FALL 2023
WHAT’S INSIDE
4 6 10 14
A CHAMPIONSHIP SPECIAL BEYOND THE BUCKLE Maddie O’Leary and the bright future for the Hereford breed.
COMMITTMENT TO THE FUTURE The impact and growth of the Pen to Pen program and what to look forward to.
COMPETITION CREATES EXCELLENCE Success does not just come from the end of a halter, so get involved.
2023 JUNIOR NATIONAL HEREFORD EXPO A photographic recap of the 2023 VitaFerm® Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE).
20
15 18
‘TIS THE SEASON OF GIVING Join the momentum for the second Hereford Season of Giving and unwrapping the future.
The past six months of Hereford Highlight recipients from across the country!
A FRESH LOOK AT FACES
22 23 24
THE EXTRA CREW The behind the scenes support during the 2023 JNHE and the opportunities available.
HEREFORD HIGHLIGHT
27 28
Kristin Waters, Norborne, Mo., reflects on her first Faces of Leadership.
2023 FACES OF LEADERSHIP A photographic recap of the 2023 Faces of Leadership conference.
LEVELING UP LEADERSHIP Feedback and insight from state leaders to improve your own regional leadership.
NJHA FED STEER SHOOTOUT Statistics and reports from the 2023 NJHA Fed Steer Shootout program.
EDUCATION BEYOND THE SHOWRING Juniors dive into educational and professional opportunities with the NJHA Fed Steer Shootout,
Chyloh Billman, Rigby, Idaho, reserve champion showman in the junior division, congratulates Lydia Shaw, Caldwell, Idaho, as she exits the ring as the reserve champion showman in the intermediate division. Idaho took home the honors for the GKB Super States contest in the small states award during the 2023 VitaFerm® Junior National Hereford Expo.
by Tar Tut
A CHAMPIONSHIP SPECIAL BEYOND THE BRONZE
NJHA CHAIRMAN
T
he atmosphere is electric, an overwhelming feel of enthusiasm filling the coliseum as young cattlemen and cattlewomen from across the country gather for the annual VitaFerm® Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE). Amongst the myriad of events and competitions, one stands out as a testament to the dedication and hard work of these young livestock enthusiasts - the 2023 Bred-and-Owned Female Show. The bred-and-owned female show, held during the JNHE, is a prestigious event where young Hereford breeders showcase cattle they have bred and raised themselves. These junior exhibitors invest countless hours of sweat and dedication into their animals, and the bred-and-owned female show offers them a platform to display their commitment to the Hereford breed, a chance to compete not only against their peers, but also against their own high standards. Success in this competition requires an intricate understanding of genetics, nutrition and cattle management, all of which these junior exhibitors have honed through hands-on experience. Beyond the competition, the bred-and-owned female show fosters a sense of camaraderie among the participants. Here, young exhibitors and breeders come together to share their experiences, exchange knowledge and form lasting friendships and connections. The JNHE is not just about winning; it’s about celebrating a shared passion for the Hereford breed.
4
THE ADVANTAGE
The bred-and-owned female show is a testament to the bright future of the cattle industry. It is for that reason that for the first time ever, the top five overall bred-andowned females were named during the JNHE, thanks to the GKB Cattle Youth Endowment and Gary and Kathy Buchholz, Desdemona, Texas. Maddie O’Leary, the exhibitor of the champion bredand-owned female at the 2023 JNHE, answered some questions about winning this monumental recognition. O’Leary is originally from the state of Wisconsin, but now resides in Brock, Texas, alongside her parents, Jeff and Maggie, as well as siblings, Gabby and Kaegan. A junior at Texas Tech University, she is pursuing her degree in agriculture leadership while continuing to show steers and heifers across the state of Texas and at national events.
The bred-and-owned female show at the JNHE is a testament to the bright future of the cattle industry.
FROM MADDIE O’LEARY ABOUT THE CHAMPION HEIFER
Special is most definitely the word I would use to describe my heifer, OLY HZS Tommi K 278 ET, a May 3, 2022, daughter of UPS Sensation 2296 ET. Four years ago, my dad couldn’t sleep one night, looking at videos of heifers for sale that Jade-Ann Kelley had posted for their customers’ online sales. He came across a video of a private treaty heifer named Nan for sale. My dad went to look at her and we purchased her privately from the Smith family- Thomas, Karen and Harrison. We ended up buying her knowing she was unique, but we had to take a chance on her. My sister showed her at our county show and at the 2019 JNHE in Denver, Colo., that summer. I showed her at the National Western Stock Show in January and at the 2020 JNHE the following summer in Kansas City, Mo. Unfortunately, in August of 2022, Thomas Smith was involved in an accident and passed away. He was an incredible person and loved Nan so much. We decided to name the heifer we chose to show out of Nan’s flush, “Tommi K” after Thomas and added the K for Karen. When Tommi K and her flushmates came down to Texas in October, I was able to come home from school to see them. I was so excited because we had been working to raise a bred-and-owned female like her. One of her flush mate brothers kept catching our eye too and I thought it would be fun to show a bred-and-owned bull. We entered him in the Texas State Hereford Show in June 2023, where he won grand champion bred-and-owned bull. After that, we chose to focus on Tommi K, and the nerve wracking weeks leading up to the 2023 JNHE. Tommi K improved each day, and our main goal was to get her looking her best.
