program can add value to your herd, and look at results from the 2023 program.

Enhancing Productivity through Beef Animal Monitoring

9 – 9:45 a.m. | Basie Ballroom A Tim Parks, DVM, Ruminant Technical Services Manager, Merck Animal Health

Improve animal health outcomes using SenseHub Feedlot. Take a deep dive into trial data and observational information providing insights to SenseHub Feedlot technology and the importance of early detection technology.

Hereford and Heterosis Economics

10:15 – 11 a.m. | Basie Ballroom A

Charley Martinez, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist for Agricultural Economics, University of Tennessee

Be among the first to see results from a new analysis of hybrid vigor’s economic impact in commercial cow-calf production, including 10-year projections on how heterosis can impact an operation’s bottom line. The University of Tennessee conducted the analysis with data from AHA, the cow-calf sector and cattle feeding trials.

Cow Efficiency Pays

11 a.m. – Noon | Basie Ballroom A

David Lalman, Ph.D., Professor and Extension Specialist for Beef Cattle, Oklahoma State University

Cow feed consumption continues to increase across the industry, in

tandem with mature cow size, while ranch-level cow productivity remains stagnant. Hear trends and insights based on pioneering research, the relationship between feed intake on pasture and in the feedlot and Hereford’s efficiency advantage.

Unveiling a New Price Structure

1:30 – 2 p.m. | Basie Ballroom A Kenny Stauffer, Director of Key Accounts – Livestock Team USAC, Neogen

DNA collection serves as a powerful tool for understanding genetic potential. Learn about the new genomic testing pricing structure that will benefit AHA members.

AHA Research:

Genetics

of Sustainability

2 – 3 p.m. | Basie Ballroom A Mark Enns, Ph.D., Professor, Colorado State University

Hereford is leading the seedstock industry in discovering the genetics and genetic relationships related to environmental sustainability. Hear the latest updates about the pioneering collaborative research project the AHA is conducting with Colorado State University and AgNext.

Customer Service Power

3:30 – 4:30 p.m. | Basie Ballroom A

Mark Core, Executive Vice President and CMO, Vermeer Corporation

It can take years to gain a customer and seconds to lose them. When the days are long, finding balance is key to success. Share your message, connect with past customers and take your operation to the next level.

Introducing the 2023

Meet the six Hereford breeders seeking election to the American Hereford

Tom Boatman

Perks Ranch

Rockford, Ill. 404-372-6754 tomtammy@ perksranch.com

Burns Farms

Pikeville, Tenn. 615-477-5668 burnsda2@gmail.com

Tom Boatman, Rockford, Ill., manages Perks Ranch. Tom, alongside his wife, Tammy, and their 16-yearold twins, Kade and Kendall, work daily on the ranch. Perks Ranch, a 600-acre cow-calf operation running about 200 head of registered Hereford cattle, focuses on producing sound, functional and efficient livestock. Tom is adamant about using all the tools available through the American Hereford Association (AHA), including genomic-enhanced expected progeny differences (GE-EPDs) and ultrasound along with AI and embryo transfer. The ranch hosts an annual female production sale the second Saturday of October featuring show heifers, replacement females and bred cows. Steers are marketed in the Greater Midwest Feeder Calf Sale. The ranch holds an annual bull sale on March 1, and encourages their bull customers to utilize the Great Midwest Sale to market their calves. Additionally, the Boatmans own and operate 2TK Cattle Co., a small cow herd consisting mainly of the kids’ former show heifers.

Delaney Herefords

Lake Benton, Minn. 507-820-0661

jdh@delaney herefords.com

Growing up, Tom lived four miles from Debter Hereford Farm in Alabama. He assisted the farm with their bull sales, and the Debter family was very influential for him. Tom attended Wallace State University before taking a full-time position at Tennessee River Music as show barn manager. From there, Tom worked at McMinn Ranch in Texas, running the show barn until their dispersal. He then returned home to Alabama. Tom and Tammy married in 2001 and ran a custom fitting service before meeting their next employer, Wesley Rakestraw. Rakestraw offered Tom and Tammy full-time ranch manager positions at JWR Land and Cattle Co. in Georgia. The Boatmans managed JWR for eight years before the ranch dispersed due to the untimely death of Wesley, and they landed in their current position at Perks Ranch.

The family’s love for the Hereford breed runs six generations deep, and they are heavily involved in the Hereford breed. Growing up, Tom and Tammy met showing Hereford cattle, and they are advocates for the National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA). Kade and Kendall are both involved in the Illinois Junior Hereford Association (IJHA) and NJHA. Tom has served as a board member on the Alabama, Georgia and Illinois Hereford Associations and is currently serving as an IJHA advisor. Additionally, Tom is a

Tom Boatman

David Burns

Jerry Delaney

Board Candidates

Association Board of Directors. Scan the QR code to see their videos.

member of the Illinois Farm Bureau and Illinois Beef Association, and he assists with his local 4-H and FFA livestock judging teams.

