MADISON, Wis. — National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) members from across the U.S. showcased their artistic talents in the photography and poster contests, capturing their passion for the Hereford breed through visual storytelling. The award winners were recognized during the Buckle and Awards Ceremony at the VitaFerm^® Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE) July 8, in Madison, Wis.

Promotional poster
Peewee and junior aged exhibitors created promotional posters for the 2026 JNHE, “The Hereford Masters in Madison.” These posters were judged on creativity, originality and design. The promotional poster contest is proudly sponsored by the NJHA. 

Peewee
1st place: Lucy Kate Sexten, Nicholasville, Ky.
2nd place: Emmett Acheson, Wichita, Kan.
3rd place: Olivia Jones, Blue Mounds, Wis. 

Junior
1st place: Charolette Schleicher, Sheboygan, Wis.
2nd place: Kambree Crosby, Cadott, Wis. 
3rd place: Karaleigh Mills, Twin City, Ga. 

Photography

Hereford juniors showcased their storytelling talents in the NJHA photography contest, using their creativity and technical skills with a camera. Entries were submitted in two categories: Hereford people and Hereford cattle. All photographs were submitted prior to the JNHE and evaluated by a panel of experts. This contest is co-sponsored by the NJHA and Hereford Publications Inc.  

Peewee 
Hereford cattle
1st place: Aksel Blankenship, West Burlington, N.Y.
2nd place: Adalynn Blankenship, West Burlington, N.Y.
3rd place: Conner McQuaig, Danielsville, Ga.

Hereford people
1st place: Mila Perez, Canyon, Texas
2nd place: Conner McQuaig, Danielsville, Ga.
3rd place: Nora Werk, Herman, Minn.

Junior
Hereford cattle
1st place: Carlyn Olson, Minden, Nev.
2nd place: Chloe Wynn, Pardeeville, Wis.
3rd place: Josie Beltz, Canton, Kan.

Hereford people
1st place: Cooper Acheson, Wichita, Kan.
2nd place: Charli Moore, Zurich, Kan.
3rd place: Quinn Breiner, Pratt, Kan.

Intermediate
Hereford cattle
1st place: Nolan Lee, Wellington, Ill.
2nd place: Emma Hackbart, Milford, Neb.
3rd place: Kynsleigh Krebs, Gordon, Neb.

Hereford people
1st place: Aubrey Wynn, Pardeeville, Wis.
2nd place: Tymber Billman, Rigby, Idaho
3rd place: Nolan Lee, Wellington, Ill.

Senior
Hereford cattle
1st place: Cady Pieper, Zurich, Kan.
2nd place: Martina Alley, Danielsville, Ga.
3rd place: Kendall Boatman, Rockford, Ill.

Hereford people
1st place: Jalyn Davis, Maple Hill, Kan.
2nd place: Alison George, Mondovi, Wis.
3rd place: Jordan Lamb, Wilson, Wis.

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The 2026 VitaFerm^®Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE), “The Hereford Masters in Madison,” was 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 plenty of 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.