of my debut success would scarcely do justice to the overwhelming emotions I feel. Winning the coveted title of the bred-and-owned female show, a dream nurtured over countless years, seemed almost beyond the realm of possibility. The magnitude of this achievement, the gratitude that fills my heart, and the profound honor I feel are sentiments that words alone cannot adequately convey. My appreciation extends immeasurably to Gary and Kathy Buchholz, champions of Hereford youth and an unyielding source of inspiration. Their unwavering belief in the younger generation, coupled with their boundless support and care, stands as a beacon of inspiration and humility. Their remarkable generosity, epitomized by the creation of an endowment and the donation of the trailer through Stephenville Trailers, has left me feeling deeply honored, profoundly grateful and acutely aware of the tremendous privilege bestowed upon me by the Buchholz’s.
ADVICE FOR OTHER JUNIORS
Don’t ever give up on your dreams, surround yourself with good people and always be humble, kind and hardworking. You can provide yourself with so many opportunities by working hard. Don’t ever give up, I was the kid at the bottom of the class many times. Keep trying and keep showing up, people are always watching and will want to help you if they see you are not willing to give up. Work hard and trust in the Lord, He will provide.
THE IMPACT OF WINNING THE HONOR
Words scarcely capture the depth of my emotions, and I find it difficult to believe that such a momentous occasion has come to pass. My journey in the world of Hereford cattle began back in 2013, when I first set foot in Kansas City, Mo., for my inaugural JNHE—a moment that ignited a passion for Herefords within me. Today, the desire to dedicate my life to raising Hereford cattle burns ever brighter. This year marked a significant milestone as I ventured into showing a bredand-owned female for the very first time. To express the humility and sheer blessing National Junior Hereford Association
5
by Logan McFatridge NJHA MEMBERSHIP CHAIR
T
alking to older people can be one of the scariest things you do as a young junior member whether it is adults, teachers or even other, older juniors. Would you believe me if I told you there was a National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) program to help solve this problem? The Pen to Pen program is a mentorship program through the NJHA designed to pair juniors with older mentors. Groups consisting of two/three mentees below the age of 14 and one mentor above the age of 14, participate in activities to help them bond and learn together, during the week at the VitaFerm® Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE). We encourage all juniors to participate no matter where they are from or how long they have been showing cattle. During Pen to Pen, juniors will participate in a number of activities that vary from year to year, but they all have one thing in common: FUN. This year, at the 2023 JNHE, juniors completed different team-building activities, puzzles, letter writing and a scavenger hunt, all while connecting with their new pen pals. These activities are led and designed by the NJHA Board of Directors, along with special speakers who come to deliver messages about life skills, teamwork and their experiences in their careers. No matter what games, workshops or message happens during Pen to Pen, the juniors can always be seen with a smile and laughs heard throughout the grounds. Pen to Pen has multiple sessions during the JNHE, designed to not interfere with most other contests or events that are happening throughout the week. We make sure that over 200 juniors can all meet at the same time to have a fun and educational experience, while connecting with other juniors from across the country that they might only see during the greatest week of the year. So, what is the NJHA’s goal of having this Pen to Pen program? Our goal is to develop a network of juniors and breeders that spans all over the country, while at the same time educating our youth on different skills that they will be able to use throughout their lives. This year our speaker, Cheryl Mitchell, taught juniors how to address and write a letter properly. The message was two-fold, considering one of the goals of Pen to Pen is to have juniors write letters to their mentor or mentees in order to stay in touch throughout the year, with stories and updates about life that they want their pen pal to hear about. Additionally, the skill of writing a thank you card is important for juniors, as they thank the various donors and sponsors who make all of the events they participate in throughout the year possible. The Pen to Pen program is one of the most unique programs any breed association offers. This program 6
THE ADVANTAGE
was designed to help connect juniors with each other and build a network that they will have for a lifetime. I have participated in this program for years, and I can say from personal experience that it opens many doors of opportunity, while keeping the fun and excitement at a high level. I was able to write letters to my mentees and get to know more about them and their time in the NJHA. But, this isn’t just my experience; many others are still in contact with their pen pals and enjoy seeing them every year and creating friendships from coast to coast.