In 2015, Tom was honored with the Hereford Herdsman of the Year award and has exhibited several national champions. Tom cares about his family, his community and Hereford cattle.

David Burns

David Burns is a third-generation farmer from Pikeville, Tenn. David, along with his wife, Katie, and their daughter, Helen, own and operate Burns Farms. David is the farm manager at Burns Farms, home to one of the largest registered Hereford herds in the Southeast. Burns Farms currently runs 750 cows on 3,000 acres. The operation has four sales each year, where they sell around 150 bulls and females.

David’s entire family is involved in the management and day-to-day operations at Burns Farms. David’s wife works to promote the operation through marketing and social media efforts. Helen helps check cows and tag calves. David’s sister, Sarah, and her family assist with freezer beef and live sales on the farm. Both of David’s parents are involved in the family business and are a vital part of the operation’s success.

David received his bachelor’s degree in animal science from Middle Tennessee State University. David went on to Michigan State University, where he obtained his master’s degree in reproductive physiology.

David grew up showing Hereford cattle. He has served on the Tennessee Hereford Association (THA) board of directors and as president. While president, one of David’s goals was to merge the THA with the Tennessee Polled Hereford Association, a goal that was achieved. He then continued to serve as vice president after the successful merger.

Currently, David is an active member of the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association. Burns Farms hosts multiple informational field days each year. They also host collegiate judging team workouts throughout the year and participate in agricultural farm tours. In 2013, David was named the Tennessee Stockman of the Year by the University of Tennessee Block and Bridle Club.

Burns Farms has been raising Hereford cattle since the operation was established in 1952. Today, David focuses on providing quality bull selection for the family’s customers while increasing genetic diversification in their area.

4B Herefords Hennessey, Okla. 405-853-5232 rpribil65@pldi.net

Sidwell Herefords Carr, Colo. 970-381-6811 office@sidwell herefords.com

Triple S Ranch

Grannis, Ark. 870-584-8990

sullivanscottn@ yahoo.com

Cindy Pribil

Linda Sidwell

Scott Sullivan

Jerry Delaney

Jerry Delaney, from Lake Benton, Minn., is a lifetime member of the AHA. He owns and operates Delaney Herefords Inc. alongside his wife, Shelly; son, Nick; and daughter-in-law, Holly. Jerry and Shelly have five children: Katie, Jaci, Marty, Michael and Nick. The couple also has 12 grandchildren. Jerry’s grandkids have rejuvenated his excitement for the NJHA and the opportunities the organization offers young people.

The Delaney herd consists of 180 cows and 80 replacement heifers. Delaney Herefords Inc. partners with Atkins Herefords in Tea, S.D., to offer their top heifer calves for sale in the fall and sells bulls and bred females in a joint annual sale in January. The Delaney family held their female sale with Atkins Herefords in September 2023 and will hold their 14th annual bull and bred female sale with Atkins Herefords in January 2024. In addition to the cow herd, the Delaney family sells embryos and farms 1,200 acres of corn and soybeans, along with 600 acres of hay and pasture.

The Delaney family has been raising quality registered Hereford cattle for more than 85 years, beginning with a Hereford heifer in 1936 as a 4-H project for Jerry’s dad, Jack Delaney. Delaney Herefords Inc. continued to build its herd and was officially established as a corporation by Jack in 1969. In addition to his AHA membership, Jerry is a lifetime member of the Minnesota Hereford Association (MHA) and has served as a director and president. Jerry was MHA president during the merger of the polled and horned associations. Additionally, Jerry is a member of the South Dakota Hereford Association.

Jerry has served on the executive board of the Minnesota Beef Expo since its inception and is the current president of the Lincoln County Fair Board. Jerry is a past director on the Lake Benton Farmers Elevator Board and a member of the Minnesota Cattlemen’s Association and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). The Delaney family received the Lincoln County Farm Family of the Year Award in 2021. In March of 2023, Jerry was inducted into the Minnesota Livestock Breeders Hall of Fame alongside his dad Jack, who received the honor in 1983.

Delaney Herefords Inc. has consigned to the National Hereford Sale and the Minnesota Go-Pher the Purple Sale and has exhibited cattle at multiple national Hereford shows. Delaney Herefords Inc. uses a combination of embryo transfer, AI and genomics to continually improve its herd.

Cindy Pribil

Cindy Pribil, Hennessey, Okla., is a fourth-generation cattle breeder. She and her husband, Roger, have two children, Elizabeth and Ryan. Cindy’s family, along with her sister and brother-in-law, Tanya and Chris Cameron, own and operate 4B Herefords.

