November 2, 2017
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Jean Priefert, Priefert Farms, Fairmont, Neb., was recognized as Hereford Woman of the Year Oct. 28 during the National Hereford Women (NHW) annual meeting in Kansas City, Mo. Each year the …
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Jean Priefert, Priefert Farms, Fairmont, Neb., was recognized as Hereford Woman of the Year Oct. 28 during the National Hereford Women (NHW) annual meeting in Kansas City, Mo. Each year the NHW recognizes and honors one woman for her achievements, leadership and dedication to and promotion of the Hereford breed.
A “die-hard Hereford breeder,” Jean has promoted Hereford cattle, supported Hereford youth and welcomed new breeders to the Hereford family for many years.
Jean and her husband, Neil, got their start in the Hereford business with a wedding gift. In the 1950s when they got married, Jean’s parents offered her a choice between a registered polled Hereford cow or an electric automatic washer and dryer — Jean chose the cow and set the foundation for their Hereford operation.
While attending numerous shows and sales, Jean saw a vision for a Hereford women’s organization that would serve Hereford breeders by promoting the breed, fostering opportunities to support youth programs and provide a means of fellowship and networking for women in agriculture.
Jean was one of the 12 founding members of the National Organization of Poll-ettes. She served, chaired and co-chaired numerous committees including the ways and means and cookbook committees. Jean served as president of the Nebraska Poll-ettes from 1968-1969 and stayed active during the mergers of the women’s’ Hereford organizations at the national and state level.
“One thing I have counted on with Jean is that she is always willing to lending a helping hand to promote Herefords and beef to the public,” said Melissa McGee Buehler of Valley Creek Ranch in Fairbury, Neb.
Jean was instrumental in developing the hospitality booth at the Nebraska State Fair, and at Husker Harvest Days she has helped serve Certified Hereford Beef (CHB®) to the public.
In her local community, Jean is a 50-year member the Fairmont Community Church and has held offices in the Fairmont Federated Women’s Club. She continues to serve as the beef editor for the Women Involved in Farm Economics quarterly newsletter to help educate women in the group about the beef industry.
Today, you will still see Jean at most cattle events in Nebraska and Kansas talking with new and potential Hereford breeders and promoting beef to the public.
Lori Riffel Hambright of Kanza Cattle & Vineyards, Chapman, Kan., said, “Jean is not one for spotlights, but a steady, loyal supporter who has made big differences today’s people in agriculture benefit from.”
###
The American Hereford Association, with headquarters in Kansas City, Mo., is one of the largest U.S. beef breed associations. The not-for-profit organization along with its subsidiaries — Certified Hereford Beef (CHB) LLC, Hereford Publications Inc. (HPI) and American Beef Records Association (ABRA) — provides programs and services for its members and their customers, while promoting the Hereford breed and supporting education, youth and research. For more information about the Association, visit Hereford.org.
For pictures and additional Annual Meeting news releases, visit hereford.org/media.
