The National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) is kicking off a busy fall season, and we hope the school year is off to a great start. From scholarship opportunities and the NJHA Fed Steer Shootout Portfolio Project to the exciting new Hereford Herd Builder initiative, this season offers numerous opportunities for Hereford juniors to put their hard work, knowledge and leadership on display.

Each year, the Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA) awards more than $230,000 in scholarships to support the next generation of Hereford leaders. This fall, 26 scholarship opportunities are available to NJHA members, recognizing excellence in academics, leadership, agriculture and research. Recipients will be honored during a special ceremony held in conjunction with the American Hereford Association (AHA) Annual Meeting in Kansas City — providing an exciting opportunity to celebrate these outstanding young people on a national stage.

APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS TODAY

An investment in the future. Apply for a scholarship offered by the Hereford Youth Foundation of America by the deadline of Sept. 1. Every application represents an investment in the future of the Hereford breed, the beef industry and the next generation of leaders. Fall HYFA scholarship recipients will be recognized during the AHA Annual Meeting and Educational Forum in Kansas City, Friday, Oct. 23.

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.

FALL HYFA SCHOLARSHIPS DUE | SEPT. 1

WESTERN STATES SCHOLARSHIPS DUE | OCT. 1

SHOW US WHAT YOU’VE LEARNED — NJHA FED STEER SHOOTOUT PORTFOLIO PROJECT

The final portfolio project tests junior members analysis of data reports from the feeding period and what they learned from the program. This goes beyond cattle performance awards. The top three junior and senior division finalists will advance to compete in person for the prestigious NJHA Fed Steer Shootout Contestant of the Year title—in both the junior and senior divisions—during the AHA Annual Meeting in October and be recognized during the HYFA Scholarship and Awards Luncheon.

Those who are participating in the NJHA Fed Steer Shootout Contest in the “Partner Program” are REQUIRED to submit a portfolio project, to be eligible for any contest awards, including cattle performance awards.

Rules and questions for the 2026 NJHA Fed Steer Shootout Final Portfolio Project are available now. If there are any issues or questions about the portfolio project, please reach out to Chloé Durian, cdurian@hereford.org.

NJHA FED STEER SHOOTOUT PORTFOLIO PROJECT DUE | SEPT. 15

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

DATES & DEADLINES

Fall HYFA Scholarship Application Deadline
Sept. 1, 2026
Apply Today

National Hereford Queen Application Deadline
Sept. 1, 2026
Apply Today

American Royal Livestock Show Entry Deadline

(Including Educational Contests)
Sept. 10, 2026
More Information

NJHA Fed Steer Shootout Portfolio Project Due
Sept. 15, 2026
Submit Your Portfolio

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