Cindy is the managing partner for her family’s cattle operation, which runs a 275-head cow herd consisting of registered and commercial females. Their herd — a mix of registered Hereford and Angus cows — occupies 2,000 acres of native and improved grass pastures. In addition to the seedstock and commercial cow herds, they farm 1,200 acres of rotational crops with Cindy’s nephew.

Growing up, Cindy was an active member of the Oklahoma Junior Polled Hereford Association, where she served as an officer. Showing polled Herefords, she traveled to many different junior national shows. Cindy graduated high school in 1985 and continued her education at Oklahoma State University (OSU). She graduated from OSU with her bachelor’s degree in animal science in 1989. Upon graduation, Cindy was named a top-10 graduate from the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. While attending OSU, Cindy was a member of the 1988 OSU livestock judging team. She was named the high individual at the 1988 American Royal livestock judging contest.

Cindy and Roger’s children, Elizabeth and Ryan, are current students at OSU. They both assist on the farm from time to time and are active members of the NJHA. Elizabeth and Ryan have participated in the Fed Steer Shootout for multiple years and currently own several cows in the operation.

Prior to returning home to her family farm, Cindy worked for ACE Land and Cattle Co., Skiatook, Okla., for three years. She then managed the purebred beef cattle herd at OSU for 11 years. She also served as a director on the Oklahoma Angus Association board. Cindy was an advisor for the Oklahoma Junior Polled Hereford Association and a Sunday school leader at her church. In addition to running 4B Herefords, Cindy is serving as a director on the OSU animal science alumni board. 4B Herefords is an active member in the Oklahoma Hereford Association and was named the Commercial Breeder of the Year in 2020.

Linda Sidwell

Linda Sidwell, Carr, Colo., has been involved in the Hereford breed for her entire life. She and her husband, Bryan, are co-owners of Sidwell Herefords, a 115-year-old Hereford operation. Sidwell Herefords runs 120 head of registered females, and 100 Hereford and Angus commercial cows. Linda and Bryan’s daughters, Shaylea and Brooke, help out with the herd when time allows.

Linda grew up in western Nebraska on a registered and commercial Hereford operation. She was very involved in high school, being a member of 4-H and FFA, the Nebraska Junior Hereford Association, and, at the time, the American Junior Hereford Association. Additionally, Linda served as the Nebraska Hereford Queen. Linda’s daughters were also active in the breed growing up. They both were involved in 4-H, the Nebraska Junior Hereford Association and the NJHA. Shaylea followed in Linda’s footsteps, serving as the Nebraska Hereford Queen. Brooke served as the Colorado Hereford Queen and on the NJHA board of directors. Linda also served on the planning and hosting committee for the 2019 VitaFerm® Junior National Hereford Expo in Denver, Colo.

Linda graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a degree in speech communications with an emphasis in teaching, leading to a long career. Linda taught second through eighth graders in all subjects.

Sidwell Herefords currently has two locations, Carr, Colo., and Hawk Springs, Wyo. Their goal is to continually advance the herd’s genetics and elevate selections for commercial breeders. Sidwell Herefords focuses on bulls for the commercial cattleman.

Linda has served on multiple education committees, including the creation of Nebraska State Standards in Teaching. Additionally, she has served on the 4-H council and is a current member of the Colorado Farm Bureau and the NCBA.

Sidwell Herefords was recognized as a Century Breeder by the AHA in 2020. They showed the supreme champion bull at the Wyoming State Fair in back-to-back years. Linda was awarded with the Excellence in Teaching 15 Years Award by the Alliance Public School System.

Linda stands on three pillars in her life — belief, passion and dedication. She believes in the Hereford breed. Linda is passionate about Hereford cattle, and she is dedicated to the breed. Linda often thinks back to something her father said to her growing up: “If it ain’t Hereford, it ain’t worth having.”

Scott Sullivan

Scott Sullivan is a fourth-generation rancher from Grannis, Ark. He and his wife, Sherry, are the owners of Triple S Ranch, where they run 150 Hereford cows and 300 head of commercial cattle, along with a backgrounding operation.

Scott graduated from Southern Arkansas University in 1983 with his bachelor’s degree in agricultural business. A large part of his education occurred on the ranch, learning from his father and grandfather. Scott and his wife do not have children of their own but are active with their local 4-H and FFA chapters. Scott and Sherry work to get local youth involved in the cattle industry. They offer cattle at an affordable price and help with the breeding process if the kids purchase a heifer. Scott has a buyback program in the fall where he purchases and backgrounds approximately 500 calves from his bull customers. Scott’s goal is to offer his customers worry-free calving, while providing genetics that create profit opportunity from pasture to plate. Scott and Sherry work to find replacement heifers and AI bulls to continually improve their herd’s genetics.

