Annual Meeting Preview 2022

Annual Meeting Preview

Schedule of Events

Friday, Oct. 21

7 a.m. Attendee Registration and Trade Show Open | City Beautiful Foyer

8 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Opening Session | A Strategic Outlook for the Association | City Beautiful B&C

Kevin Ochsner, Agcellerate

9:00 – 10:15 a.m. Educational Session 1 | Building on Hereford Research | City Beautiful B&C

Kim Stackhouse-Lawson, Ph.D., Director of AgNext, Colorado State University

Shane Bedwell, Chief Operations Officer and Director of Breed Improvement, AHA

10:15 – 10:30 a.m Refreshment Break | City Beautiful Foyer

10:30 – 11:15 a.m. Educational Session 2 | Animal Health | City Beautiful B&C

Todd Bilby, Ph.D., Director of Dairy Technical Sales, Merck Animal Health

11:15 – Noon Educational Session 3 | 1881: A Story to Tell | City Beautiful B&C

Taylor Belle Matheny, Director of Communications, AHA Wes Ishmael, Hereford World Executive Editor, AHA

Noon – 1:30 p.m. HYFA Scholarship Presentation and NJHA Awards Luncheon | City Beautiful D&E

1:30 p.m. National Hereford Queen Interviews | City of Fountains Boardroom B

1:30 – 2:15 p.m. Educational Session 4 | Fuel the Future of CHB® | City Beautiful B&C

Amari Sieferman, CEO, Certified Hereford Beef®

2:15 – 2:45 p.m. Educational Session 5 | Engineering Success with MyHerd | City Beautiful B&C Stacy Sanders, Director of Records Department, AHA

2:45 – 3:15 p.m. Educational Session 6 | InfiniSEEK™ for Cattle: The Next Step in Genomics

City Beautiful B&C | JR Tait, Ph.D., Director of Genetics Product Development, NEOGEN Genomics

3:15 – 3:30 p.m. Refreshment Break | City Beautiful Foyer

3:30 – 4:15 p.m. Closing Session | Create Your Future | City Beautiful B&C Jack Ward, Executive Vice President, AHA Tom Brink, CEO, Red Angus Association of America

4:15 p.m. National Hereford Women Annual Meeting | City Beautiful A 4 – 6 p.m. The Gathering Social | City Beautiful Foyer

Saturday, Oct. 22

7 – 11 a.m. Trade Show Open | City Beautiful Foyer

6:30 – 8 a.m. Breakfast | City Beautiful Foyer

8 a.m. Annual Membership Meeting & Hereford Hall of Fame and Merit Recogition | City Beautiful D&E

1:30 p.m. National Show Award Presentation | Wagstaff Sale Arena, American Royal Complex

2 p.m. Ladies of the Royal Sale | Wagstaff Sale Arena, American Royal Complex

4 p.m. Junior Hereford Show | Hale Arena, American Royal Complex

SUNDay, Oct. 23

7 a.m. NHW Breakfast Social | The Governor’s Room, American Royal Complex

8 a.m. National Hereford Show | Hale Arena, American Royal Complex

National Queen Selection | Hale Arena, American Royal Complex

Please Join Us

Nearly 300 years ago, farmers in Herefordshire, England, founded the Hereford breed in response to consumer beef demand created by Britain’s Industrial Revolution. Efficient production, high yields and sound reproduction were of utmost importance.

Hereford cattle arrived in the United States in 1817 to serve a similar need — efficiently adding pounds to native cattle grazing the nation’s rangelands, while also creating reproductively efficient females. American Hereford breeders founded the Hereford Cattle Breeders Association in 1881, which was later renamed the American Hereford Association (AHA).

The Hereford breed and AHA maintain the original vision — build more pounds of quality beef and more production-efficient females with fewer resources than otherwise possible, via the breed’s inherent genetic advantages.

Next steps

While the breed and AHA have never wavered from the original vision, much thoughtful, deliberate planning over the years has created programs and research enhancing opportunities for the breed, breeders and commercial users of Hereford genetics.

operators, packers and sale barn owners. Survey findings informed a series of candid focus-group sessions, which included a variety of leaders from all industry sectors, as well additional one-on-one interviews. All were aimed at broadening

director of AgNext at Colorado State University (CSU), will share opportunities associated with the exciting collaborative research between CSU and AHA. Tom Brink, CEO of the Red Angus Association of America will join AHA staff to describe the new Genetic Merit Pricing task force for feeder cattle. AHA staff will also share various updates and opportunities (see Schedule of Events, opposite page).

Interact and celebrate

Of course, there will be time to exchange ideas and honor outstanding achievements.

insight about industry perceptions of Hereford genetics in the U.S. cattle industry, from pasture to plate.

Ochsner and Field shared periodic updates with the AHA Board of Directors throughout the winter of 2022. They delivered compiled results to the Board during a strategic planning meeting in April, which

The Awards Breakfast on Oct. 22 is always a highlight. We honor the newest members of the Hereford Hall of Fame and Merit. Likewise, it is always exciting to be part of the Educational Forum luncheon, where members of the National Junior Hereford Association are recognized for excellence in the Fed Steer Shootout and where the Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA) awards scholarships.

Finally, 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/

2022 Annual Membership Meeting and Conference

Join us Oct. 21-23 at the Loews Kansas City Hotel.

The American Hereford Association (AHA) invites Hereford breeders to the 2022 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.

AHA is hosting the event — “Built on Tradition. Engineered to Sustain,” at the Loews Hotel in Kansas City, Mo. It will feature Educational Forums, an industry trade show, a scholarship and awards luncheon, the AHA social and the Annual Membership Meeting. The weekend will conclude at the American Royal complex for the Ladies of the Royal Sale and the National Hereford Show. Members are welcome to visit the AHA headquarters Thursday, Oct. 20, to visit with staff.

Friday, Oct. 21

The festivities will begin Friday morning at the Loews Hotel with the first session of Educational Forums beginning at 8 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 final educational forum session will be at 3:30 p.m. The National Hereford Women

(NHW) Annual Meeting is scheduled for 4:15 p.m. The AHA Board of Directors will also host The Gathering, a social, from 4-6 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 22

Breakfast will be served 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 and Century and Golden Breeders will be recognized during the Annual Meeting. Association members will select up to 153 delegates to conduct the Association’s business and to elect three new directors to serve on the Board. The six 2022 candidates are:

Northeast: Dave Wiese, Manning, Iowa; Jerry Delaney, Lake Benton, Minn., Tim Dennis, Penn Yan, N.Y. Northwest: Hampton Cornelius, LaSalle, Colo.

Southeast: Jim Coley, Lafayette, Tenn.

Southwest: Austin Snedden, Maricopa, Calif.

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

American Royal events

The Ladies of the Royal Sale will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, in the Wagstaff Sale Arena at the American Royal Complex. View the entire offering at Hereford. org/marketing/hereford-sales/ production-catalogs. The National and Regional Show Award Presentations will be at 1:30 p.m.

The junior Hereford show, judged by Krisha Geffert, Lavalle, Wis., will begin at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, in Hale Arena. The National Hereford Show at the American Royal, judged by Kyle Pérez, Nara Visa, N.M., will be at 8 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 23, in Hale Arena. Prior to the show, the NHW will host a breakfast social in the Governor’s Room at the American Royal Complex. For those who cannot attend, show results will be available online at Hereford.org

Following the selection of the supreme champion Hereford female will be the crowning of the new National Hereford Queen.

