SPOTLIGHT

Hello! My name is Lauren Jones and I am from Darlington, Wisconsin where my family and I own and operate Wildcat Cattle Company, our purebred Hereford operation where we breed, show, and sell Herefords across the nation. Although I was born into the breed, my passion really started when I was five and started to show for the first time. In a few short years I was hooked on Herefords and I haven’t looked back. I quickly became involved in leadership at the state level serving in almost every position on the Wisconsin Junior Hereford Association (WJHA) leadership team over an eight-year span, as well as serving as a WJHA princess for two years. My passion for the Hereford breed, combined with encouragement from my family and other role models, led me to running for the National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) Board of Directors in 2021. I ran on the platform of promoting communication, leadership, and involvement, which are still core values I strive to attain while serving the membership.

I was honored to receive a maroon jacket and start to serve the Hereford youth on a national level. Now in my second year on the board, I’ve found my place on the team as an outside-the-box thinker and go-getter who loves to be involved in each and every committee I can get my hands on. As I head into my third and final year on the board, I’m sad that this will be my last year on this long journey, but I am excited to continue to make an impact on all 4100 active NJHA members and create change for the better that will hopefully last for many years after I retire.

As for life away from my maroon coat, next fall I will start my junior year of college at Oklahoma State University where I am double majoring in Animal Science and Agriculture Communications. Although it is still unknown where my journey will lead, I’m excited to make a positive impact on the agriculture industry wherever my feet hit the ground.

The NJHA and my Hereford family were truly the building blocks to the person I am today. I encourage all members to take advantage of every opportunity the NJHA offers to you because you never know what will make a difference in your life, and how you can make a difference in someone else’s. I can’t wait to continue to be a part of this great Hereford family for the rest of my life.

Lauren Jones NJHA Director