Scott has been involved with the Hereford breed his entire life. He served on the board of directors for the Magnolia Hereford Association from 2008-2022 and served as the president from 2011-2022. He was the president of the Sevier County Cattlemen’s Association twice and was a member of the Arkansas Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) board of directors twice. Scott also served on his local church board and was a council chairman.

Before returning to the family ranch, Scott worked for Arkansas Farm Bureau for 14 years. Since 2009, he has been serving as the legislative officer for the Farm Credit Associations of Arkansas and Southern Arkansas University.

Scott is currently a member of the Magnolia Hereford Association and the Northeast Texas Hereford Association. He is serving on the ACA executive committee and on the Sevier County developmental board. He is also a member of the Arkansas State Fair board.

Scott received the ACA Lifetime Service Award in 2018. Triple S Ranch earned recognition in 2022 and 2023 from the AHA as a Platinum Whole Herd Total Performance Records (TPR™) Breeder. From 20032009 Scott served as an Arkansas State Representative. During his term, he served as speaker pro-tempore. He also was the chair of the legislative council.

Candidate Q&A

Board of Directors candidates respond to questions regarding their candidacy.

QWhy are you running for a position on the AHA Board of Directors?

Tom

Boatman

Being asked to run for the American Hereford Association (AHA) Board is truly humbling. The AHA has been a significant part of my life and has provided many opportunities for my family. Serving on this Board is just a small way that I can give back to an organization that I am passionate about. With my lifetime of experience and expertise, I feel I can offer a practical and well-rounded perspective to the Board of Directors.

David Burns

I am running for a position on the AHA Board of Directors because I am deeply passionate about the Hereford cattle industry and its future. As a third-generation cattle farmer, I know this position is not just business — it is personal. My family’s legacy reaches beyond Burns Farms Herefords. My family has worked for generations to provide exceptional Herefords to work for cattlemen across America. My experience, knowledge and dedication to the breed make me well-suited to contribute positively to the Association’s goals and the goals I hope to promote. I am committed to advocating for the Hereford breed, supporting its breeders, and ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of the Hereford cattle industry. I am eager to collaborate with fellow Board members to make meaningful contributions to our community.

Jerry

Delaney

Breeders that I admire for their progressive thinking and their common sense asked me to run for

this Board. They told me I have the passion, knowledge and experience running Hereford cows, and I think they are right. I have been working on this farm since before I graduated high school and never looked back. Raising cattle is the only thing I have ever wanted to do, and Hereford is the only breed for me.

My Hereford cows pay the bills. Even in the ’70s, when we could not sell a Hereford bull, the cows paid the bills. Those hard times got us to where we are today. It forced us to cull down hard and become better cattlemen. Most importantly, it proved breed improvement is possible, but it does not happen overnight. That is why I am running for a seat on the AHA Board of Directors — to keep that pressure on, so we do not settle and to keep working together to make this breed better. Significant changes take time and will not happen overnight.

If I were to be elected to this position, I am hoping to give back to the breed that has given so much to me in the last 60 years. I want to make sure that my kids and grandkids can have the same opportunities I have had in this breed.

Cindy Pribil

I have been involved with Hereford cattle in some form or fashion all my life and have grown to see the Association make positive strides to promote our cattle. I would like to continue to contribute and help see Hereford cattle continue to move forward and be the best breed it can be.

Linda Sidwell

I am running for a position on the AHA Board of Directors because I

believe in and am passionate about our great breed. Hereford cattle have been rewarding to my family since I was a little girl. I am dedicated to our breed and would love the opportunity to support and give back to the Association that raised me.

Scott Sullivan

It is important to be actively involved in AHA as an organization. The AHA has helped our operation and other breeders make a living and produce a highquality product. A person only gets out of an organization what they put into it. I welcome this opportunity to serve AHA and its membership and give back to it. AHA has provided me with so many opportunities to be a part of not only the organization, but also the research studies it offers to help improve my cattle and our breed. This organization has also given me opportunities to meet and develop relationships with other breeders from across the U.S. and learn from them.

QIf elected, what are three goals for your tenure on the AHA Board?

Boatman

Make genomic testing more affordable. I am a huge believer in genomic testing but feel if we could reduce the cost, more people would utilize it. In turn, this will increase our breed accuracies and create a stronger database.

Keep members up to date on the latest technology and marketing opportunities for them. Communication is key to any business, and the more we can communicate and simplify that

process between AHA and the membership, the better off we will be.

Continue our strong support of the youth and the activities in which they participate. Agricultural people are not getting any younger, and by providing as many opportunities as we can to our youth to engage in agriculture, we will secure the future of the Hereford breed.