RSVP

Be sure to RSVP to the Annual Membership Meeting and Conference online. Attendance to the educational sessions, trade show and the national and regional award presentations is free to all AHA members and guests. Please assist the AHA in planning for this event by submitting your RSVP at Hereford.org/ events/annual-meeting

Event Locations

Hotel headquarters:

Loews Kansas City Convention Center 1515 Wyandotte St. Kansas City, MO 64108

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

AHA headquarters: 11500 N. Ambassador Dr., Suite 410 Kansas City, MO 64153

Learn and Share

AHA Educational Forums offer something for everyone.

All American Hereford Association (AHA) Educational Forums will be in City Beautiful B&C at the Loews Kansas City Hotel.

A Strategic Outlook for the Association | 8 a.m. Kevin Ochsner, president, Agcellerate

Developing the AHA’s new five-year strategic plan included the candid, gracious input of industry leaders from every sector of the beef industry, as well as Hereford breeders. Find out what’s in the plan, how it can help you and how you can ensure its success.

Building on Hereford Research | 9 a.m.

Kim Stackhouse-Lawson, Ph.D., Director of AgNext, Colorado State University

Shane Bedwell, Chief Operations Officer and Director of Breed Improvement, AHA

Learn more about the Hereford research initiatives that will further leverage the Hereford breed’s strengths to serve the evolving beef industry and the next generation of consumers. This session will detail two exciting current research projects: maternal efficiency with the University of Illinois and the genetics of sustainability with Colorado State University.

Animal Health | 10:30 a.m. Todd Bilby, Ph.D., Director of Dairy Technical Sales, Merck Animal Health

Reproductive hormones and estrus synchronization offer a myriad of benefits in both cows and heifers bred through AI or natural service. Advantages include shortening the calving interval to increase pounds of beef at weaning and to improve replacement heifer fertility. Learn more about these benefits as well as the use of hormones to improve embryo transfer pregnancy retention.

1881: A Story to Tell | 11:15 a.m.

Taylor Belle Matheny, Director of Communications, AHA

Wes Ishmael, Hereford World Executive Editor, AHA

Every compelling tale has a hero. Hereford cattle came to America to answer specific challenges. The breed continues to meet the dynamic demands of cattle producers, beef consumers and society. Now, Hereford faces its most extraordinary opportunity yet.

Fuel the Future of CHB® | 1:30 p.m.

Amari Seiferman, CEO, Certified Hereford Beef ®

Certified Hereford Beef® is much more than a unique premium branded beef product delivering consistently high quality and consumer satisfaction. Certified Hereford Beef is also an opportunity for restaurants and retailers to build business revenue with a premium product backed by unwavering customer service and curated marketing support. You are key to its success.

Engineering Success with MyHerd | 2:15 p.m.

Stacy Sanders, Director of Records Department, AHA

AHA members use MyHerd as the predominant tool to handle their registrations, transfers, performance data, DNA testing, etc. More than 80% of AHA registry work comes from members via MyHerd. Learn about new features that make MyHerd even more useful for breeding selection, marketing and general management information tasks.

InfiniSEEK™ for Cattle: The Next Step in Genomics | 2:45 p.m.

JR Tait, Ph.D., NEOGEN Genomics

InfiniSEEK™ is the future of genomic advancement for Hereford cattle and the beef industry. This new genomic testing technology offers new genomic insights that will drive faster genetic change. NEOGEN is proud to unveil InfiniSEEK™ to Hereford breeders.

Create Your Future | 3:30 p.m.

Jack Ward, Executive Vice President, AHA

Tom Brink, Chief Executive Officer, Red Angus Association of America

Harnessing the power and efficiencies of heterosis has never been more important in U.S. beef cattle production. The need for objective value determination has never been greater. Existing and unfolding AHA programs and research aim at both.

Introducing the 2022

Meet the six Hereford breeders vying for a position on the

JHereford breeder from Lafayette, Tenn. Jim and his wife, Kay, married in 1980. They have two children, Denise and Michael, and four grandchildren. Coley Hereford Farm began with Jim’s grandfather, dad and uncle as V.H. Coley and Sons in 1938. They had successful production sales from 1952 to 1978 before dispersing the original herd in 1978 after Jim’s father passed away. Jim started his own herd after college graduation in 1976.

As a youth, Jim was active in the Tennessee Junior Hereford Association and 4-H. He assisted with all aspects of the farm.

While attending the University of Tennessee, Jim was active in clubs, worked on the university’s cattle farm and participated on the livestock and meats judging teams. Jim served on the National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) board from 1973-1976. After graduating with an animal science degree, Jim spent nine years working as a farm manager for farms in Tennessee, Kentucky and Georgia. In 1985, he moved back to Tennessee and began a 30-year career working in sales and management at farmers co-ops. He retired in 2017 and works full-time on his cattle operation.

Jim Coley

Hereford Farm

Jim has been active in Cattlemen’s Association boards in several counties. He has been active in the Tennessee Hereford Association, serving as president and on the Tennessee Beef Agribition (TBA) committee. He also managed the TBA Hereford sale. In 2014, he served on the merger committee joining the Tennessee Hereford Association and the Tennessee Polled Hereford Association. In 2003, Jim and his family donated the first heifer sold to support the Hereford Youth Foundation of America. That heifer raised more than $30,000. Additionally, Jim was recognized as a Gold Whole Herd Total Performance Records (TPR™) Breeder by the American Hereford Association (AHA) in 2022.

In 2017, Jim moved his cattle back to the “home place” just east of Lafayette, Tenn. His herd includes 50 polled and horned cows, mostly Line 1, in addition to five to 10 contract ET calves. Coley Hereford Farm produces commercial and seedstock bulls and bred heifer replacements for use in a variety of operations. Jim maintains performance records and uses genomic testing. The calves not sold for breeding are fed and sold directly to consumers as freezer beef.

Ridge Ranch in LaSalle, Colo. He has been married to his wife, Kay, for 29 years, and they have a son, John Hampton.

Coyote Ridge Ranch (CRR) is a purebred Hereford cattle ranch with an extensive hay operation located on the northern High Plains near the Rocky Mountains. They develop Hereford bulls suitable for commercial and seedstock customers. They run 170 registered Hereford pairs with their noted CRR cow families serving as the hallmark of their operation. The ranch also markets embryos, high-quality show heifers and purebred replacement females. CRR maintains balanced genetics to produce quality replacements and marketable steers with highly accepted carcass traits. This is done through balanced trait selection. Bulls are genomic tested, and yearlings are ultrasounded for carcass measurements. CRR has retained ownership on all steers for three decades. CRR has provided the AHA with 30 years of carcass data on their steers, and the ranch is a Gold TPR Breeder.

Board Candidates

American Hereford Association (AHA) Board of Directors.

Hampton Cornelius

Coyote Ridge Ranch

Hampton’s cattle have topped national Hereford shows, and he is proud that the CRR National Western Stock Show pen show entries have been purchased by fellow Hereford breeders across the country.

Hampton was active in the NJHA, 4-H and FFA as a youth. He attended Northeastern Junior College and Colorado State University (CSU) and judged livestock at both. At CSU, Hampton received the Tom Blackburn Award for being an outstanding member of the livestock judging team. Hampton has judged numerous shows across the U.S., and in Canada and Uruguay.

He strongly believes in developing young people and promoting Hereford beef. CRR often provides judging team workouts and hosts the United States Meat Export Federation, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and Colorado Beef Board tours. CRR has welcomed culinary experts, chefs, high school agriculture teachers and meat-buying delegations from China, Taiwan, Korea and other countries.

When Hampton is not ranching or making hay, he enjoys fishing, camping, hunting, and spending time in the Colorado mountains.

