Q&A with Sally Wingler, National Hereford Women Director

Sally Hart Wingler of Christiana, Tennessee was elected to a four-year term to the National Hereford Women (NHW) Board of Directors. This is a distinguished accomplishment, and we are proud to have a Tennessee representative on this board. I recently had the chance to speak with Sally and asked her a few questions about her experience in running for the NHW board and her new responsibilities.

How did you initially become involved with Hereford cattle?

I grew up on a registered Polled Hereford Farm in Pikeville. I am a third-generation Hereford breeder. I began my love for Hereford cattle at a young age. When I was old enough to join 4-H I started showing. I was an active member of the Tennessee Junior Polled Hereford Association. In 1987 I was the Tennessee Junior President. I became the 1987 Tennessee Polled Hereford Queen. I began college in the Fall of 1987 at Middle Tennessee State University where I majored in Animal Science. In December of 1987, I became a National 4-H Beef Winner.

Can you describe your current involvement with Herefords?

I guess you can say I have come full circle in my involvement with Hereford Cattle. Russ and I have two children, Foster, and Lauren, who are highly active in the Hereford cattle breed. This allows me to do what I love and that is being involved in the Hereford cattle industry. We have a small cow/calf operation, Cedar Forest Farm, in Christiana. We enjoy showing Hereford cattle on the local, state, and national levels.

What motivated you to run for the NHW board of directors?

In 1989 I was elected to the National Junior Polled Hereford board of Directors. This was one of the greatest accomplishments for me. I was able to learn on a national level about Hereford cattle. I knew that one day I had high hopes of being involved in the National Hereford Women’s organization. I felt that the time was right for me to pursue the National board.

Can you describe the process of running for the board?

The organization was formed in 2009 when the two women’s organizations joined together. The National Hereford Women have a platform laid out when it comes to running for the board. You are required to complete an application which includes a short essay, resume, and letters of recommendation. This is then given to the nominating committee for review. The nominating committee

then gives their nominations for the board to be voted on at the National Hereford Women’s Meeting in Kansas City in October. The directors are elected from the four geographical areas of the United States. The board consists of 12 members representing the four geographical areas.

Can you give a brief outline of the contributions the NHW provides for the Hereford industry?

The mission of the National Hereford Women is to: promote Hereford Cattle, provide leadership & educational opportunities for Hereford women and youth, and to educate cattle breeders and consumers about Hereford cattle

What will be your responsibilities for the board this year?

I will serve in many capacities on many committees. Serving on the board obligates me to offer my time and talent to the National Hereford Women as we continue the growth of the Hereford breed and our youth. This year some of my responsibilities will include being on scholarship committees along with the National Hereford Queen program and various other committees.

What are you looking forward to the most during your time on the board?

I have discovered long ago that the Hereford breed is the greatest group of people with which to be involved. I cannot wait to spend the next four years promoting the Hereford breed and meeting all the new people as I travel down the road to “Come Home to Hereford”.