Burns

My first goal will be market expansion. There is a need to explore new markets and opportunities for Hereford cattle, increasing demand and opening doors to new avenues for growth. Expanding the market for the Hereford cattle breed involves several strategies. We need to start at the feeder calf level and work to create equality at the sale barns. It is a misconception that the red hide is not as profitable. If we can work to educate cattlemen across the country, no matter their breed, on how to utilize Hereford genetics to better their herd, then we can help them bring the best to the sale barns.

My second goal will be to promote innovation. I will advocate for embracing new technologies and practices that enhance the Hereford breed’s genetic potential, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of modern livestock management. We need to promote and provide education on the importance and usage of genomics and expected progeny differences (EPDs). If all cattleman, from the feeder calf level to the registered level, understand how to pair and utilize these genomic and EPD numbers for best breeding practices, then we can grow our standards at all levels.

My third goal is to increase youth involvement. The future of our Association lies in the hands of our youth. I will champion programs that inspire the next generation of Hereford enthusiasts, ensuring a bright and dedicated future for our breed.

Delaney

I would like us to work toward a new efficiency index. A formulation that encompasses feedlot efficiency, environmental efficiency, sustained cow fertility and pounds weaned per size of cow would be ideal. Utilizing a single, easy-tounderstand index, our customers could clearly see that bull A is more efficient than bull B.

We need to keep supporting our National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) programs in any way that we can, whether it is the Fed Steer Shootout, Faces of Leadership, VitaFerm® Junior National Hereford Expo or any of the other events that keep our youth involved and engaged in the Hereford breed.

I would also like to focus on educating the general public. As an Association, it is to our benefit to work with other breed associations and organizations in sending clear messages to inform our customers about the basics of the cattle industry and the benefits of beef. Today’s consumer has many questions; if we do not answer them, they will find someone who will.

Pribil

First, I would like to continue our commercial Hereford brand of marketing and implement programs that would help market our Hereford-bred cattle in the commercial cattle sector, whether that be to make more strides in promotion or continue education on EPDs that reflect the commercial sector, like the baldy maternal profit index (BMI$), Brahman influence profit index (BII$) and Certified Hereford Beef profit index (CHB$).

Second, there is room for improvement in educating the members on the value of genomicenhanced EPDs (GE-EPDs), and I would like to be able to some way incentivize our membership to test their progeny to build the strength of our database and genetic testing.

Third, MyHerd has been a great tool for registrations and inventory updates, but there are still issues, such as transferring an animal that then is not removed from my inventory, etc. I would like to see that cleaned-up and made more user-friendly.

Sidwell

Goal one: I would like to work toward the continued promotion of Hereford-influenced feeder cattle at the sale barns because the blackhided counterparts continue to edge out the Hereford-influenced feeder cattle. We all talk about the greatness of the F1 black baldy. It is imperative that we get the sale barns, buyers and feeders to seek our quality Herefordinfluenced cattle.

Goal two: Our branded beef program, Certified Hereford Beef® (CHB), needs to become more prominent across the United States. We have a local grocery store that sells CHB; however, their meat counter is getting smaller and smaller. I would like to see Certified Hereford Beef become a prominent household fixture.

Goal three: I love the new MyHerd format for mobile use. I would like to see our breed go a step further and develop an app that could be downloaded with everything at the users’ fingertips.

Sullivan

Reduce the prejudice against Hereford cattle by taking the research-based data from our Biometric Open Language Tools (BOLT), National Reference Sire Program (NRSP), Hereford Feedout and other programs to our customers showing them the maternal and carcass quality of our cattle from grass to grid.

Continue to encourage the field representatives to engage with the membership, and state and regional organizations to get to know the breeders, both big and small, in their territory so the AHA may learn how

to better serve those breeders and help them promote the breed.

With the help of our field representatives, and AHA staff and leadership, provide educational programs for both adult and youth breeders as a way to learn more and network with each other so that we may become a stronger and more active membership within our organization.

QIn your opinion, what is the biggest challenge the AHA will face over the next 10 years? How can the Board prepare for and overcome that challenge?

Boatman

This is a tough question because life can always throw a curve ball. Five years ago, who would have thought we would have to go through something like COVID-19. We are going to be faced with several challenges over the next 10 years as an industry, such as environmental issues, government restrictions, water rights, animal activists and the promotion of plant-based meats. We have to keep fighting for our livelihood and telling our story. We are stewards of the land, and we are doing our part to produce more with less in a safe way. The Colorado State University project is a step in the right direction. This has put Hereford in the forefront of the sustainability race, but we cannot become complacent. We need to continue to push and stay on top of the latest technology that will continue to improve the demand for the Hereford breed.

Burns

The negative press against the agriculture industry, including the beef industry, is something to push against. We need to spend time promoting the primary education of agricultural science and its importance to America. I hope to increase awareness and build

a foundation of promoting our agricultural and beef industry in order to increase sustainability over the next decade.