No matter what games, workshops or message happens during Pen to Pen, the juniors can always be seen with a smile and laughs heard throughout the grounds. We encourage all members of the NJHA to get involved with the Pen to Pen program, whether it is your first year as a member, or last. The NJHA Board of Directors, as well as myself as the membership chair, are determined to improve upon the Pen to Pen program every year in order for our juniors to get the most out of it. We hope to see everybody at Pen to Pen next year at the 2024 JNHE in Grand Island, Neb., as we put on another great program and express our commitment to the future. Growing on the Pen to Pen program, the NJHA invites junior members to attend the NJHA Meet-up: Building on Confidence, Community and Connection during the American Hereford Association (AHA) Annual Meeting, Oct. 20, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. This event will continue to develop connections across the country, and develop relationships to last a lifetime.
COMMITMENT TO THE
FUTURE
National Junior Hereford Association
7
FEBRUARY 20, 2024
Make sure to capitalize on this unique sale that supports the VitaFerm® Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE). With highlight lots from past JNHE Champions, to unique opportunities as we get ready for the 25th Anniversary of the JNHE in Grand Island, Neb. This is a chance to prepare for the Grand Daddy of ‘Em All in 2024.
8
THE ADVANTAGE
July 6-12, 2024
hereford.org/youth/jnhe 9
THE ADVANTAGE
COMPETITION CREATES EXCELLENCE by Hannah Pearson NJHA LEADERSHIP CHAIR compete in the Hybrid Illustrated Speech contest, where contestants choose a topic related to the beef industry, write a speech on that topic and pair it with a visual aid. The intermediate and senior age divisions can compete in the advanced speech contest and/or the future professionals contests to hone in those skills. Advanced speech gives juniors the chance to practice their extemporaneous speaking skills, as they are invited to prepare a speech in 30 minutes on a topic selected at random. The individual sales and sales academy contests are for junior members who wants to learn the sales industry, from cattle sales to pharmaceuticals. Emma Ballinger, Mckee, Ky., has been involved in numerous contests at the JNHE throughout the years and placed second in the advanced speech contest at the 2023 JNHE. “These contests have put me in front of adults who can provide positive feedback and continue my personal and professional development within the Hereford family,” said Ballinger.
A
t the age of seven I gave my first ever Hereford speech titled, “A Heifer named Bunny.” I only had one goal in mind and that was to get through the speech and off the stage as fast as I could. Nothing is scarier than being in front of a group of strangers, trying not to forget what you practiced so hard for. My experiences within the opportunities outside of the ring have led me to help, encourage and cheer on younger juniors wanting to participate in these contests and better themselves for the future. Covid-19 forced changes and challenged the National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) to look at the contests hosted at the VitaFerm® Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE) with fresh eyes. The contests continue to give juniors the ability to grow their skills and interests in many different areas of the Hereford breed and beef industry, while giving them the best learning experience possible. One of my personal favorites to come from the revamp, is the Hybrid Certified Hereford Beef® (CHB) Cooking Challenge. Juniors are encouraged to have fun creating a video of their own cooking show. Participants should share their knowledge of CHB, highlight its high quality and market the product, all while making a CHB home prepared dish. If you love having the spotlight on you or just need a little help getting over that fear of public speaking, the NJHA has contests designed specifically for those qualities. The peewee and junior age divisions can 10
THE ADVANTAGE
you are quizzed on your knowledge of the breed and industry, with the highest scoring teams competing in a nail-biting buzzer round in front of an audience. Peewees and juniors can let their creativity flow surrounding the JNHE theme and create a poster for the poster contest. All juniors can practice their skills and share their talent behind the camera by entering their pictures of Hereford cattle and/or Hereford people into the photo contest, available for all age divisions. As I reflect on my junior career, I’m thankful that my mom strongly encouraged me to take those first steps towards opportunities outside the showring. I can honestly say I wouldn’t be where I am today without that encouragement. I encourage you to find a contest that will take you out of your comfort zone and that will challenge you to become a more rounded individual. Competition does not just happen on the end of a halter and excellence can come from competition.
Competition does not just happen at the end of a halter and excellence can come from competition. The future professionals contest is one of the most real-world, professional development contests that the NJHA offers. Contestants provide their resume and cover letter to a judging committee, the junior age division directed toward a Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA) scholarship and seniors as if they are applying for the career they want after graduation. The top candidates are selected for an in-person interview at the JNHE to practice those skills they will use for the rest of their lives. If public speaking isn’t your thing and you would rather be in the barn with your cattle, juniors can learn how to evaluate cattle and efficiently make decisions while evaluating livestock during the JNHE judging contest. Juniors place classes consisting of four cattle, answer questions about the animals and hear experts give reasons on how they placed the classes. If you are knowledgeable about the Hereford breed and the cattle industry, the Hereford Bowl contest is for you, where National Junior Hereford Association
11
Your herd is covered.