JMinn.,

is a lifetime member of the AHA. Jerry 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 eight 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 October and sell bulls and bred females in a joint annual sale in January. The Delaney family will host their 13th annual sale with Atkins Herefords in January 2023. 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 as a 4-H project in 1936. Delaney Herefords Inc. continued to build its

Jerry Delaney

Delaney Herefords Inc.

Benton,

herd and was officially established as a corporation by Jerry’s dad, 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 NCBA. The Delaney family received the Lincoln County Farm Family of the Year Award in 2021.

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.

T im Dennis, Penn Yan, N.Y., grew up on a farm in Jasper, N.Y. He is a longtime AHA member and established Penn Yan as his home in 1973 when he bought two parcels of farmland. He owns and operates Glade Haven Herefords with his wife, Dawn. Tim and Dawn have been married for 55 years and have two adult children, Laura and Michael. They also have three grandchildren and one great grandchild. Based in the Finger Lakes region of New York, Glade Haven Herefords is made up of 40 mostly seedstock Hereford cows and 200 acres of pasture.

Tim is a retired large animal veterinarian and a graduate of Cornell University. He attained his first Hereford heifer from Cornell University in 1961, and his family utilized registered Hereford bulls in their commercial beef herd while Tim was growing up.

Tim has been a voting delegate at the AHA’s annual meeting for more than 15 years. He was an advisor for the New York Junior Hereford Association for several years and has served on the New York Hereford Association board of directors. He was recognized by the AHA in 2009 as a Golden Hereford Breeder. Tim has also been recognized by the AHA as

Glade Haven Herefords

Penn Yan, N.Y.

315-856-0183

tdennis@trilata.com

a Gold TPR Breeder. He received the New York Beef Producers Association Cattleman of the Year Award and the Mission Recognition Award from the Benton Center Methodist Church.

Tim has been active in the New York Beef Producers Association, NCBA, Benton Center Methodist Church, Penn Yan Central School Board of Education, Yates County Legislature, and Yates County Farm Bureau. He has served on the New York State Task Force on the Future of Farming, and as a 4-H leader. Tim is also a lifetime member of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners and the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Glade Haven Herefords’ goal is to breed and build its cow herd while producing calves that can work in a commercial environment. Glade Haven Herefords has consigned cattle to the Pennsylvania State Bull Test and the Midland Bull Test in Columbus, Mont. The operation exhibits cattle regionally at local county fairs, the New York State Fair and Keystone International Livestock Exposition.

Tim cares deeply about his family, church and community.

Maricopa, Calif., where his family has been raising cattle in the same county for more than 150 years.

Snedden Ranch was founded in 1867 by Anna and Samuel Snedden and has been passed down through the generations. Austin grew up on the ranch in southwest Kern County and graduated from Azusa Pacific University in 2005 with a degree in business administration. Ranching is Austin’s full-time job; Austin and his wife, Sarah, partner with his parents, Richard and Susie, to operate Snedden Ranch.

Austin and Sarah met in college and married in 2004. They have four children: Ryah, Rainey, Sonora and Ezra. Snedden Ranch is a family business with family members of all ages working in every aspect of the operation.

Snedden Ranch consists of 350 to 400 commercial cows, 120 Hereford cows, and 40 Red Angus cows. The Snedden family raises bulls for their commercial herd and their annual production sale, held on the second Saturday of October every year. In addition to the cow herd and hosting a production sale, Snedden Ranch markets a select group of commercial replacement females every year. Their steer

Tim Dennis

Austin Snedden

Snedden Ranch

Maricopa, Calif.

805-423-0248

sneddenranch@gmail.com

calves are merchandised at weaning or yearling age and sold off the ranch through auction and video markets.

Snedden Ranch has raised primarily Hereford cattle for more than 100 years and registered its first cattle with the AHA 50 years ago in 1972. The ranch was recognized as a Gold TPR Breeder by the AHA in 2022. Austin and Sarah served as advisors for the California/Nevada Junior Hereford Association in 2017 and 2018.

Austin has been involved with the Kern County Cattlemen’s Association for many years and served as president from 2014 to 2015. He was appointed to serve on the Trump Administration’s Rural and Agriculture Advisory Committee. Austin served as a delegate for the California Republican Party from 2021 to 2022 and is a contributing columnist to the Valley Ag Voice, a regional agricultural publication.

Additionally, Austin was recognized as the Kern County Cattleman of the Year in 2020, and Snedden Ranch was recognized in 2013 as California’s 18th Senatorial District’s Small Business of the Year.

Dgeneration

Hereford breeder from Manning, Iowa. David, along with his wife, Diana, own and operate Wiese and Sons. David and Diana have been married for 32 years and have three sons: Shayne, Chance and Trey. Chance and Shayne partner with David and Diana to run the farm.

Wiese and Sons was founded in 1912 by Ed Wiese. Today, Wiese and Sons is made up of 2,200 acres of farmland and pasture in Manning, Iowa, and Guthrie Center, Iowa. The Wiese family produces corn, soybeans, hay and alfalfa and sells about 150 bulls every year. The family strives to produce Hereford cattle that will thrive in a variety of conditions, and their herd consists of 400 Hereford and Angus cows. Steers are finished at local feedlots, and Wiese and Sons offers replacement heifers and black baldy calves to various clients. All of Wiese and Sons’ sales are handled in a private treaty manner in order to better cultivate relationships with customers.

David graduated from Iowa State University (ISU) with a degree in agribusiness. He pursued a postgraduate degree in equine science

David Wiese

Wiese and Sons

Manning, Iowa 712-210-6378

ddwiese@windstream.net

Wiese and Sons was recognized by the AHA as a Century Hereford Breeder and as a Gold TPR Breeder. David has been a voting delegate representing Iowa at the AHA annual meeting on multiple occasions. He is a past president of the Carroll County Cattlemen’s Association and has judged cattle shows across the United States and in Finland.

Wiese and Sons has received the Beef Quality Assurance Award from the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association. The family was proud to receive the NCBA Environmental Stewardship Award and was recently awarded “The Way We Live Award” at the Iowa State Fair. They have also been named the Carroll County Farm Family of the Year.

Wiese and Sons gathers an extensive amount of data from birth to harvest to ensure year-over-year improvement, and David’s family is an integral part of his operation. His life has been dedicated to his family, his cattle and the land that supports him.

Q&A with

The six American Hereford Association (AHA) Board of Directors

QWhy are you running for a position on the American Hereford Association (AHA) Board of Directors?

Jim Coley

I am a candidate because of my passion for Hereford cattle, Hereford breeders and my desire to have a positive influence on the future of the Hereford business. My family has raised Hereford cattle since before I was born. My dad and uncle instilled in me a desire to always work to improve our farm and our cattle. We have always tried to produce cattle that will get the job done for our customers and to do so with the utmost integrity.

Hampton Cornelius

I have raised and been involved with the Hereford breed since the early 1980s, and I am fully invested in the health and success of the breed. I feel that the beef industry is rapidly evolving and I want to help position the breed for success and sustainability in the future. I have witnessed and survived the highs and lows of the breed’s market share and believe I can be an asset in positioning the breed for the future.

Jerry Delaney

Two very respected Hereford breeders asked me to run for the Board. They are people I admire for their progressive thinking and common-sense approach. I was surprised by their suggestion and told them I was not qualified. I do not have a college degree, and I don’t care for public speaking. They persisted, pointing out my passion, knowledge and experience running Hereford cows, and I started thinking maybe they were right. I’ve been working on this farm since before I graduated high school and have never looked back. Raising cattle is the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do, and Hereford is the only breed for me.