Delaney

One of the biggest challenges we face today is the selling price of Hereford versus black-hided cattle in the sale barns. To compete, we have to make our Herefords better. We must push to produce lower birth weight and higher performing cattle faster and more efficiently than any other breed does. We have to make our trailer loads or pot loads of feeder calves as uniform as possible, either through better genetics or better management. We also need to keep them healthy. We cannot relax. We cannot expect our AHA staff to sell our product; we, as producers, must keep making the product better.

We need to implement new ways to prove and measure our efficiency as a breed in a manner that our breeders and customers can understand.

We should not go chasing the rainbow to keep everything balanced or give something up to get something else. We need to keep telling our story to the consumer and tell them why we do the things we do. We need to keep improving the things that brought us here today, like docility, mothering ability, longevity, structure and udder quality.

Pribil

The biggest challenge for the AHA is to continue to strive to make our breed top in the marketplace through the purebred and commercial sector. We need to continue to work on our carcass traits and data to make sure we can compete in the feedyard and on the rail. We also have to be mindful of the “green move” and not be against it. We need to educate people on the facts and make them have a common understanding about production agriculture and what it does do for our environment.

Sidwell

With the U.S. cow herd at a 52-year low, our biggest challenge will be to maintain, and ultimately grow, the demand for Hereford cattle. The Hereford breed has made huge improvements since I was a child; however, that bad rap from years gone by still rears its ugly head every now and then. We need to continue to prove our genetic greatness, stress how we have improved feet, eye and udder quality, along with other traits. Our Association must take advantage of any and all opportunities to promote the benefits of our breed. Our genetic greatness begins with us, the breeders. Using a combination of phenotype and genotype, and a keen eye for culling, our breed will be king again.

Another challenge that we will face is the ever-changing technology era. As technology advances, we must be prepared to embrace and meet the advances. By embracing and accepting new technology, we, as an Association, will continue to be cutting edge and lead the way.

Sullivan

The biggest challenge is keeping young producers involved in not only the AHA but in the beef industry as a whole. The Board can help overcome this challenge by simply asking them, “What makes you want to be involved with an organization? To what mode of delivery, communication, education do you respond? What keeps your interest and makes you want to be active?” Two-way communication is key for us to go beyond sustainable with this organization.

Another challenge is communicating with our consumers better. We need to understand what they want in an eating experience and communicate with them that we can provide that enjoyable experience with CHB beef products. Consumers need to know that we are listening and willing to provide products that meet their needs and expectations.

National Hereford Queen Candidates

State Hereford Queens vie for the national crown.

Five National Hereford Queen candidates will represent the breed during the American Hereford Association Annual Meeting and Educational Forum Oct. 19-22 in Kansas City, Mo. The new queen will be crowned after the selection of the champion Hereford female at the American Royal on Sunday, Oct. 22.

Jalyn Davis, Maple Hill, Kan.

Jalyn Davis, 19, is the daughter of Danny and Amanda Davis. As a little girl, Jalyn was picked to be princess of the day and has dreamt of serving as National Hereford Queen ever since. Being a spokesperson, advocate and role model for the breed that she has grown up with would be fulfilling a lifelong goal. Jalyn is a freshman at Butler Community College and is part of the livestock judging team and Collegiate Farm Bureau. She plans on continuing her education at Kansas State University and majoring in agricultural marketing.

Abby Johnson, Madison, Va.

Abby Johnson is the 18-year-old daughter of Carol and Joe Johnson. She hopes to be crowned National Hereford Queen to be a role model for other young women in agriculture and to promote agricultural education. Abby is a freshman studying agribusiness and applied economics at Virginia Tech. She plans to return home to her family’s cattle operation after college and continue their legacy of beef cattle production, while also implementing new technologies and economic programs. She also hopes to increase her herd of more than 70 registered Herefords while continuing genetic improvements and herd development.

Madison Maupin, Eagleville, Tenn.

Madison Maupin is the 18-year-old daughter of Jason and Angela Maupin. If selected to serve as National Hereford Queen, Madison plans to promote the breed and the Association, encourage new members and youth participation, advocate for breeders of all sizes, and support the many opportunities provided by the breed. Madison attends the University of Tennessee at Martin, majoring in animal science with a minor in agricultural business. She is active on campus and on her family’s Hereford operation. In the future, Madison plans to obtain a doctorate in animal science with a concentration in genetics and reproduction and pursue a career in biotechnology and cattle reproduction.

Marie Prodell, Algoma, Wis.

Marie Prodell, 21, is the daughter of Shawn and Jenny Prodell. She hopes to be crowned the next National Hereford Queen because she wants to make a difference in the Hereford industry by sharing her story as a first-generation Hereford breeder. This industry developed Marie into the person she is today and helped steer her toward her future career. Marie is a senior at the University of Wisconsin – River Falls, studying agricultural business and animal science. When she graduates, she hopes to continue her education in graduate school, studying meat science while expanding her Hereford operation and starting an agricultural event planning business.