On the ranch, you make decisions using visual appraisal every day. But what about the traits you don’t see? That’s where NEOGEN’s® GGP comes into play. We’ve loaded the most informative markers and filled in the gaps to provide you with the most complete and powerful seedstock selection tool in the industry. So, you can be sure those lines in the tag are working overtime for you to provide confidence in selection decisions that help bolster your reputation amongst your herd and customers for generations to come. GGP’s markers have you covered and informed. Leverage GGP today by contacting your breed association or go to genomics.neogen.com/en/ggp-beef
© NEOGEN Corporation, 2020. NEOGEN is a registered trademark of NEOGEN Corporation.
12
THE ADVANTAGE
National Junior Hereford Association
13
JUNIOR NATIONAL HEREFORD EXPO 2023 | MADISON, WIS.
THE EXTRA CREW
by Kaylee McInvale NJHA DIRECTOR
T
his summer was filled with many laughs and weeks that never stopped, always feeling like a constant race to the finish, only to then begin again with a new school year. Each summer, a team appears behind the scenes at the American Hereford Association (AHA) in preparation for all activities the National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) hosts for its junior members. From the NJHA Board of Directors in the maroon jackets, interns, VitaFerm® Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE) ambassadors, staff and volunteers, each of these players come together to help make the biggest and best events of the summer. The JNHE has always been my favorite week spent with the Hereford family. Putting something as impactful as this event together, requires some additional hands, dedicated to success. This summer, the AHA Youth Activities department and foundation hired two full-summer interns that worked on all facets of the JNHE and the Faces of Leadership conference. Kase LeRow, McGregor, Texas, and Laramie Coffey, Stillwater, Okla., dove headfirst into the logistics, contests, entries and organization of both events. LeRow previously served on the JNHE Ambassador team for the 2022 summer, making his return as an intern even more exciting. “The AHA Youth Activities internship not only equipped me with the skill set and knowledge about the industry, but friendships that will last a lifetime and experiences I’ll never forget,” said LeRow. Joining the interns each summer is a team titled the JNHE Ambassadors. This team comes in for the days leading up to the JNHE and leaves immediately following, a mini-internship for those who cannot
commit to the entire summer. These additional hands make light work of the monumental tasks that come alongside an event with over 800 NJHA members and more than 1,200 head of cattle on site. This years JNHE Ambassador team was made up of Myka Blissard, Big Spring, Texas, Paiton Owensby, Folsom, N.M., Kylie Peck, Stockport, Iowa and Emma Preston, Reynolds, Ill. “Working as an ambassador for the JNHE this past summer was a rewarding experience that allowed me opportunities to network and learn more about the AHA and their members,” stated Preston. These six spent their own summers, ensuring that the activities for NJHA members were flawless, from preparation and execution to clean-up and reporting, this team made it possible.
I was surrounded by incredible people that had the same passion as I did. Owensby grew up in the NJHA and was an active member of the Hereford breed. “I thought the NJHA ambassador program was a great experience that taught me so much,” commented Owensby. “I was surrounded by incredible people that had the same passion as I did with even better leadership.” Being a candidate for the NJHA Board of Directors in 2022, I saw first-hand what the team did behind the scenes, and this summer I was able to be apart of that process. The internship and JNHE Ambassador programs within the AHA are top notch, and I encourage everyone that is interested to apply or encourage others to apply and be apart of the Hereford family.
National Junior Hereford Association
15
BUILDING ON LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
A P R I L 4 - 7, 2 0 2 4 G K B C AT T L E H I P O I N T R A N C H | D E S D E M O N A , T E X A S A P P L I C AT I O N P R O C E S S O P E N S D E C . 1 , 2 0 2 3
SCHOLARSHIP
LEADERSHIP
EDUCATION
RESEARCH
EACH GIFT, NO MATTER THE AMOUNT, GOES TOWARDS UNWRAPPING THE CHALLENGE VALUES.
DECEMBER 4-8, 2023
IN ITS FIRST YEAR, HYFA WAS ABLE TO SUPPORT IT’S PILLARS BY AN ADDITIONAL $135,000.