The Hereford cows on this place pay the bills. Even in the ’70s, when you couldn’t sell a Hereford bull, the cows paid the bills. As a breed, those hard times got us to where we are today. We recognized there was work to be done if we were to stay in the cattle business. It forced us to cull down hard and become better cattlemen. Most importantly, it proved breed improvement is possible, but it doesn’t happen overnight. It is a slow, methodical process. That is why I am running

for a seat on the AHA Board of Directors, to keep that pressure on, so we don’t settle, and we keep working together to make this breed better.

Tim Dennis

First of all, I am honored and feel it is a privilege to be considered as a candidate for the board. I have been a voting delegate and participated in the AHA Annual Meeting for several years. I feel I can bring a unique mix of experience to the Board combining 45 years of experience as a practicing food animal veterinarian, more than 50 years of breeding Hereford cattle and AHA membership, and considerable experience on various boards and oversight of budgets up to $45 million.

Austin Snedden

I am honored to be considered by the delegates. My family has made a living off cattle and primarily Hereford cows for more than 100 years. The Hereford commercial cow has paid for the ranch and provided for a home and a living for multiple generations of my family. Some of my best friends in the world are fellow registered Hereford

Jim Coley

Hampton Cornelius

Jerry Delaney

the Candidates

candidates respond to three questions regarding their candidacy.

Tim Dennis Austin Snedden David Wiese

breeders, and the commercial bull customers that have faith in the breed are some of the best folks I know. All of that is to say that the Hereford breed has provided me a lot and introduced me to a lot of folks that I admire, and I figured it was time to give back to the breed that has given me so much. My main objective is to add more value for the Hereford commercial producer, the folks that have the confidence to invest in the genetics we AHA members offer.

David Wiese

I am running for the Board because the timing is right for me, my family and the operation. I have dedicated my life to raising quality Hereford cattle and preserving the environment to pass on to the next generation. I have youthful, enthusiastic partners in Chance and Kelsey, Shayne and Katie, and of course my wife, Diana. It is time for me to release a bit of control of the operation, feeling confident it is in good hands. With the quality of the Hereford breeders in the field, Board and the staff of the AHA, it would be an honor to represent them.

Coley

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

I would like to search for ways to continue to make Certified Hereford Beef® more relevant in promoting and providing a market for Hereford-sired cattle.

Improve the interaction between breeders and the AHA by making the record keeping software more user-friendly. Also, provide good communication to AHA members in our area about what is going on at the AHA, issues facing the association and decisions that the Board has made.

Continue to be a strong supporter of our youth and any activities that they can participate in that will make them better Hereford breeders and leaders in our future.

Cornelius Profitability and demand for Hereford-influenced feeder cattle.

Maintain or improve the financial health of the Hereford Association.

Assist with strategic planning for long-term success of the breed.

Delaney

My first goal would be to tackle our Birth Weight expected progeny difference (BW EPD). I’d like to see the breed average at zero. When a first-time customer comes to buy a Hereford bull for his black cows, and I tell him our BW EPD is breed average at 2.8, he is surprised. He says, “Oh, gosh, that’s too big; my Angus bull average is 0 to 1.0.”

That leads to explaining to him that a 2.8 BW EPD is breed average for Herefords, equivalent to a BW EPD of 0 in the Angus breed. It ends with a confused customer, who thought he knew what he wanted to buy, but now isn’t as sure.

Secondly, I’d like one EPD for efficiency. I think a formulation that encompasses feedlot efficiency, environmental efficiency and sustained cow fertility would be ideal. Utilizing a single, easy-tounderstand EPD, our customers could clearly see that bull A is more efficient than bull B.

Lastly, I’d 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, universal messaging to inform our consumers about the basics of the

cattle industry and the benefits of beef. Today’s consumer has many questions; if we don’t answer them, they’ll find someone who will.

Dennis

Enhance technology and member services to improve MyHerd and HerfNet to become seamless applications that are compatible and work as apps on handheld devices. Perhaps apply some of the member fees through an arrangement with one of the proprietary cattle management software companies to fully enhance use of handheld technology.

Support and implement continued applied research into Hereford efficiency and adaptability. Continue to support research on Herefords’ impact on the environment.

Enhance field services to continue to emphasize to commercial cattlemen, feedlots and packers the role Herefords can play in the food industry.

Snedden

Continue to grow commercial demand for Hereford-influenced cattle. The Hereford-influenced female has written her own story in terms of value to an operation, in terms of longevity, fertility, soundness and mothering ability. We need to continue to promote the well-known value of the Herefordinfluenced female, but the real room for growth is in improving demand for Hereford-influenced feeder cattle and end-product merit. We need to continue to profile Hereford-influenced cattle that turn a profit for the feeding sector through feed efficiency and adaptability to adverse weather conditions. Hone and differentiate the end-product superiority that Hereford beef offers in terms of a superior “beefy” flavor and tenderness specific to our breed.

Many folks have turned to Hereford because of the missteps of other breeds when it comes

to the practical economic traits.

As we look to improve on more progressive traits, we need to always remember the brand that Hereford producers have created in the Hereford-influenced female, and not forsake the commitment to low maintenance cattle with longevity, maternal efficiency and the ability to fix foot and leg structure that may be lacking in other breeds. I want everyone to breed to the ideals that make the most sense to their operation, but I think we can continue increasing commercial relevance by emphasizing the traits that put money in the pocket of the cow-calf producer such as: proven longevity, proven fertility and structural soundness.

I think there are some exciting opportunities on the horizon for our industry to move beyond blackhided premiums. I think any of us would have a hard time finding a producer that doesn’t know the benefits of a black baldy. We have done a good job talking about the benefits of the black baldy, but there is room to grow demand for the red-hided cattle, whether straight Hereford or crossed. Hereford breeders and commercial cattlemen are doing a good job proving that these cattle can perform in the feedlot and on the rail, and maybe have a touch more heat tolerance. We don’t need to back off on the promotion of the black baldy, but I think we can expand the tent a little more to benefit all producers willing to invest in Hereford genetics.

Wiese

First and foremost, my goal is to keep and grow demand for the Hereford breed. We must promote our breed legacy of fertility, soundness, disposition and longevity in the beef industry. We need to not worry about what other breeds are doing and let them worry about what we are doing. Promoting the Hereford bull on any breed should be our focus.

Secondly, my goal is to focus on feeder cattle and feedlot buyers. We have the proof of what a Hereford steer can do all the way to harvest, the proof is in the carcass. I promote establishing a relationship with local sale barns, feedlots and packers. Visit them personally to establish and maintain a good working partnership. They are our allies in the meat and beef industry to get value out of our product. Lastly, my goal if elected is to keep the membership, and breeders of the AHA up to date on decision-making and progress of the Association. Any business decision of the Board or dealings with the future of the breed, I would be proactive in communicating with fellow breeders for their input. It is important to include the members and breeders as their knowledge and input is valued and therefore should be recognized.

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

Coley

It is a never-ending struggle to stay relevant in today’s beef industry. The AHA Board needs to do everything possible to encourage its members to continue to improve the genetics in Hereford cattle with visual appraisal, genomics, ultrasound technology and any other tools available. We also need to continue to identify and eliminate sources of genetics with cancer eye, prolapse, fertility and structure issues. The AHA needs to help our members make these improvements in our cattle while providing easy to use and reliable data and registration services. Also, this all has to be done within a budget that allows the AHA to be financially solid for years to come.

Cornelius

I believe building profitable market share for Hereford-influenced cattle will be one of the biggest challenges in the next 10 years. We need to overcome market bias for Hereford-influenced cattle, especially in the highly competitive branded beef programs, while still maintaining our reputation as the most efficient maternal breed available for the cow-calf producer. As a member of the AHA Board, I want to be involved in the decision-making process of developing and refining tools needed now and in the future which allow Hereford cattle genetics to improve, increase demand and meet the challenges of the ever-evolving beef industry. My goal is to make the Hereford breed a household name again. I strongly believe that brand recognition and sourcing of genetics are the wave of the future, and we, as a breed, need to capitalize on this and make our voice heard in the beef industry.

