KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Prior to the selection of the grand champion bull at the 2024 American Royal hosted in Kansas City, Mo., Nataleigh Belcher, Twin City, Ga., was selected to represent the breed as the 2025 National Hereford Queen. Her first official event as the National Hereford Queen will be at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Ky. 

Belcher is 18 years old and a high school senior. The former Georgia Hereford Queen is a member of 4-H, FFA and Future Business Leaders of America, in addition to volunteering in her community. She serves as secretary for the Georgia Junior Hereford Association. She plans to major in agricultural education and minor in animal science at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College after high school graduation. 

“The National Hereford Queen is a symbol of grace and honor,” said Belcher. “She is an ambassador who is passionate about the Hereford breed and what it has done for the beef industry. She serves as an inspiration to cultivate the love of agriculture for future generations. 

Five state queens from across the country represented their respective state with the goal of being selected as the National Hereford Queen. The National Hereford Queen attends events, shows and sales, including the Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE) to present awards and assist with ring presentations. This young lady is a breed icon, as she is dawned in a white dress, boots, statement sash and classic crown. The National Hereford Women support this program and in conjunction with the Hereford Youth Foundation of America, the queen will receive a $10,000 scholarship at the conclusion of her reign to support her future education. 

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The National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) is one of the largest, strongest and most active junior cattle programs in the country. Over the years, members of this association have gone on to earn international and domestic respect as models for youth organizational success. The NJHA, through its extensive educational programs, continues to lay the foundation for the beef industry’s future leaders. The traditions of the past coupled with the energy of today’s board of directors have created a progressive approach to further develop a meaningful and educational association focus.