April 30, 2026
The National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) is keeping the momentum strong as we gear up for “The Hereford Masters in Madison!” The 2026 VitaFerm® Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE) and Faces of Leadership conference are shaping up to deliver an exciting, action-packed summer. In the lead-up to these premier events, state and regional shows are helping juniors sharpen their skills ahead of Madison, Wis., while the industry’s rising leaders will take center stage in Boise, Idaho, for Faces of Leadership.
As May and June approach, the calendar is packed with important dates and deadlines to keep on your radar. Stay in the loop on any updates or changes by following the NJHA and Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA) on social media.
Be sure to check out the 2026 Spring Advantage Newsletter for stories highlighting what’s ahead, along with rules and regulations for the JNHE.
RELIVE OUR NJHA SPRING EVENTS
This past spring the NJHA has hosted events dedicated to its junior members and developing their skills, leadership and education levels. From the BOLD leadership conference on March 26-29 that gave an elite group of NJHA members skills to succeed in their future, to the NJHA Fed Steer Shootout Field Day on April 18 that was dedicated to learning about the cattle feeding industry, the past few weeks have been jam-packed.
Relive each of these events through the eyes of our junior members and watch the videos that capture each of these special events that kicked off 2026.
BOLD Conference: Learn More and Read the Press Release – https://hereford.org/youth/njha/bold/
NJHA Fed Steer Shootout: Learn More and Read the Press Release – https://hereford.org/youth/njha/njha-fed-steer-shootout/
ENTRIES ARE OPEN — ON PAR FOR THE 2026 HEREFORD MASTERS IN MADISON
We’re excited to welcome everyone to the 2026 VitaFerm® JNHE, “The Masters in Madison,” happening July 4–10. Our favorite event of the summer is getting a golf-inspired twist as we come together as one Hereford family to celebrate the very best of the breed.
Entries are open https://herefordjuniornational.com/ and a schedule is now available on the JNHE Resources page, along with the 2026 Rules & Regulations. All contest and award rules have been updated and are ready for review. Now’s the perfect time to start preparing your state and building excitement as we count down to July. Also do not forget to book your hotel room for the JNHE before it is to late using the group code.
2026 JNHE CHECK LIST
For questions regarding event registration, contact the American Hereford Association at (816) 842-3757 or email Amy Cowan acowan@hereford.org, Director of Youth Activities and Foundation or Bailey Clanton, bclanton@hereford.org, National Shows Coordinator and Youth Activities Assistant.
For questions regarding contests, scholarships and educational programs, contact Chloé Durian, cdurian@hereford.org.
ATTENTION STEER EXHIBITORS
The 2026 VitaFerm® JNHE reminds all steer exhibitors that all steers will be required to be parent verified to both sire and dam, therefore, a DNA profile of the steer, the sire and dam must be completed through the official AHA lab by entry deadline. DNA requests can be made through MyHerd, by emailing aha@hereford.org, or by calling into customer service at (816) 842-3757.
It’s spring and due to the abnormally high volume of hair samples being submitted, the lab is now expecting an increase in the turnaround time of hair samples being processed as well. If you are submitting a hair sample, please expect a turnaround time of 6–8 weeks instead of the normal 3–4 weeks.
Tissue, blood and semen samples are not being affected by this and are still on the normal 3–4 weeks turnaround time (unless the additional MD/DB testing is being done, then please add another week to this time
Please plan accordingly and give yourself plenty of time to get your DNA samples processed.
The JNHE wants to remind exhibitors the rules are available to view online. Please note, entries submitted prior to the Early Bird deadline of May 15 with animals not meeting the entry requirements will be put on hold and will be charged an additional $20.”
BEYOND THE SHOWRING – CONTEST ENTRY DEADLINE OF JUNE 1
Are you ready to compete at “The Hereford Masters in Madison” this summer? The entries for all contests held in conjunction with the 2026 JNHE are open and the NJHA is excited to welcome all members to participate in educational contests and programs during the JNHE.