Elaina Walsh, Godfrey, Ill.

Elaina Walsh, the 19-year-old daughter of Tim and Becky Walsh, is a fifth-generation Hereford breeder. She believes being crowned the next National Hereford Queen would be a prestigious honor because she has a true passion for the breed. After serving as both the Illinois Hereford Princess and Queen, Elaina is eager to continue to serve as an ambassador for the breed and be a role model for others. She is currently a freshman at Illinois State University, majoring in biology on the pre-med track for optometry. After graduation, Elaina will continue her education in a Doctor of Optometry program.

Voting Delegates

Each state Hereford association elects delegates to represent their association at the American Hereford Association Annual Meeting. Delegates vote on the candidates competing for positions on the Board of Directors. Below are this year’s delegates.

Alabama

No delegates nominated.

Arizona/Nevada

Donald Brumley

Brumley Farms

Orovada, Nev.

Arkansas

Phillip Moon

Moon Herefords

Harrison

Sherry Sullivan

Triple S Ranch

Grannis

California

Tyler Coleman

Sierra Ranches

Modesto

Carrie Morrell

Morrell Ranches

Willows

Colorado

Jane Evans Cornelius

Coyote Ridge Ranch

La Salle

Marshall Ernst

Ernst Herefords

Windsor

Idaho

Guy Colyer

Colyer Herefords

Bruneau

Katie Colyer

Bruneau

Sam Shaw

Shaw Cattle Co.

Caldwell

Illinois

Kent Burns

Burns Polled Herefords

Coulterville

Joe Ellis

Ellis Farms

Chrisman

Roger Jennings

Jennings Land & Cattle

Palmyra

Steve Lorenzen

Lorenzen Farms

Chrisman

Mark Stephens

Stephens Hereford Farms

Taylorville

Indiana

Sarah Beth Aubrey

Aubrey Cattle Co.

Zionsville

Jill Duncan

Able Acres

Wingate

Lee Elzemeyer

Elzemeyer Polled Herefords

Richmond

Bruce Everhart

Everhart Farms

Waldron

Iowa

Thad Espenscheid

Espenscheid Cattle

Traer

Tom Heidt

K7 Herefords

Lockridge

Anthony Monroe

Baja Cattle

Truro

Mike Simpson

Simpson Polled Herefords

Redfield

Shayne Wiese

Wiese & Sons

Manning

Kansas

Alex Acheson

Wichita

Craig Beran

B&D Herefords

Claflin

David Breiner

Mill Creek Ranch

Alma

Dean Davis

Davis Herefords

Maple Hill

Tom Granzow

Granzow Herefords

Herington

Gus Gustafson

Gustafson Herefords

Junction City

Jan Oleen

Oleen Bros.

Dwight

Kevin Schultz

Sandhill Farms LLC

Haviland

Kentucky

Andrew Matheny

Matheny Herefords

Mays Lick

Dale Stith

Mays Lick

Tim Wolf

Wolf Farm

Alexandria

Louisiana

Paula Skipper

Skipper Farms

Delhi

Michigan

Jill Bielema

Grand Meadows Farm

Ada

Minnesota

Ross Carlson

Carlson Farms

Murdock

Jerry Delaney

Delaney Herefords Inc.

Lake Benton

David Kitchell

DaKitch Hereford Farms

Ada

Daryl Rupprecht

Rangeline Cattle

Thief River Falls

Mississippi

Ryan McGuffee

McGuffee Polled Herefords

Mendenhall

Don Sims

S & W Polled Herefords

Burnsville

Joe Waggoner

Waggoner Cattle Co. LLC

Jackson

Missouri

Jim Bellis

JD Bellis Family Herefords

Aurora

Jonathan Davis Bellis

Aurora

Larry Day

Day’s Family Farm

Pilot Grove

Marty Lueck

Mountain Grove

Travis McConnaughy

WMC Cattle Co.

Wasola

Jim Reed

Reed Farms

Green Ridge

John Ridder

Falling Timber Farm

Marthasville

Glen Waters Waters Farms

Norborne

Montana

Mark Cooper

Cooper Hereford Ranch

Willow Creek

Jack Holden

Holden Herefords

Valier

Fred McMurry

McMurry Cattle Co.

Billings

Dale Venhuizen

Churchill Cattle Co.

Manhattan

Nebraska

Doug Bolte

Blueberry Hill Farms Inc.

Norfolk

Joe Brockman

Lawrence

Marie Farr

XA Cattle

Moorefield

Mark Landgren

Landgren Ranch

Bartlett

Kendi Miigerl

Ravenna

Brett Nelson

Nelson Herefords

Burwell

Arthur Olsen

Olsen Ranches Inc.