Delaney

One of the biggest challenges we face today is the selling price of Hereford vs. 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. We can’t relax. We can’t expect our AHA staff to sell our product; we, as producers, must keep making the product better.

On our farm, the top-end bull calves are kept as bulls, and the bottom-end bull calves are steered and sold as feeders. I know they are not my best calves, so why do I expect a top price for those steer calves?

The only way to improve our bottom end is breed improvement. Collectively advancing our genetic base, moving it deeper into our

cow herds, utilizing tools in collecting and evaluating our data, purposefully choosing that next herd sire, and educating our customers will move us in the right direction. Only then can we force the order buyers and feeders to give us a look.

Other challenges I worry about include environmental obstacles and the changing public perception of our industry.

Populations are growing, agriculture is shrinking, the weather remains untamed, and so we are tasked with making more from less. Whether we raise crops or cattle, we must be mindful of our processes and willing to adapt and try new ideas. We can’t change the perception of the beef industry overnight. But we can stay dedicated to telling our story. We can work together and within the industry to educate ourselves, our consumers, friends, family and coworkers.

Dennis

The AHA and cattle industry in general will be challenged to sustain their place in the food industry. We must work together to counter the misinformed counterculture that will continue to challenge food animal husbandry. This will require commitments toward research, effective extension of information to the general public and cooperative teamwork from all phases of food animal agriculture.

Snedden

Those of us in the cattle business deal with long days, drought, regulation, uncontrollable market conditions and just keep going, so we must have some builtin optimism, but we can’t be naive as to what we face. Packer consolidation has made for challenging market dynamics, and federal regulations in the West have reduced permits and leases and federal ground. We are faced with a

lack of leverage in the market, and a shrinking domestic cow herd, so we need to work aggressively to make our breed the one chosen to fill rail space at the plant and adhere strongly to the values that make commercial producers want to fill their pastures with Hereford-influenced cows.

We also need to protect the importance of the pedigree. There is an array of genetic analytics companies out there that are influencing commercial producers to believe genomics are the whole picture. An increasing number of commercial producers are raising bulls and trading bulls based on what I believe is a false sense of confidence in genomics. We need to cautiously keep exploring genomics as there is opportunity there for breed improvement, but as breeders we know that good cattle come from good parents, grandparents, etc. Every animal has genomes, but not every animal is backed by a proven, documented pedigree of performance. Going forward, we need to make sure we emphasize the real value of the pedigrees that have been invested in for generations, and guard against commercial entities that look to cut corners for our customers.

Wiese

Although there are many challenges for the AHA in the future, two are at the forefront. The market share for Hereford cattle needs to be addressed and pursued aggressively. The AHA has the power to challenge the packers with legislative measures to promote fair market practices. The other is the environment; Mother Nature is relentless and we have to be able to combat her fury. The push for environmental practices to promote sustainability of Herefords on the land in many harsh environments and lowering the cost of production is the key to our future.

Voting Delegates

Each state Hereford association elects delegates to represent their association at the American Hereford Association (AHA) 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 Craig Bacon Bacon Herefords Siloam Springs, Ark.

Phillip Moon Moon Herefords Harrison, Ark.

California Steve Lambert Lambert Ranch Oroville, Calif.

Mark St. Pierre Pedretti Ranches El Nido, Calif.

Colorado

Jane Evans Cornelius Coyote Ridge Ranch LaSalle, Colo.

Marshall Ernst Ernst Herefords Windsor, Colo.

Idaho

Guy Colyer

Colyer Herefords Bruneau, Idaho

Katie Colyer Bruneau, Idaho

Sam Shaw Shaw Cattle Co. Inc. Caldwell, Idaho

Illinois

Tom Boatman Perks Ranch Rockford, Ill.

Joe Ellis Ellis Farms Chrisman, Ill.

Mark Stephens

Stephens Hereford Farms Taylorville, Ill.

Gene Stumpf Stumpf Land & Cattle Columbia, Ill.

Indiana

Jill Duncan Able Acres Wingate, Ind.

Bruce Everhart Everhart Hereford Farms Waldron, Ind.

Scott Lawrence S E Lawrence Polled Herefords Avilla, Ind.

Iowa

Marilyn Lenth Lenth Herefords

Postville, Iowa

Charls Rife

R & R Cattle Co. Wilton, Iowa Mike Simpson Simpson Polled Herefords Redfield, Iowa

Chance Wiese Wiese & Sons Manning, Iowa

Matt Woolfolk

MRW Cattle Adair, Iowa

Kansas

Craig Beran B&D Herefords Claflin, Kan.

David Breiner Mill Creek Ranch Alma, Kan.

Dean Davis Davis Herefords Maple Hill, Kan.

Tom Granzow Granzow Herefords Herington, Kan.

Gus Gustafson

Gustafson Herefords Junction City, Kan.

Tom Krauss

Bookcliff Herefords Russell, Kan.

Glenn Oleen Oleen Cattle Co. Falun, Kan.

Kevin Schultz

Sandhill Farms LLC Haviland, Kan.

Kentucky Lincoln Clifford Cynthiana, Ky.

Andrew Matheny

Matheny Herefords Mays Lick, Ky.

Ben Smith Smith Family Farm Brandenburg, Ky.

Louisiana

No delegates nominated.

Michigan

Jill Bielema

Grand Meadows Farm Ada, Mich.

Minnesota

Ross Carlson Carlson Farms Murdock, Minn.

Jerry Delaney Delaney Herefords Inc.

Lake Benton, Minn.

Robert Werk

Werk Herefords Herman, Minn.

Mississippi

Ryan McGuffee McGuffee Polled Herefords Mendenhall, Miss.

Joe Waggoner Jackson, Miss.

Missouri

Mike Choate

Choate Polled Herefords

Pleasant Hope, Mo.

Marty Lueck

Journagan Ranch,

Missouri State University

Mountain Grove, Mo.

Travis McConnaughy

WMC Cattle Co.

Wasola, Mo.

Jim Reed Reed Farms

Green Ridge, Mo.

John Ridder

Falling Timber Farm Marthasville, Mo.

Montana

Mark Cooper

Cooper Hereford Ranch

Willow Creek, Mont.

Jack Holden

Holden Herefords

Valier, Mont.

Bruce Thomas

Thomas Herefords

Gold Creek, Mont.

Dale Venhuizen

Churchill Cattle Co. Manhattan, Mont.

Justin Wichman

Wichman Herefords Moore, Mont.

Nebraska

Doug Bolte

Blueberry Hill Farms, Inc. Norfolk, Neb.

Joe Brockman

Lawrence, Neb.

Marie Farr

Moorefield, Neb.

Dave Goertz

Double Heart

Diamond Cattle Brock, Neb.

Scott McGee

Valley Creek Ranch

Fairbury, Neb.

Brett Nelson Nelson Herefords Burwell, Neb.

Art Olsen

Olsen Ranches Inc. Harrisburg, Neb.

Ron Schutte

Alfred Schutte & Sons Guide Rock, Neb.

Russ Tegtmeier

Tegtmeier Polled Herefords Burchard, Neb.

Joe Van Newkirk Van Newkirk Herefords Oshkosh, Neb.

New England

(Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont)

No delegates nominated.

New Mexico

Bill King King Herefords Moriarty, N.M.

Becky King-Spindle Moriarty, N.M.

New York

Tim Dennis Penn Yan, N.Y.