Please make sure to be aware of all rules regarding your respective contest and be prepared as we get ready to showcase your talents in Madison. Rules for all contests have been updated and adjusted to encourage involvement and success for our junior members. For contest or educational program questions please contact Chloé Durian.
RUN FOR THE NJHA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
For those who will be interested in applying for the NJHA Board of Directors, applications are open now. On behalf of the NJHA, the board of directors travels to various activities, meeting fellow members and sharing their thoughts and experiences of Hereford involvement. They also get first-hand experience at leadership, cooperation and organization.
The NJHA Board also makes recommendations for new programs and ideas to the American Hereford Association Board of Directors, helps train other juniors and promote the Hereford breed at various activities and events throughout the year.
Being on the NJHA board of directors is a responsibility that should be taken seriously. Before applying, please make sure to read through the Board Agreement and Code of Conduct that you sign once elected, stating you are capable of meeting those requirements. Applications will be due June 1, including the state advisor submitted Director Nomination Form.
Keep the following mandatory dates in mind if you are considering running for the board of directors.
*Applicants are not considered official “candidates,” until the completion of their NJHA Candidate Interview and approval by NJHA Advisors. Official campaigning cannot begin until approval has been sent by the committee.
NJHA MEET-UP — POWERED BY SURE CHAMP®
The NJHA Meet-Up – Powered by Sure Champ®, will continue this year during the JNHE, and we’re excited to continue bringing this event beyond the JNHE and to different events throughout the year.
The NJHA Meet-Up – Powered by Sure Champ ensures that juniors have the opportunity to build connections, collaborate with others across the country and develop lifelong skills. These events are generously made possible by our friends at Sure Champ®, and industry representatives from VitaFerm® will be joining in the fun.
Prior to the 2026 JNHE, this event will also be coming to the Illinois State Junior Hereford Show and the Southeast Regional Junior Hereford Show this spring, before culminating in a two-day celebration at “The Hereford Masters in Madison.” Get excited as we come together as a Hereford family.
LEADERS ON THE RISE — REGISTER FOR THE 2026 FACES OF LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
The National Junior Hereford Association’s (NJHA) annual Faces of Leadership Conference mission is to empower NJHA members with the skills they need to develop into the best leaders they can be. Through the Faces of Leadership Conference young leaders are exposed to opportunities in the industry and the conference cultivates communication skills, encourages working in team settings and focuses on individual development. This conference is offered to junior members ages 14-21. Intermediate and senior members will benefit the most from Faces of Leadership.
The 2026 Faces of Leadership conference will be held in Boise, Idaho, July 29 – Aug. 1. Juniors must cover the cost/planning of travel to and from the event.
*Registration cost includes lodging, buses and meals starting with dinner Wednesday evening through breakfast Saturday morning
EARLYBIRD REGISTRATION | June 15 | $500
FINAL REGISTRATION | July 1 | $550
DATES & DEADLINES
Junior National Hereford Expo Earlybird Entry Deadline
May 15, 2026
Enter Now
Junior National Hereford Expo Contests & Registrations Deadline
*CHB Cooking Challenge, Advanced Speech Contest, Future Professionals Contest, Illustrated Speech, Oral Reasons Contest and Photo Contest
June 1, 2026
NJHA Board of Directors Application Deadline
June 1, 2026
Junior National Hereford Expo Final Entry Deadline
June 1, 2026
Enter Now
Faces of Leadership Earlybird Entry Deadline Deadline
June 15, 2026
NJHA Meet-Up Powered by Sure Champ®
Illinois Junior Hereford Preview Show, add location here
June 19-21, 2026
NJHA Meet-Up Powered by Sure Champ®
Southeast Regional Hereford Show, add location here
June 19-21, 2026
Faces of Leadership Final Entry Deadline Deadline
July 1, 2026
