KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Eric Eldridge, Bruneau, Idaho, was selected as the 2018 Hereford Herdsman of the Year at the 2018 National Hereford Show during National Western Stock Show in Denver. Selected by his peers — Hereford herdsmen and breeders — Eldridge was honored prior to the selection of the grand champion polled Hereford female on Jan. 13.

Eldridge is originally from Quartz Valley, Calif., and he currently works for Colyer Herefords in Bruneau, Idaho. He is responsible for caring for the show cattle, traveling to all national shows, checking cows and calves in the pastures each day and more. Kyle Colyer, Eldridge’s supervisor, said Eldridge is an extremely reliable employee with a versatile skillset that makes him a perfect candidate for this honor.

“Eric is a true herdsman all year round,” Colyer said. “He is a multi-dimensional employee, who can do everything from breeding to fitting and in between. That is what it is all about.”

Eldridge grew up on a commercial cattle operation and exhibited many species of livestock throughout his childhood. Upon high school graduation, he worked for Don Carty showing cattle across the western United States.

He said after gaining valuable experience working for Carty, he began custom fitting for 12 years — focusing mainly on Hereford show cattle. Those connections lead him to a full-time position with Colyer Herefords four years ago. He said being recognized as the Hereford Herdsman is truly unbelievable.

“For so many people to pick me out of all the guys in the barn is a pretty special feeling,” he said. “For all the guys like me that do this day in and day out, it is a dream to be recognized as the Hereford Herdsman in Denver. It is a pretty amazing feeling.”

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The Hereford Herdsman of the Year award honors an outstanding herdsman in the Hereford breed each year at the NWSS. Hereford herdsmen and breeders vote for the Herdsman of the Year, and the award is presented annually at the NWSS.

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