Zack Welker

SK Herefords Medina, N.Y.

North Carolina

Kim Yates Prestwood Prestwood Beef Cattle Lenoir, N.C.

Bryson Westbrook Shelby, N.C.

North Dakota

Roger Stuber Stuber Ranch Bowman, N.D. Ohio

Jeff Harr

J & L Cattle Services

Jeromesville, Ohio

Alexis Stitzlein

Mohican Polled Hereford Farms Glenmont, Ohio

Oklahoma

Joel Birdwell Birdwell Ranch Fletcher, Okla.

Leslie Harrison

Harrison Cattle Co. Arapaho, Okla.

Jimmie Johnson

Red Hills Herefords Clinton, Okla.

John Loewen

Loewen Herefords Waukomis, Okla.

Amber Willits

Double Seven Ranch LLC Fort Cobb, Okla.

Oregon

George Sprague

Bar One Ranch Eugene, Ore.

Pennsylvania

Les Midla

Flat Stone Lick Marianna, Pa.

Paul Slayton Bear Dance Farm Bedford, Pa.

South Carolina

Tina Fowler

Grana Farm Jonesville, S.C.

Greg Fowler Fowken Farm Jonesville, S.C.

South Dakota

Pete Atkins Tea, S.D.

Boyd Dvorak

Dvorak Herefords Lake Andes, S.D.

Nate Fredrickson Fredrickson Ranch Spearfish, S.D.

Jerome Ollerich Ollerich Bros. Herefords Clearfield, S.D.

Vern Rausch

Rausch Herefords Hoven, S.D.

Ben Roudabush Mitchell, S.D.

Southern Atlantic (Florida and Georgia)

Hardy Edwards Winterville, Ga.

Jonny Harris Greenview Farms Inc. Screven, Ga.

Tommy Mead Mead Cattle Enterprises Midville, Ga.

Whitey Hunt Innisfail Farm Madison, Ga.

Tennessee

Billy Ashe

Ashewood Farms Selmer, Tenn.

Jim Coley

Coley Herefords Lafayette, Tenn.

Russell Crouch Crouch Polled Hereford Farm McMinnville, Tenn.

Rob Helms

Candy Meadow Farms Inc. Lexington, Tenn. Eric Walker Walker Polled Hereford Farm Morrison, Tenn.

Texas

Brett Barber Barber Ranch Channing, Texas

Gary Buchholz

GKB Cattle Desdemona, Texas

Jack Chastain Chastain Cattle Co. Fort Worth, Texas

Stephen Coates Jr. Coates Ranch Co. Mertzon, Texas Paul Funk Spearhead Ranch Copperas Cove, Texas

Pete Johnson Sunny Hill Ranch Lufkin, Texas

Joe Dan Ledbetter Ledbetter Cattle Co. Wheeler, Texas

Ronnie McClendon McClendon Polled Hereford Lavon, Texas

Robert Meischen Meischen Polled Herefords Yorktown, Texas

Barbara Metch Metch Polled Herefords Canton, Texas

Steven Rader Rader Herefords Mount Vernon, Texas Keith Rogers Hidden Oaks Ranch Hamilton, Texas

E.C. Rosson Jr. White Rock Hereford Ranch Milford, Texas

Mike Willis

Willis Polled Herefords Emory, Texas

Upper Atlantic (Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey)

No delegates nominated. Utah

Scott Rees

Rees Bros. Herefords Morgan, Utah Virginia

Paul Bennett

Knoll Crest Farm Red House, Va.

Robert Schaffer Deer Track Farm Spotsylvania, Va.

Washington/Alaska

Brian Gallagher Gallagher Farms Enumclaw, Wash.

Marcy Olsen Olsen’s Timberline Ranch Raymond, Wash.

West Virginia

Neil Litton Cottle Brothers & Litton Livestock Summersville, W.Va.

Christopher Scott Grandview Hereford Farm Beaver, W.Va.

Wisconsin

Steven Folkman C & L Hereford Ranch Ixonia, Wis.

Jerry Huth

Huth Polled Herefords Oakfield, Wis.

Eric Katzenberger Plum River Ranch Monroe, Wis.

Fred Larson Larson Hereford Farm Spring Valley, Wis.

Wyoming

Wyatt Agar

Durbin Creek Ranch Worland, Wyo.

Briley Miller Deep Creek Land & Livestock LLC Newcastle, Wyo.

Jan Ward Sheridan, Wyo.

National Hereford Queen Candidates

The new National Hereford Queen will be crowned in Kansas City.

These five candidates will vie for the national title during the American Hereford Association Annual Meeting and Educational Forum events Oct. 21-23 in Kansas City, Mo. The new queen will be announced at the conclusion of the National Hereford Show at the American Royal on Oct. 23.

Jaclyn Aiken, Telford, Tenn.

Jaclyn Aiken is the daughter of Jack and LeAnn Aiken. She is a graduate of Walters State Community College and holds an associate degree in agricultural business. Jaclyn has been showing Hereford cattle for more than six years and has enjoyed raising cattle with her family her entire

life. Jaclyn is a member of the Tennessee Hereford Association and serves as the East Tennessee director on the board.

Elizabeth Crumm, Anadarko, Okla.

Community College (RCC), where she is a member of the Beef Team and Aggie Club. After graduation from RCC with an associate degree in animal science and agricultural communications, Elizabeth plans to attend a four-year university to study animal science and agricultural communications. Her eventual goal is to be a veterinarian specializing in large animal reproduction, and she wants to apply her degree toward her family’s expanding Hereford operation. Elizabeth has been

involved in the Oklahoma Junior Hereford Association and National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) since 2011. She was also involved in 4-H and FFA, and she showed cattle and judged livestock. Elizabeth is currently serving as secretary on the junior board of the Oklahoma Hereford Association. Outside the showring, Elizabeth has participated in the Faces of Leadership and BOLD Conferences. Elizabeth is also involved in her church and is an active volunteer. Elizabeth is a fifth-generation cattleman and has competed at state and national shows.

Jalyn Davis, Maple Hill, Kan.

Jalyn Davis is the daughter of Danny and Amanda Davis. Jalyn is a senior at Rossville High School, where she is a member of the cheer and dance team, vice president of the FFA chapter, a student council officer, class officer and member of National Honor Society. After high school, Jalyn plans to attend a junior college and participate on the livestock judging team. She then plans to attend Kansas State University and major in agricultural marketing. Jalyn is an 11-year member of the Kansas Junior

Hereford Association (KJHA) and NJHA. She has attended all but one VitaFerm® Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE) since she was born and has participated in a variety of activities and contests at the event. Jalyn has attended Faces of Leadership and the NJHA Fed Steer Shootout Field Day and is currently the treasurer for the KJHA. In addition to being active within the KJHA and NJHA, Jalyn is also active in 4-H. She is an ambassador for her county, a council representative and club officer.

Madison Katzenberger, Monroe, Wis.

Madison Katzenberger is the

graduated from the University of Wisconsin Platteville (UWP) with a bachelor’s degree in animal science and a minor in Spanish. While at UWP, Madison served as the Block and Bridle Club president, and served on the Pioneer Showdown Beef Show Committee as chair and public relations chair. She was a member of the homecoming court her senior year and volunteered as team. Madison has been a member of the Wisconsin Junior Hereford

Association for 15 years and is currently serving as the association president. She has attended JNHE 14 times, and she has participated in a broad array of activities. She was voted Outstanding State Junior representing the state of Wisconsin at the 2022 JNHE. Her FFA achievements include the State Degree and Gold Section Winner for Beef Entrepreneurship. Outside the showring, Madison enjoys playing music for her church and sewing banners to hang in the sanctuary. Madison is currently employed as an embryologist for Boviteq USA in Madison, Wis.