Harrisburg

Ronald Schutte

Alfred Schutte & Sons

Guide Rock

Russ Tegtmeier

Clarence Tegtmeier & Sons

Burchard

Jim Williams

Valley View Cattle Co.

Kearney

New England

(Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New

Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont)

No delegates nominated.

New Mexico

Cliff Copeland

Copeland & Sons LLC

Nara Visa

Bill King

Bill King Ranch

Moriarty

Becky King-Spindle

King Herefords

Moriarty

New York

Timothy Dennis

Glade Haven Herefords

Penn Yan

Kathi Wagner

JKW Polled Herefords

Catskill

North Carolina

Jim Davis

Terrace Farms

Lexington

Kim Prestwood

Prestwood Beef Cattle

Lenoir

North Dakota

Roger Stuber

Stuber Ranch

Bowman

Ohio

Keayla Harr

Jeromesville

Alexis Stitzlein

Mohican Farms

Glenmont

Oklahoma

Jim Birdwell

Birdwell Ranch

Fletcher

Curtis Curry

Curry Herefords

McAlester

Sam Eck

Rocking E Herefords

Putnam

Harold Gleason

Square G Ranch

Thomas

Leslie Harrison

Harrison Cattle Co.

Arapaho

John Loewen

Loewen Herefords

Waukomis

Cindy Pribil

4B Herefords

Hennessey

Eddie Sims

MCS Cattle Co.

Elgin

Tim Stidham

Bowling Herefords

Newkirk

Oregon

Bob Harrell Jr.

Harrell Hereford Ranch

Baker City

George Sprague

Bar One Ranch

Eugene

Pennsylvania

Les Midla

Flat Stone Lick

Marianna

Paul Slayton

Slaytons Beardance

Bedford

South Carolina

Greg Fowler

Grena Farm

Jonesville

Norris Fowler Jr.

Fowken Farm

Jonesville

South Dakota

Phil Eggers

Eggers Southview Farms

Sioux Falls

Nate Frederickson

Frederickson Ranch

Spearfish

Jeanne Johnson

Sleepy Hollow Farm

Centerville

Jerome Ollerich

Ollerich Bros. Herefords

Clearfield

Jacob Rausch

Rausch Herefords

Hoven

Ben Roudabush

Mitchell

Erik Scott

Section 16 Cattle Co.

Canton

Southern Atlantic

(Florida and Georgia)

Jonny Harris

Greenview Polled Hereford

Farms Inc.

Screven, Ga.

Thomas Mead Jr.

Mead Cattle Enterprises

Midville, Ga.

Robert Neligan

Eatonton, Ga.

Tennessee

Billy Ashe

Ashewood Farm

Selmer

Russell Crouch

Crouch Polled Hereford Farm

McMinnville

Rob Helms

Candy Meadow Farms Inc.

Lexington

Josh Mansfield

Ridgetop Farms LLC

Liberty

Eric Walker

Walker Polled Hereford Farm

Morrison

Texas

Ryan Akers

O H Triangle Ranch

San Angelo

Terri Barber

Channing

Brett Barber Barber Ranch

Channing

William Breeding

B&C Cattle Co.

Miami

Chad Breeding Miami

Jack Chastain

Chastain Cattle Co.

Fort Worth

Stephen Coates Jr.

Coates Ranch Co.

Mertzon

Mike Doyle

Doyle Hereford Ranch

Wolfe City

John Dudley

Dudley Bros.

Comanche

Paul Funk

Spearhead Ranch

Copperas Cove

Lee Haygood

Indian Mound Ranch

Canadian

Joe Dan Ledbetter

Ledbetter Cattle Co.

Wheeler

Rylee Barber Matheny

Barber Minis

Channing

Robert Meischen

Meischen Polled Herefords

Yorktown

Barbara Metch

Metch Polled Herefords

Canton

Keith Rogers

Hidden Oaks Ranch

Hamilton

Mike Willis

Willis Polled Herefords

Emory

Larry Woodson

Still River Ranch

Van Alstyne

Upper Atlantic

(Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey)

No delegates nominated.

Utah

Roger Rees

Rees Bros. Herefords

Morgan

Virginia

Robert Schaffer

Deer Track Farm

Spotsylvania

Washington/Alaska

Joe Bennett

W T Bennett

Connell, Wash.

Bill Cox

CX Ranch

Pomeroy, Wash.

West Virginia

Neil Litton

Cottle Bros.

Summersville

Kenneth Scott

Grandview Hereford Farm

Beaver

Wisconsin

Steve Folkman

C&L Hereford Ranch

Ixonia

Jerry Huth

Huth Polled Herefords

Oakfield

Fred Larson

Larson Hereford Farm

Spring Valley

Steve Merry

MGM

Hartford

Wyoming

No delegates nominated.