Kansas City, Mo. — One hundred National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) members from 25 states gathered in Boise, Idaho, July 29–Aug. 1, for the “Leaders on the Rise” 2026 Faces of Leadership conference. Throughout the week, the young people strengthened their communication and presentation skills, collaborated on team projects, explored career opportunities with industry professionals and gained valuable insight from business and agricultural leaders. From whitewater rafting and leadership development to behind-the-scenes industry tours and networking, participants left Boise with new skills, lasting connections and a renewed passion for the future of the Hereford breed and beef industry.

         “Seeing our juniors engage with the speakers, ask questions and grow in confidence throughout the week was incredibly rewarding,” Sarah Beth Callicott, NJHA leadership chair, said. “My hope is that Faces of Leadership helps every Hereford junior leave believing they have the ability to lead in their own way and encourages them to use their talents to make a positive difference.”

One such presenter, Logan Ipsen, former president of the Western Livestock Journal (WLJ), and owner of Stock Point Media, emphasized the importance of networking. “Relationships are going to be the key to everything you’ve got,” the New Plymouth, Idaho, native noted. Ipsen’s message about his journey in agriculture, from growing up in the commercial cattle industry to working with WLJ for 14 years, emphasized the importance of creating the conversation and the network he built along the way.

Conference participants enjoyed opportunities to build their network while learning skills for the future. Attendees enjoyed:

• Building teamwork and communication skills through a whitewater rafting adventure, leadership workshops and presentations led by the NJHA board of directors.
• Exploring innovation and career opportunities at the J.R. Simplot Company Headquarters, while learning about animal science, food production, marketing and business operations.
• Connecting with agricultural and business professionals during the Bridging the Gap College and Career Fair, featuring 17 different agricultural companies.
• Touring Colyer Herefords and Angus in Bruneau, Idaho, to learn more about their operation and the family’s long history with the bald-faced breed.
• Strengthening friendships and relationships with Hereford youth from across the country through team activities, an evening social and the conference dance.

         Faces of Leadership prepares the next generation of Hereford leaders by equipping young people with the confidence, knowledge and connections they need to make a lasting impact. Made possible by the Coley-Malir Leadership Endowment and the Hereford Youth Foundation of America, this conference is a pivotal stepping-stone to building the pipeline of future leaders for the Hereford breed.

The annual Faces of Leadership conference is open to NJHA members 14-21 years old. Watch for more information on future conferences at Hereford.org/youth/njha/faces-of-leadership.

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The National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) is one of the most active junior livestock programs in the country with more than 4,200 members. The NJHA’s mission is to create and promote enthusiasm for the breed while providing opportunities through leadership, education and teamwork, and emphasizing the mantra: Learn. Lead. Achieve. For more information about the NJHA, visit Hereford.org/youth.

Find photos and press release here.