National Junior Hereford Association
17
TIS’ THE
SEASON OF GIVING by Lauren Jones NJHA COMMUNICATIONS CHAIR
L
ast December, the Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA) kicked off the very first Hereford Season of Giving. Over the five-day period, generous donors raised $135,000 for HYFA’s pillars of scholarship, leadership, education and research. During the Hereford Season of Giving, pivotal donors provided various challenge donations, and each gift, despite the amount, went toward unlocking these challenge values throughout the week. Any donor, big or small, were also entered into a giveaway for a custom Hereford-branded Priefert cattle chute. Last year’s lucky winner was Jerry Huth of Huth Polled Herefords in Oakfield, Wis. This year, the program will be very similar and allow you to direct your donation to match your passion. HYFA is the engine behind the different events that National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) members participate in, ranging from the VitaFerm® Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE) and the NJHA Fed Steer Shootout, to the more than $200,000 in scholarship provided to junior members each year. Few words can describe the impact the four pillars of HYFA have had on me, as well as thousands of other junior members. Each pillar contributes something different to Hereford youth and all are making a difference in the lives of Hereford enthusiasts. Giving back to HYFA in the Hereford Season of Giving, is truly giving to the future of the Hereford breed. Donations can be made to a specific pillar, specific event or given to HYFA in general for the continued growth of the foundation. 18
THE ADVANTAGE
Giving back to HYFA during the Season of Giving, is truly giving back to the future of the Hereford breed.
HYFA proudly awards over $200,000 to NJHA members each year, in supporting SCHOLARSHIP believing junior’s futures so that they may excel, making our breed and industry stronger as a whole. As a past scholarship recipient, I have personally felt the impact of this pillar to a high degree. Not only does a scholarship relieve the financial burdens that come with higher education, but it is also comforting to know I am supported by the Hereford family. Knowing there is someone in my corner that believes in me enough to invest in my education, encourages me to excel, so I can one day return to the industry and pay it forward. Scholarships are the backbone of HYFA. They help honor the legacies of people who love and built the Hereford breed. Donating to the scholarship pillar means you are investing in the future of our breed.
Two event giants fall under the education pillar; the JNHE and the NJHA Fed Steer EDUCATION Shootout program. The JNHE, the pinnacle event of the summer, is the largest breed junior show in the country, and a testament to the quality of the Hereford breed and the cattle junior members are raising. You would be hard-pressed to find a junior member that hasn’t been impacted inside or outside of the ring while attending JNHE. The NJHA Fed Steer Shootout program just finished its seventh year and has continued to grow and develop. Education about the cattle feeding and commercial side of the industry is at the forefront of this event and is an eye-opening experience that I encourage everyone to participate in. Donating to the education pillar means supporting these events that are making a difference educating all Hereford enthusiasts.
When I think of the NJHA, one of the words that immediately comes to mind is leadership. With the LEADERSHIP backing of HYFA, the NJHA can put on numerous events throughout the year to grow our juniors into the best of the best leaders for the beef industry. These events and opportunities include the Faces of Leadership conference, BOLD Leadership Conference, Hereford Homeroom and travel assistance for the NJHA Board of Directors, to represent at regional and national shows. These events have developed me into the person I am today. From attending six Faces of Leadership conferences, the BOLD Leadership Conference and serving the past two and a half years as a board member, I can speak to the amount of growth I’ve had throughout my leadership journey that was facilitated by the NJHA. When you choose to donate to the leadership pillar, you are growing juniors into the best versions of themselves.
For those that have been raising Herefords for generations, think about how far we have RESEARCH come in the last 142 years since the AHA was established in 1881. That growth has been accelerated in recent years through a commitment to research. The research pillar supports programs that enhance beef cattle production. These projects are conducted throughout the U.S. in conjunction with universities, private firms and ranches. By donating to the research pillar you are solidifying our future and choosing to support the sustainability of the AHA, NJHA, HYFA and the entire Hereford breed.
The holiday season is a time to reflect and HYFA, the NJHA and the AHA have had so many bright moments to reflect on. Many of these moments could not happen without HYFA’s pillars and the many generous donors who support them. No matter how big or small, we truly appreciate each and every donor who contributes to make the Hereford breed and the Hereford youth the absolute best they can be through HYFA. The 2023 Hereford Season of Giving hosted by HYFA, will be from Dec. 4-8. Make sure to stay up to date and be prepared to give, as HYFA unwraps challenge donations once they are matched. To learn more, https:// herefordyouthfoundation.org/campaigns-in-action/hereford-season-of-giving/.
National Junior Hereford Association
19
MARCH, 2023 FALLON GOHR, Madras, Ore. Fallon is a highly involved junior member from the Northwest Region. She has attended the VitaFerm® Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE) since she was seven years old, as well as been highly involved and prominent in the Western States National Hereford Show and National Western Stock Show. During the 2022 JNHE she successfully claimed the title of grand champion showman in the intermediate division.
APRIL, 2023 MARIE PRODELL, Algoma, Wis. Marie is attending the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, majoring in agriculture business and animal science, while also being highly involved in the Wisconsin Junior Hereford Association. Marie attended the 2023 BOLD Leadership Conference. As a first generation Hereford breeder, who is finding her place in the breed, she stands out with her enthusiasm, passion and drive for the industry.
