LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The Certified Hereford Beef® (CHB) Cook-Off was revamped for the 23rd annual VitaFerm® Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE). Juniors were judged based off of virtual cooking video submissions featuring their favorite CHB dish prior to JNHE, and were honored in Louisville, Ky., on July 20. 

The objective of the contest is for NJHA members to think outside of the box and create their own ultimate NJHA cooking show episode. The contest encourages creativity, communication, increased knowledge of CHB and fun. Points for the contest were calculated based on showmanship, creativity, presentation of the dish, and use of recipe and explanation. Exhibitors were also evaluated based on their ability to communicate and explain CHB products and food safety, along with the use of CHB cuts in recipes and their general knowledge. 

Each participant prepared a unique dish featuring CHB. The intermediate division winner of the CHB cooking contest was Abbeigh Jo Gibson, Deer Park, Ala. Gibson’s dish, “Bluegrass Ultimate: ‘Stack the Banners’” was one of the judge’s top picks due to her CHB knowledge and outstanding presentation in her Hereford themed kitchen.

Peewee: 

1. Braxton Lockhart, Caldwell, Texas.
2. Jorie Miller, Newcastle, Wyo.

Junior: 

1. Cooper Miller, Newcastle, Wyo.
2. Aubrey Lockhart, Somerville, Texas
3. Nick Jones, Darlington, Wis.

Intermediate: 

1. Abbeigh Jo Gibson, Deer Park, Ala.
2. Devon Lockhart, Caldwell, Texas
3. Kinsley Gillig, Blue Rapids, Kan.

Senior: 

1. Megan Underwood, Campbellsville, Ky.

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The 2022 VitaFerm®Junior National Hereford Expo was sponsored in part by BioZyme Inc., St. Joseph, Mo. The National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) is one of the most active junior programs in the country with approximately 3,800 members. The NJHA’s mission is to create and promote enthusiasm for the breed while providing opportunities through leadership, education and teamwork. For more information about the NJHA, visit JrHereford.org.