MADISON, Wis. – Hereford juniors participated in the future professionals contest, and college and career fair at the 2023 VitaFerm® Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE), “Mad Dash to the Hereford Bash,” on July 10, in Madison, Wis. 

National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) members enter their resumes based on factual work experiences and education in the future professionals contest. Then, junior members can use the feedback they receive during the competition to hone their resumes for future career and scholarship purposes. Resumes were judged prior to the JNHE, and the top-five applicants competed in an interview round in-person. Seniors competed in a mock job interview, and intermediate members competed in a mock scholarship interview. 

Lauren Gatz, Fairview, Kan., won the senior division of the future professionals contest. Gatz highlighted her internship with Heinen Bros. Agra Services as a marketing intern, where she gained valuable experience working as part of a collaborative team environment within a company that is dedicated to customer service. A senior at Kansas State University, Gatz works for the department of animal sciences and industry where she helps the communications director with social media management, writes press releases and assists with department events. 

Blake Brancel, Endeavor, Wis., won the intermediate division of the future professionals contest. Vying for the future professionals scholarship, Brancel credits her involvement within the Wisconsin Junior Hereford Association (WJHA) and Portage FFA chapter to her development as a leader. Brancel served as the WJHA reporter and Portage FFA vice president. 

In addition to the future professionals contest, the 2023 JNHE held its annual Bridging the Gap college and career fair. Juniors of all ages were encouraged to speak with representatives from universities and industry professionals to practice their networking skills, learn about higher education and set career goals. 

“We want to be able to capitalize on those kids that are elite-minded and are forward thinking to be able to be part of a growing company,” says Kane Aegerter, Boviteq beef sales specialist. 

Exhibitors from 38 states and Canada plan to participate in the “JNHE Mad Dash to the Hereford Bash,” July 8-14. More than 500 NJHA members are excited to participate in educational and leadership programs throughout the week-long event. Contests range from the future professionals and Hereford bowl to cattle judging and fitting. The Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA) supports these educational and scholarship opportunities.

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The 2023 VitaFerm®Junior National Hereford Expo, Mad Dash to the Hereford Bash, 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 more than 4,000 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.