MAY, 2023 PAIGE LEMENAGER, Hudson, Ill. Paige is a highly involved individual in the Hereford breed, attending Lake Land College, where she is on their judging team. Upon completion of her undergraduate studies, she plans to pursue a postgraduate law degree with the ultimate professional goals of running her family farm and becoming an agricultural attorney. Paige’s first JNHE was in 2016, and she left that year with a passion for not just the breed, but the people involved and the opportunities that the NJHA provides to develop its juniors.
JUNE, 2023 BLAKE BRANCEL, Endeavor, Wis. Blake has been an active NJHA and Wisconsin Junior Hereford Association member and has participated in various contests at the JNHE and those provided opportunities for her to develop as a leader and grow individually. She is now putting those skills to use as the vice president of her FFA chapter. The NJHA is proud of Blake and excited to watch her grow as a leader in the association.
JULY, 2023 JARRETT WORRELL, Mason, Texas Jarrett has been an active NJHA and Texas Junior Hereford Association member for nine years. He has been incredibly active in his youth within the NJHA, participating in every contest at the JNHE, the NJHA Fed Steer Shootout program and attending the NJHA Fed Steer Shootout Field Day.
AUGUST, 2023 DENTON STAPLETON, Clinton, Ill. Denton is an active member of the NJHA and the Illinois Junior Hereford Association and studied agricultural business at Richland Community College. He attended his second ever Faces of Leadership conference this summer in Columbus, Ohio, after traveling to Billings, Mont., the previous year, and credits this program for the growth of his confidence.
A FRESH by Isaac Rhode
L
K
AT FACES
NJHA DIRECTOR
A
ttending the Faces of Leadership conference can be a life-changing experience for National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) members. Developing personal leadership skills, learning about the beef industry and building lifelong friendships are just a few of the benefits this event offers to Hereford youth. Each year, the conference travels to a different location across the country, and themes a three-day event in leadership. This summer, the 2023 Faces of Leadership conference landed in Columbus, Ohio, the home of the conference sponsors, Rick Malir and Bonnie Coley-Malir, who make this event possible each year because of the Coley-Malir Leadership Endowment. The theme of “Prepare You for Your Future,” was not lost on Kristin Waters, Norborne, Mo. Waters is 15-years-old and a first-time attendee of the conference, an active member of both the Missouri Junior Hereford Association and the NJHA. She grew up with family and friends who attended the conference in the past and she made sure that she also attended when she was of age.
Sign up and take the chance to get out of your comfort zone, see new things and meet new people. “Seeing all the fun on social media posts and hearing about the conference from national board members had me counting down the days until I was old enough to go,” said Waters. “I knew Faces of Leadership was an event that could help me further my leadership skills while learning new things and the perfect opportunity to meet new people and hear their perspectives on the industry.” The conference requires attendees to be between the ages of 14-21 in order to attend. The exploration, possibilities and adventures each year create memories that will last a lifetime. This summer, a large portion of the conference was spent at The Ohio State University (OSU) campus. One morning, juniors were invited onto the OSU stadium field, a jaw-dropping moment to get a glimpse of historic players. An entire morning was spent at the OSU meat science department, learning about the processing and consumer portion of the beef industry, and hearing from 22
THE ADVANTAGE
career professionals. Waters commented, “there were so many amazing tours, but my favorite was seeing the meat science lab at OSU. I had not thought about pursuing a career in meat science before Faces of Leadership, but the tour and interacting with the professors has sparked an interest for me.” Waters emphasized that the Hereford breed is a family, and the Faces of Leadership conference is simply building on these connections. She encourages other junior members to sign up for the conference next year and every year they are eligible. “Sign up and take the chance to get out of your comfort zone, see new things and meet new people. You never know what new information you might learn or something you see or hear from another member might help you down the road or change your perspective.” Kristin was one of 67 attendees at this year’s Faces of Leadership, from 15 different states. The 2024 conference will be in Fort Worth, Texas, July 28-31, and the NJHA cannot wait to see more smiling faces as we follow leadership into the southwest.
FACES OF LEADERSHIP 2023 | COLUMBUS, OHIO
National Junior Hereford Association 123 National Junior Hereford Association
LEVELING
LEADERSHIP
by Haley Mouser NJHA FUNDRAISING CHAIR
A
s members of the National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA), I bet you and I have quite a few things in common. One of which, and probably close to the top of the list, is a desire to succeed; a desire to improve and reach the next level. While we may learn this drive in the barn and in the showring, it is a mindset that I have carried to all aspects of life. Regardless of the situation, task or organization, there is always the possibility to improve. Yet, sometimes, that next level isn’t very obvious, and finding it can be just as hard as reaching it. This summer, at the 2023 Faces of Leadership conference, our NJHA Board of Directors wanted to encourage participants to start brainstorming how they can level up their leadership at home and bring improvements to their state junior Hereford associations. This goal was reached through the Monday night session featuring a state leadership panel and discussion. We called on four current and past state presidents to sit on a panel to answer questions about their state association and personal leadership journey; Sarah Beth Callicot, Tenn.; Lydia Shaw, Idaho; Morgan Richardson, Ill.; and Connor McArthur, Mich.
