LOUISVILLE, Ky. – National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) members put their best foot forward during the future professionals Contest and the Bridging the Gap college and career fair, July 14, as part of the VitaFerm® Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE), “Live from Louisville,” in Louisville, Ky. These opportunities allow juniors to sharpen their resumes, explore career paths and connect with industry professionals. 

Resumes for the future professionals contest were judged prior to the JNHE, with the top nine applicants in each division advancing to an in-person interview round to determine final placings. Senior members participated in mock job interviews, while intermediate members honed their skills through simulated scholarship opportunity interviews. This contest, sponsored by Barnes Herefords, Cedartown, Ga., gives juniors the opportunity to gain valuable experience for future academic and career pursuits. 

Lauren Jones, Darlington, Wis., won the senior division of the future professionals contest, and Joseph Schohr, Oroville, Calif., claimed top honors in the intermediate division.

Along with the future professionals contest, the JNHE hosted its annual Bridging the Gap college and career fair. NJHA members of all ages engaged with university representatives and industry leaders, sharpening their networking skills, exploring educational opportunities and gaining insights to help shape their future career paths. 

The Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA) upholds their educational pillar by supporting the educational contests and events at the JNHE. These programs provide Hereford youth with the opportunity to develop valuable skills that prepare them to become knowledgeable, self-driven leaders in today’s world, compete outside of the showring and connect with fellow NJHA members. 

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The 2025 VitaFerm^®Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE), “Live from Louisville,” is sponsored in part by BioZyme^® Inc., St. Joseph, Mo., and their brands VitaFerm^® and Sure Champ^®. The JNHE provides educational and leadership opportunities for junior members and their cattle projects, along with events for the entire family. The National Junior Hereford Association 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 photo here.