Kennedy Montag, Grimes, Iowa

sophomore at Iowa State University (ISU) studying animal science. At

Cattlemen. Iowa natives, her family has raised Hereford cattle for more

cattle when she was in fourth grade and has grown her herd over the years. Kennedy attended her first JNHE in 2018 in Grand Island, Neb. She is currently the Iowa Junior Hereford Association secretary and has been on the board for four years. She attributes many of her connections and friends to the Hereford breed.

Still Pioneering

Hereford is poised for incredible growth.

by Shane Bedwell, AHA Chief Operating Officer and Director of Breed Improvement

Annual Meeting time is here, and it is a great opportunity to celebrate another year of Hereford success. The American Hereford Association (AHA) has gathered in Kansas City, Mo., for more than 141 years to celebrate breed accomplishments, share information and comradeship and elect new Directors to the AHA Board.

Breed Improvement

In fact, the American Royal livestock show would not be in existence if it weren’t for Hereford cattle and the breed leaders at the time. Hereford breeders started the first American Royal in 1899 to promote their genetics. This served as the official launch of the American Royal, and I’m glad we have maintained this tradition. Also, I’m a little biased, being from Kansas. The Association was formed for two purposes: to protect and promote the interest of breed. Even though the promotion came a little later, the Association started protecting the interest of the breed with documentation of pedigree through a registration certificate from day one. Those early days were really not much different than what we do today. The only difference is what comes on that registration paper. Breed improvement and genetic progress have allowed the Association and its members to advance the breed through the various decades as technology has evolved. It is evident, as you look back through history, Hereford has always been an industry leader. I’m proud to sit in the same seat as the legends who have gone before me.

As the breed has accomplished milestones through genetic progress, it has maintained the core strengths that made Hereford so famous in the beginning — why the breed was formed in the first place in Herefordshire, England — efficiency. No breed can match the efficiency that we can offer to the commercial industry, whether that be in the pasture or in the feedlot. Hereford’s inherent efficiency advantages, combined with research, initiatives and selection tools over time position the breed for incredible growth.

I hope you can join us in Kansas City, Mo., where we have a great lineup of speakers for the Educational Forums on Friday, Oct. 21. In the area of breed improvement, we will dive into two of AHA’s current research projects, which build on our inherent breed advantages but also allow us to grow.

Sustainability is the big buzz word in the world today and certainly in our agricultural community. Because of leadership foresight and breeder commitment to progress, we are poised to represent the entire beef industry as leaders in the sustainability arena.

Kim Stackhouse-Lawson, Ph.D., Director of AgNext, Colorado State University, will join me in discussing current consumer perception challenges and how the Hereford breed is poised to capitalize.

By itself, 1881 is just a number. When it is the birth year of the Association representing the greatest breed in the world, it becomes your way of life. I look forward to seeing you all in Kansas City to honor our past and look to the future.

DAMS

Genetics Plus Relationships

AHA commercial programs carve out more opportunity.

by Trey Befort, AHA Director of Commercial Programs

M

ore than ever, commercial cow-calf producers are reaping the benefit of making Hereford an essential part of their breeding programs. The breed’s inherent advantages in efficiency, fertility and longevity shine even brighter amid today’s high input costs and less available forage. Hereford’s carcass ability also offers a hedge against market volatility.

Hereford breeders continue to provide reliable tools for selection via their commitment to data collection and whole-herd reporting, which is the backbone of the breed’s genetic evaluation. They utilize other genetic discovery programs, too, such as the Hereford Feedout Program and the National Junior Hereford Association Fed Steer Shootout, which enable breeders and their customers to evaluate feeding and carcass performance. Participation in both programs keeps growing.

Marketing cattle in today’s world is tremendously competitive. Buyers increasingly seek cattle backed by data.

Service, too Beyond the genetics, the American Hereford Association (AHA) continues to provide commercial users tools to help characterize and market their Hereford-influenced cattle, be it feeder cattle or commercial females. These programs recognize the breed’s versatility and ability to succeed in a wide range of environments.

The Hereford Advantage program is a third-party verification program designed to identify feeder cattle with superior genetics, health and management.

market cattle to buyers seeking more numbers of similar-quality cattle managed with common health protocols.

All of these programs provide Hereford breeders the opportunity to add value to their customers’ operations and their own.

As important, they serve as opportunities to establish and strengthen customer relationships through customer service.

Likewise, the AHA continues to establish and strengthen relationships with marketing professionals to help provide commercial users of Hereford genetics additional marketing options.

These are exciting times in the cattle industry and the future looks even brighter for those taking advantage of Hereford power.

Similarly, the Premium Red Baldy and Maternal Advantage programs are designed to identify and add market power to Hereford-sired females with superior genetic potential. All are backed by data and offer producers a way to verify genetic value to the marketplace.

Online tools, such as free feeder cattle and replacement female listings offer AHA members another way to help their customers gain additional exposure and market their cattle.

Moreover, some Hereford breeders and state association groups have organized Hereford-influenced feeder cattle sales to help customers

Information about AHA commercial programs, tools and resources can be found at Hereford.org/commercial.

Fast Forward

Technology enables more customer service.

by Laura Loschke, AHA Education and Information Services Coordinator and Records Supervisor

Change can be hard, but change can be good. In this case, change and technological advancement enables more customer service, which is beyond good for Team Hereford.

Member Service

The American Hereford Association (AHA) launched HerfNet, its first online service in 2001. This system allowed breeders to send in batches of their registrations, and weaning and yearling weights. Next, AHA launched MyHerd in 2014, which is a more extensive online registry system. MyHerd enables breeders to enter their registrations, transfer their animals, pay their AHA and HPI bills, enter performance data, request DNA testing and view the results, run their own calf crop analysis, view their reports and a plethora of other functions.

Giving AHA members the ability to access these functions and view information about their cattle 24/7 changed the way AHA operates on a daily basis. More specifically, it changed how the AHA records department conducts business.

Since MyHerd was launched in 2014, the functions of the records department have changed

tremendously. Eight years ago, so much mail came into the office that it took the nine-staff member services team two to three days to process it and get the proper paperwork back out the door for the breeder. The records team spent most of their days entering data and applying payments, either checks in the mail or credit card numbers received via the telephone.

Today, we receive more than 80% of all registry work electronically via MyHerd or herd management files (see Figure 1). This has allowed the records department to become the customer service department it is now. Today, we have a staff of six who spend most of their time on the phone with breeders, helping them walk through entering their work online or how to view the reports, data, etc., which they receive online. All of this allows our team to be more efficient in

1: Electronic Registrations by Fiscal Year

helping you, the breeder. We are now able to give you more one-onone help via the phone or email. This also allows us to process your data quicker, which means getting information back to you faster. Any work mailed in today is processed the same day or the next day, making the turnaround for all work one or two days. This is leaps and bounds faster and more efficient than eight to 10 years ago.

Technology continues to change and advance. Since launching MyHerd in 2014, we have added multiple functions and even made a major upgrade to the system in the spring of 2019. We are still working on adding new features, such as a wide range of search tools members can use to aid breeding selection, marketing and general information management. These new features will be released soon.

Sustained Destination

HYFA honors legacy and builds future.

by Amy Cowan, AHA Director of Youth Activities and Foundation

Welcome home Hereford youth and supporters to 1881 and the 2022 American Hereford Association’s (AHA) Annual Meeting. As you step into the magnificent Loews Hotel built on 1501 Wyandotte in downtown Kansas City, Mo., I invite you to take a moment to reflect on the past. This location was home to Hereford for so many years.