Regardless of the situation, task or organization, there is always the possibility to improve. Continuing discussion afterwards between all participants in small groups, my fellow board of directors and I split into pairs and rotated between six roundtables. Rather than calling on a speaker or hosting a workshop, our goal was for attendees to learn from and spark new ideas with their peers. Despite a late night, two hours were easily filled by discussions that lasted long after the session ended. I am excited to share some of the ideas created and advice given by attendees and my fellow board members, in regards to practical ways to level up your leadership and your state junior Hereford association.
24
THE ADVANTAGE
TAKE YOUR PERSONAL LEADERSHIP TO THE NEXT LEVEL: Whether you are thinking about holding a state office for the first time, climbing to presidency or have your eyes set on the coveted maroon jacket, here are some ideas to keep progressing on a personal level: Learn the organization by getting involved. To lead, you need to know what they are doing and why, and the more you participate before leading the activities, the better you will be able to understand and help your members. Introduce yourself to the current leaders. Never be afraid to shake a hand or start a conversation. The best way to get your name out there is by showing up and helping others. Always represent yourself well. You never get a second chance to make a first impression and gaining a genuine and professional reputation goes a long way. Start applications early and outsource your proofing. Often, especially with scholarship applications, your first impression is on paper. Make it a good one.
TAKE YOUR STATE ASSOCIATION TO THE NEXT LEVEL: Once you become an officer in your state junior Hereford association, here are some ideas to improve your team and association: Communicate with your officer team. If you only meet once or twice a year, build friendships and stay in communication throughout the rest of the year. This will help you work together and keep each other accountable. Communicate with your membership. Whether in the form of an email list or social media, be consistent in your communication so that your members know how to reach you and that your officer team is willing to help. Implement ideas to increase connections. Connections are vital for maintaining membership regardless of size and they are also vital for inspiring the younger generation to want to fill your shoes in leadership. The activities hosted at the national level can be brought to the state.
Encourage juniors to participate at the national level. Whether in contests at the VitaFerm® Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE), the NJHA Fed Steer Shootout or Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA) scholarships. Keep members up to date each month by sharing the NJHA News Now blog.
STATELE P EXAMIndiana Junior Hereford Association
nominates members to participate in contests at JNHE and pairs them with an older mentor, so they can learn how to succeed at the national level and increase their connections.
These were some of the top ideas and pieces of advice discussed by the 2023 Faces of Leadership participants. However, the main takeaway comes from realizing the importance of state leadership, and the impact you can make with or without being active at the national level. Last fall, the American Hereford Association (AHA) renewed their five-year strategic plan. Strategy five is to, “Build a Pipeline of Future Leaders.” This idea has been the underlying reason for many of the topics our NJHA Board of Directors implemented throughout the year and especially this night at Faces of Leadership. The leadership pipeline starts at the state level and grows from there. I encourage each of you to find ways to level up your leadership, level up your state association and continue building the pipeline of leaders, right where you are.
STATELE P Wisconsin Junior Hereford Association, EXAM hosted their inaugural state leadership conference modeled after the NJHA leadership conferences, titled Faces of Leadership of Wisconsin (FOLOW).
National Junior Hereford Association 25
Your Solution for Customized Herd Health Only Merck Animal Health offers you and your herd an exclusive set of solutions and team of experts to help reduce labor and cost while improving the efficiency and sustainability of your operation. Learn how at MAHCattle.com
MAHCattle.com • 800-521-5767 26 THE ADVANTAGE Copyright © 2023 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. All rights reserved. US-NON-220800036
2024 CONTEST DATES CONTEST ENTRY DEADLINE
NOV. 1, 2023
DELIVERY DATES
DEC. 9-13, 2023
FED STEER SHOOTOUT FIELD DAY APRIL 13, 2024 For more information go to https://hereford.org/youth/njha-fed-steer-shootout/
NJHA2023 FED STEER SHOOTOUT NJHA FED STEER SHOOTOUT NUMBERS ENTRIES
ENTRIES BY DIVISION
STEERS
207
NJHA MEMBERS
67
STATES
18
PUREBRED INDIVIDUALS
64
PUREBRED PEN OF 3
16
COMMERCIAL INDIVIDUALS 47 16
COMMERCIAL PEN OF 3
ENTRIES BY STATE AR CA CO 1 34 4
IL 9
IN 1
KS 28
KY 2
MI 2
MN MO MS NE 1 14 1 7
NJ OK SD 1 17 15
TX 58
WI WV 6 6
