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

During the event, the next generation will be recognized at the HYFA Scholarship and Awards Luncheon presented by VitaFerm®. The luncheon will showcase scholarship winners and NJHA Fed Steer Shootout contest winners, as well as recognize the recipients of the first Hereford Herd Builder awards. 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 $220,000 worth of scholarships. With a mission to foster leadership, academic excellence and research, HYFA invests in these future leaders by awarding 27 different scholarships this fall, and we’re excited to recognize these outstanding Hereford juniors on a national stage.

WESTERN STATES JUNIORS APPLY TODAY

The Western States Hereford Association (WSHA) offers scholarship opportunities to provide tuition assistance to current or former junior association members pursuing postsecondary education. These opportunities encourage leadership, sportsmanship, herdsmanship and academic success for young Hereford enthusiasts. Awards will be announced at the Western States National Hereford Show in Reno, Nev., in December.

WESTERN STATES SCHOLARSHIPS DUE | OCT. 1

EQUIPPING THE NEXT GENERATION

The Hereford Herd Builder program connects aspiring young cattlemen and women with elite Hereford genetics as they begin building their own breeding programs. Each year, select NJHA or young AHA members will be awarded a pregnant recipient female carrying elite Hereford genetics, along with two embryos of the same genetics. These genetics will be sourced from top donor females and matings provided by industry-leading breeders and partners. This opportunity will provide voung cattlemen and women with foundation genetics to begin or grow their Hereford herd, while also encouraging long-term engagement in the breed.

Applicants should demonstrate a strong interest in developing a Hereford breeding program and the ability to properly manage, care for and implement sound health practices for the recipient female. Each applicant must submit an application outlining their breeding goals and future plans within the Hereford breed.

Applicants must be between the ages of 18-25 and be an active member of the NJHA or AHA.

HEREFORD HERD BUILDER APPLICATION DUE | OCT. 1

MEET THOSE AIMING FOR THE CROWN

Five young women will compete for the title of 2026-27 National Hereford Queen. The crowning of the 2027 National Hereford Queen will take place place prior to the champion bull drive of the American Royal Hereford Show on October 25.

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.

JOIN US IN KANSAS CITY

The NJHA Meet-Up is back. Powered by Sure Champ®, the NJHA Meet-Up is where juniors come together to connect, catch up and build relationships with fellow Hereford juniors from across the country.

Join us in Kansas City, Kan., at the NEW American Royal complex during the American Hereford Association Annual Meeting on Oct. 23 at 5:30 p.m. for the first NJHA Meet-Up of the season, prior to the Ladies of the Royal Sale.

ENROLL IN EDUCATION IN THE FEEDLOT

For nearly a decade, the NJHA Fed Steer Shootout has provided Hereford youth with a hands-on opportunity to experience the cattle feeding and packing industries. This industry-leading educational program gives NJHA members the chance to put their knowledge to work while gaining real-world experience in cattle feeding, performance, carcass evaluation and beef production. Each year, Hereford and baldy steers are fed at HRC Feed Yards in Scott City, Kan., providing participants with an up-close look at the many factors that influence cattle performance and end-product value.

Participants can take their experience a step further by joining the HRC crew and NJHA team for the annual spring field day. The event offers a firsthand look at the cattle feeding and packing industries and provides an invaluable opportunity to learn from industry professionals, ask questions and see the entire process in action.

To enter the 2027 contest, fill out the interest form by Oct. 30, 2026. You will then be contacted to collect information about the steers you plan to enter. 

2027 NJHA FED STEER SHOOTOUT ENROLLMENT | OCT. 30

DATES & DEADLINES

Western States Hereford Scholarship Application Deadline
Oct. 1, 2026
Apply Today

Hereford Herd Builder Application Deadline
Oct. 1, 2026
Apply Today

Keystone International Livestock Exposition Junior Hereford Show
Oct. 4, 2026
More Information

North American International Exposition Entry Deadline
Oct. 6, 2026
More Information

American Hereford Association Annual Meeting
Oct. 22-25, 2026
More Information

American Royal Junior Hereford Show
Oct. 24, 2026
More Information

2027 NJHA Fed Steer Shootout Program — Entry Deadline
Oct. 30, 2026
Enter Now

Western States Hereford Show — Entry Deadline
Nov. 1, 2026
Learn More

North American International Exposition Junior Hereford Show
Nov. 14, 2026
More Information

National Western Stock Show — Entry Deadline
Nov. 20, 2026
Learn More

Cattlemen’s Congress — Entry Deadline
Nov. 25, 2026
Learn More