LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kade and Kendall Boatman, Rockford, Ill., were named the 2025 Junior Hereford Herdsmen of the Year at the VitaFerm^® Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE), “Live From Louisville,” July 18 in Louisville, Ky. Kade was also honored as the Walter and Joe Lewis High Point Senior. 

Kade and Kendall Boatman, Rockford, Ill., haven’t missed a JNHE. As sixth-generation Hereford breeders, they’ve built their operation, 2TK Cattle Co., served in leadership roles for the Illinois Junior Hereford Association and worked alongside their family at Perks Ranch. This fall they’re off to Lake Land College to judge livestock and further their education.

Herdsman winners demonstrate a tremendous work ethic along with knowledge about the Hereford breed and beef industry. These award winners stand out amongst their peers through their dedication and leadership leading up to and during the JNHE. The Boatmans’ passion for the cattle industry, work ethic and commitment to the Hereford breed make them ideal recipients of this honor.

“My grandma, great-grandpa and parents have all been Herdsmen of the Year, so to follow in their footsteps and keep the legacy going means a lot to me and Kade.” Kendall says. 

The nominees are initially selected by a committee, then voted on by their peers throughout the JNHE. Kade and Kendall were awarded a $2,500 scholarship, sponsored by the Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA) and Sullivan Supply, along with a custom belt buckle.

“It means the world to me, especially getting to do it with my sister,” Kade says. “To be able to have this big of an award given to us and do it together just makes it that much more special.”

To conclude the week, Kade also received the 2025 Walter and Joe Lewis High Point Senior Award. Being one of the most sought-after awards at the JNHE, the Walter and Joe Lewis Award recognizes seniors who excel in leadership, teamwork, passion, skills and overall competition. Along with the title, Boatman also received a $1,000 scholarship.

“It’s not just one victory that you’re focused on — you’re focused on every little moment throughout the week,” Kade says. “Every contest counts toward it, and it makes it really, really special that it was a collection of every single thing that I’m involved in.”

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The 2025 VitaFerm^® Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE), “Live from Louisville,” was sponsored in part by BioZyme^® Inc., St. Joseph, Mo., and their brands VitaFerm^® and Sure Champ^®. The VitaFerm® JNHE provides educational and leadership opportunities for junior members and their cattle projects, along with plenty of events for the entire family. The National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) is one of the most active junior programs in the country with more than 4,200 members. For more information about the JNHE, visit Hereford.org/youth.

Find the press release and photos here.