January 31, 2025
The year is off to a remarkable start for the National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) and Team Hereford. Congratulations to all the junior exhibitors who have made their mark in the showring at Oklahoma City and Denver.
Team NJHA is excited to announce that the Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE) was recently voted Sullivan Supply’s Best of the Barns for the Best Junior National Experience. More than 13,000 votes were cast in this prestigious competition and the NJHA appreciates the support from around the industry as we continue to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the JNHE and the Grand Daddy of “Em All.
Read further into the February NJHA News Now for all of the details.
WHO IS READY TO BE BOLD?
NJHA members between the ages of 18-21, now is the time! Applications for the 2025 BOLD Leadership Conference are due Feb. 1 and the NJHA hopes you will take advantage of this elite leadership opportunity held in Desdemona, Texas, at GKB’s Hi Point Ranch, April 3-6.
Those who are chosen to attend will be notified shortly after applications are submitted. Travel to and from the conference is the responsibility of the attendee, however, thanks to the GKB Cattle Youth Endowment, the conference, lodging and food are covered by acceptance into the program. Continue to grow as a leader within your state and national organizations, as well as prepare yourself for professional development and career opportunities for the future.
REPRESENT TEAM USA
A rare and exciting opportunity for Hereford juniors and even young adult American Hereford Association (AHA) members is coming right around the corner. The World Hereford Conference takes place once every four years, and this year will be coming to Kansas City, Oct. 22-26, in conjunction with the National Hereford Show at the American Royal Livestock Show. Alongside this conference is the Young Breeders Competition, hosted in Manhattan, Kan., and gets underway on Oct. 19.
Within the Young Breeders Competition, countries have the option of sponsoring a team that will represent their knowledge and skills in the Hereford breed and agriculture industry. Team USA will represent the most talented youth our country has to offer and thanks to grants made possible by the Hereford Youth Foundation of America, applications to be a part of this global competition at Kansas State University are being accepted now.
Contestants must be between the ages of 18-26 years old and be a member of either the NJHA or the AHA, and teams will be made up of four competitors. Apply to be on Team USA by April 15, and represent the country in a global competition. If you do not wish to compete, but still want to attend the World Hereford Conference and the accompanying tours and events, you can learn more at https://www.worldherefordconference.com/.
HANDS ON IN THE FEED YARD – SAVE THE DATE
The 2025 NJHA Fed Steer Shootout Field Day is scheduled for April 11-12, in Scott City, Kan., at HRC Feed Yards. The event has expended to offer an open house evening the Friday before for those who would like to see the feed yards and ask questions that they do not have time for on Saturday during the Field Day. Again this year we are also opening the doors to the feed yard on Friday evening, April 11th for those who want to have a one-on-one experience viewing their cattle on feed.
The RSVP for the event is available now, and we ask that you please RSVP by April 1 to ensure proper head counts for meals. The schedule is coming soon.
SUPPORT THE JNHE & DEVELOP YOUR HERD
On March 5, the Sale of Champions will be happening on Sale Day Inc. The Sale of Champions is an opportunity for buyers to get access to unique lots featuring past Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE) champions and opportunities during the 2025 JNHE. Proceeds from this sale go straight back to ensuring that the JNHE is funded each year and offering unique and memorable moments for junior Hereford members. Beyond the support of the JNHE, this sale allows you to continue to develop your own herd with genetics that are not traditionally available. Save the date, and keep watch for more information about the different lots.
LIVE FROM LOUISVILLE
The 2025 VitaFerm® JNHE is “Live from Louisville,” this summer in Louisville, Ky., July 12-18. We are so excited to welcome Hereford families from across the country to join us for the event of the summer and an event that was just voted as Best of the Barns by its peers.
Show rules and judges will be available soon, and a tentative schedule is available online. Additionally the rules for contests are being updated and will be available online alongside other information for both advisors and exhibitors. Make sure to look at the JNHE Resources page to find all details and information as we continue getting closer through the year.
DATES & DEADLINES
BOLD Leadership Conference Application
Feb. 1, 2025
Apply Today
JNHE Sale of Champions
March 5, 2025
More Information
HYFA Spring Scholarship Application Deadline
April 15, 2025
Application Opens Feb. 3
Team USA Young Breeders Competition Application Deadline
April 15, 2025
Application Opens Feb. 3