National Junior Hereford Association 27
EDUCATION BEYOND THE SHOWRING
by Wesley Denton NJHA VICE CHAIRMAN
T
his year’s National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) Fed Steer Shootout program had 207 head of Hereford and Hereford-influenced feeder cattle from 67 participants and 18 states. For the third year, a field day was sponsored in the spring of 2023 for participants and others to arrive in Scott City, Kan., at the HRC Feed Yards for a full day. More than 100 people attended the NJHA Fed Steer Shootout Field Day, including nine-year old Rett Blume, Pierre, S.D. Having attended since the first field day in 2021, he said, “I would encourage other juniors to get involved, because you learn so much about the process involved in feeding cattle, and therefore feeding people.” During the 2023 NJHA Fed Steer Shootout Field Day, an in-person judging contest was hosted, inviting both the junior and senior age divisions to participate in a meat evaluation and live cattle evaluation. The combined high score in the respective age divisions declared the winners and each received a mineral feeder generously donated by Priefert. Blume was named the winner of the junior age division and Pecos Worrell, Harper, Texas, took the senior honors. Attendees at the field day had the opportunity to hear from many industry leaders including Cargill representatives; Corbin Stevens, DVM, HRC Feed Yards and Kevin Good, Cattle Fax vice president of industry relations. Cargill Protein North America presented
carcass value determination and a carcass cutout demonstration. Blume said, “I had a fun time meeting new friends at the field day. I also learned a lot from the Cargill demonstrations, especially the different cuts of meat.” The highlight of each field day is the ability for participants to walk in the feed yard pens, seeing how their own cattle are performing. While doing so, HRC Feed Yards staff, nutritional consultants and vets made themselves available to answer questions about the cattle’s performance. Worrell said, “I was so excited to get the opportunity to see how my steers had changed since I dropped them off at the feed yard. Little did I know that the best part was the education program. Getting to talk to the feedlot vet and nutritionist not only helped me for next year’s contest, but also feeding carcass steers at home.” Junior members who participate in the NJHA Fed Steer Shootout program have access to a library of educational resources to learn about the beef cattle feeding industry and what happens to the cattle after they move on from a cow-calf operation. A final portfolio project, for those who wish to win scholarships and awards, as well as the title of junior contestant of the year, is completed and presented at the American Hereford Association (AHA) Annual Meeting and Educational Forum each fall.
Worrell chose to participate in this portion of the contest as well and was selected as one of the top three to compete in person at the AHA Annual Meeting. “My process for putting together a portfolio was researching the topic and talking to my dad,” said Worrell. “While explaining how my steers performed was my favorite topic, I learned a lot from the internet on the other topics.”
There is not a better way to learn about animal health, nutrition and genetics until you have your own cattle on feed. The NJHA Fed Steer Shootout Field Day welcomes any junior members to learn and get a glimpse of this program, cattle on feed are not a requirement. “I would encourage other juniors to get involved with this program,” Worrell said. “I always wanted to feed some steers in a commercial feed yard, but I never had enough for a full pen. There is not a better way to learn about animal health, nutrition and genetics until you have your own cattle on feed.” The entry deadline for the 2024 NJHA Fed Steer Shootout program is November 1, 2023. Steers should be delivered between December 9-13, 2023, to HRC Feed Yards in Scott City, Kan. More information about this educational opportunity outside of the showring can be found at, https://hereford.org/youth/ njha-fed-steer-shootout/.
National Junior Hereford Association 29
2023-2024 | BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIRMAN
Tar Tut Faribault, Minn. tartut@outlook.com 507-491-3493
VICE CHAIRMAN
Wesley Denton Blue Rapids, Kan. wesley@dentondesigns.net 785-336-4155 FUNDRAISING CHAIR
Haley Mouser Tenstrike, Minn. msfherefords@gmail.com 218-368-0745
MEMBERSHIP CHAIR
Logan McFatridge Otterbein, Ind. lrmcfatridge@gmail.com 765-769-6660
DIRECTOR
Kaylee McInvale Cumby, Texas kayleemcinvale@gmail.com 903-336-8121
DIRECTOR
Isaac Rhode Stewartsville, Mo. isaacrhode25@gmail.com 816-387-3405
DIRECTOR
Lauren Gatz Fairview, Kan. lauren03g@gmail.com 785-285-0617
DIRECTOR
Salem Sifford Goldvein, Va. ssifford366@gmail.com 336-266-0194
COMMUNICATIONS CHAIR
Lauren Jones Darlington, Wis. ljherefords15@gmail.com 608-482-3525 LEADERSHIP CHAIR
Hannah Pearson Oconto, Neb. hjpearson001@gmail.com 308-870-3805 DIRECTOR
Sam Birdsall Torrington, Wyo. birdsall.sam04@gmail.com 607-423-8915 DIRECTOR
Harlee Watson Flemingsburg, Ky. harleewatson1@gmail.com 606-748-3669