It was home when we built the National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) more than 20 years ago. It was home when the Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA), as we know it today, assembled its first board of directors and awarded the organization’s first scholarships. It was there, around board room tables, that the ideas were sparked for the Junior National Hereford Expo, PRIDE Conference and Faces of Leadership.

So, it is fitting that the Loews Hotel is home to the Annual Meeting each fall when Hereford breeders from across the country come home to Kansas City to celebrate the past and make plans for the future — charge on!

As you make your way up the escalators to the halls of the Annual Meeting, I encourage you to take a moment to think about the progress Hereford has made since 1881 in genetics, youth programs, research, marketing — you name it. This is a sustainability story for the ages, and it is an honor to be a small part of building the foundation upon which it will stand the test of time.

The Hereford breed is engineered to sustain with the endless opportunities created for Hereford youth by breeders, breed supporters and donors.

Celebrate the journey

HYFA is built on the four 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.

HYFA’s already strong pillars are enhanced each year as more programs and opportunities are added to benefit future generations.

Hereford youth will take the spotlight on Friday, Oct. 21, when HYFA — and everyone who built the organization’s legacy — award more than $163,000 in scholarships. Additionally, competitors in the NJHA Fed Steer Shootout will take home awards, scholarship money and the bragging rights that go with entering the highest performing cattle.

Enjoy the jampacked event as we honor the Hereford breed’s traditions and values and celebrate how HYFA’s four pillars are building opportunities for future generations.

It has been an incredible year for Hereford youth. HYFA is proud of the programs built over time to help NJHA members become the best version of themselves. We can’t wait to celebrate you in Kansas City. Plan to be with us for HYFA and NJHA’s Award Luncheon and plan to be inspired by Hereford youth who are paving the way for the future. I am reminded every day that we are in good hands.

Scholarship Leadership Education Research

HYFA

History of Helping

NHW has long supported the breed, young people in agriculture and cattlewomen.

by Melinda Watson

The National Hereford Women (NHW) board of directors does all things Hereford with an open mind, open heart and a passion to be successful. The NHW has a long history of supporting and encouraging National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) youth to achieve their goals. Currently, the ladies are working on ways to not only assist young people, but also find new and exciting ways to support and encourage the women involved in the Hereford breed. The stronger the NHW, the more support the organization can provide to anything and everything Hereford.

Longtime supporters

(CHB) by sharing CHB recipes over the years.

Today’s efforts

In 2022, the NHW board launched several new and exciting activities to encourage involvement in the NHW.

selling raffle tickets for the Lady of the Royal Pendant, a stunning piece of jewelry designed by Kay Knight. We have assorted items available in the NHW online store, and of course, the exciting Lot 2 for the Ladies of the Royal sale.

HEREFORD

WOMEN

The NHW formed when the American Hereford Women and National Organization of PollEttes (NOP) combined after the American Hereford Association and the American Polled Hereford Association merged. These organizations have always promoted Hereford cattle and Hereford beef, supported the youth and women in the breed and provided education and scholarship. NHW raises funds to sponsor awards at the VitaFerm® Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE), provides scholarships for youth pursuing higher education and sponsors the National Hereford Queen. The group also has promoted the breed by hosting pre-sale socials and endorsing Certified Hereford Beef®

During the JNHE, we hosted the popular Catch-A-Vibe event, which encouraged body positivity and offered fashion tips tailored to girls and women of all ages by The Solo Cowboy. This fall, The Gathering will take place at Hi Point Ranch in Desdemona, Texas. This event will help Hereford women gain knowledge and guidance while discovering their “why” and the path to their “how.”

This organization has always promoted Hereford cattle and Hereford beef, supported the youth and women in the breed and provided education and scholarship.

The NHW annual meeting is Friday, Oct. 21, during the 2022 American Hereford Association Annual Membership Meeting and Conference at the Loews Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Mo. We would like to extend an invitation for everyone to join our meeting. We will be electing three new NHW directors as three ladies retire from the board. The National Hereford Queen candidates will be in attendance, and we will announce the prestigious Hereford Woman of the Year.

New for 2022,

The NHW holds various fundraisers throughout the year to raise money for the National Hereford Queen Program, and in support of scholarships, awards and the promotion of Hereford cattle and CHB. We are currently

the NHW Breakfast Social will be held on Sunday morning before the National Hereford Show. Be sure to find your way to The Governor’s Room at the American Royal complex at 7 a.m. for tasty food and socializing with fellow Hereford breeders and enthusiasts. We hope everyone is looking forward to an impressive week in Kansas City.

Only the Best

Quality first, last and always

by Amari Seiferman, Certified Hereford Beef® CEO

Certified Hereford Beef® (CHB) — established in 1995 — was founded upon the breed’s unique and superior consumer palatability attributes, which were verified by a multi-year study conducted by Colorado State University for the American Hereford Association (AHA).

In a 2019 Kansas State University study consumers consistently rated Certified Hereford Beef steaks higher for juiciness, tenderness, flavor and overall satisfaction than other steaks with the same amount of marbling, including USDA Prime beef and Upper 2/3 Choice Black Angus beef products1 .

Since the beginning, 10 strict, science-based specifications ensure only Hereford beef of the highest eating quality is eligible to be Certified Hereford Beef. These strict specifications are why the brand is recognized as an industry leader delivering consistent product size, uniformity and an exceptional eating experience.

Quality service, too Certified Hereford Beef provides the opportunity for our business partners to offer exceptional product quality. Plus, CHB delivers customers unwavering service and curated marketing support. The Certified Hereford Beef marketing team works with branded partners to help them tell the CHB story to ensure their profitability and success. CHB provides tools, education and resources to help partners market and promote the brand, which increases consumer awareness of the qualities

that make Certified Hereford Beef a superior brand.

Hereford breeders are key Certified Hereford Beef keeps Hereford producers at the forefront of all business decisions. With the goal of increasing the demand for Hereford genetics, we strive to expand brand awareness by promoting CHB as a product that offers high-quality beef that is superior in consistency, quality and flavor profile.

Since CHB is one of the few branded beef programs owned by farmers and ranchers across the United States, we have the unique opportunity to appeal to businesses focused on supporting their local communities. We are proud that CHB connects Hereford producers to their local communities through an exceptional product backed by a compelling story. We leverage our restaurant and retail partners’ opportunities with premier marketing materials, elite customer service, educational programs and national promotional opportunities.

AHA members also remain key to fueling CHB growth through their willingness to go the extra mile in helping tell the Certified Hereford Beef story.

Ask for Certified Hereford Beef. Every time you dine in a restaurant or shop at the grocery store, ask if the beef is Certified Hereford Beef. This creates consumer demand. The person you ask goes to the chef or store meat buyer, who then goes to the distributor sales representative,

who then goes to the distributor beef buyer, who then goes to the packer. Tell them you are a Hereford producer and make a local connection.

Use social media. If you see CHB, take a picture. Use social media platforms to help spread the word about CHB and where you saw it. This creates brand awareness for consumers in the community and also provides PR for the store/ restaurant on a national level, which helps solidify brand loyalty. Make sure to tag CHB and use #certifiedherefordbeef.

Be a CHB featured farm family. Let the CHB team know if you are interested in being on their team of families to promote CHB in grocery stores, on restaurant menus or in general advertising. You also have opportunities to educate others about the Hereford breed through hosting farm tours, attending food shows and speaking at educational seminars. If you are interested, reach out to the CHB team. Email info@herefordbeef.org or call 816-842-3758.

Promote CHB at your production sale. CHB products can be delivered directly to your home: CertifiedHerefordBeef.com/orderonline. As well, you can find information to share and branding opportunities at ShopHereford.com.

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