A very busy month ahead as Hereford breeders and enthusiasts from across the country and the globe descend for the World Hereford Conference coinciding with the American Hereford Association (AHA) Annual Meeting and Educational Forum in Kansas City, Mo. Special events and recognitions are in store for the National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) members during this time and we can’t wait to celebrate Hereford youth.

During the event, Hereford juniors will be recognized at the Shaping the Breed’s Future: Young Breeders Competition and HYFA Scholarship Awards Luncheon presented by VitaFerm. The luncheon will showcase scholarship winners and NJHA Fed Steer Shootout contest winners, as well as recognize the team members competing in the Young Breeders Competition of the World Hereford Conference. Finally, during the American Royal National Hereford Show, one special junior member will be crowned as the newly elected National Hereford Queen.

Each year, the Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA) offers more than $200,000 worth of scholarships. With a mission to foster leadership, academic excellence and research, HYFA invests in these future leaders by awarding 26 different scholarships this fall, and we’re excited to recognize these outstanding Hereford juniors on a global stage.

IT’S NJHA FED STEER SHOOTOUT TIME

Are you interested in participating in the 2026 NJHA Fed Steer Shootout? 

This program is an industry-leading opportunity for members to gain invaluable industry education and experience, giving them the opportunity to gain a broad knowledge of the cattle feeding and packing industries through a comprehensive educational contest. The contest is held at HRC Feed Yards in Scott City, Kan., and delivery dates to the feed yard will be Dec. 13-16, 2025.

To enter the 2026 contest, fill out the Interest Form by Nov. 1. You will then be contacted to collect information about the steers you plan to enter.  You can also download the Enrollment Form and Health History Form below and email to Trey Befort at tbefort@herefordbeef.org.

SHOWMANSHIP AND TEAM FITTING CATTLE NEEDED – YOUNG BREEDERS COMPETITION

Here is your chance to be a part of history and the World Hereford Conference at the American Royal. We are inviting you to take advantage of this unique mentorship opportunity. There will be 11 teams from seven different countries from across the globe coming together for the Young Breeders Competition (YBC), hosted at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan. Contestants will take part in a variety of skills-based events focused on the Hereford breed and U.S. agriculture industry.

To conclude the competition, youth will compete in a fitting and showmanship contest at the American Royal on Oct. 25, with winners will be recognized prior to the International Genetics Sale.

We are seeking exhibitors who are bringing cattle to the American Royal and would be willing to allow a YBC team to use one of their animals for the fitting and showmanship competion. YBC teams will be on hand at the American Royal on Thursday, Oct. 23 and at this time we will pair the teams up with Hereford breeders who have cattle entered at the American Royal so they can get aquainted with the heifers they will be using in the fitting and showmanship competition on Saturday and experience what the National Hereford Shows are all about in the USA.

And if you haven’t registered for the World Hereford Conference, please do so by Sept. 1.

MEET THOSE AIMING FOR THE CROWN

Five young women will compete for the title of 2025-26 National Hereford Queen. The crowning of the 2026 National Hereford Queen will take place place prior to the champion bull drive of the American Royal Hereford Show on October 26.

Meet the candidates and learn more about these young Hereford juniors who are stepping up to be a leader and representative of the breed for the coming year.

DATES & DEADLINES

Keystone International Livestock Exposition — Hereford Show
Oct. 1-5, 2025
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North American International Livestock Exposition — Entry Deadline
Oct. 7, 2025
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Herefords in Big Sky Country – World Hereford Conference Tour
Oct. 16-21, 2025
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Young Breeders Competition
Oct. 19-25, 2025
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World Hereford Conference Tour
Oct. 22-26, 2025
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Sandhills Sights & Mountain Views – World Hereford Conference Tour
Oct. 26-29, 2025
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Southbound to Cowtown – World Hereford Conference Tour
Oct. 26-29, 2025
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Western States Hereford Show — Entry Deadline
Nov. 1, 2025
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2026 NJHA Fed Steer Shootout Program — Entry Deadline
Nov. 1, 2025
Enter Now