Kansas City, Mo. – The VitaFerm^® Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE) in Grand Island, Neb. July 6-12 promises to be the largest in recent years, and one of the largest junior breed events of 2024 with 2,161 cattle entries from 797 National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) members representing 41 states and Canada.

Organizers expect nearly 800 NJHA members to participate during the weeklong event, which includes cattle shows, leadership development and educational competitions, such as the Hereford Bowl, speech contests, sales contests and future professionals. NJHA members can also attend the growing Bridging the Gap College and Career Fair and Pen to Pen mentorship sessions.

This year’s JNHE, held at Grand Island’s Fonner Park, is billed as the “Grand Daddy of ‘Em All,” celebrating the event’s 25^th anniversary.

“Thanks to our long-time industry partners like VitaFerm^® and the committed generosity of our donors, the Junior National Hereford Expo continues to provide Hereford juniors with more opportunities every year,” says Amy Cowan, American Hereford Association director of youth activities and foundation. “Lifetime memories are made at each one, from networking and forging relationships to leadership development and the keen level of competition. This year’s event is truly unfolding to be remembered as the Grand Daddy of ‘Em All.”

Presentation of semiannual scholarships by the Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA) is always an added JNHE highlight. This year, NJHA members will receive more than $40,000 in scholarships during the HYFA Scholarship, Award and Maroon Jacket Ceremony on July 11.

The NJHA also hosts its annual membership meeting during the event where members elect four peers to serve on the 12-member board of directors and wear the organization’s coveted maroon jacket.

The JNHE opens to the public at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 6. Shows take place at the Five Points Bank Arena, starting July 9 at 8 a.m., running through July 12. For a complete JNHE schedule please visit Hereford.org/youth. Walton Webcasting will also broadcast the 2024 JNHE. Watch by visiting WaltonWebcasting.com.

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The 2024 VitaFerm^®Junior National Hereford Expo, The Grand Daddy of ‘Em All, is 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.