The National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) is charging forward into the fall season and we hope your school year is off to a good start. From scholarship applications, the NJHA Fed Steer Shootout Portfolio Project and National Hereford Queen applications, the excellence of Hereford juniors will be recognized this fall.

Each year, the Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA) offers more than $200,000 worth of scholarships. Recipients of the fall scholarship awards will be recognized during a special ceremony held in conjunction with the 2025 World Hereford Conference in Kansas City. 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.

Applications for fall HYFA scholarships are due on Sept. 1 through Submittable, and the Western States Hereford Scholarships are also open at this time, with an application deadline of Oct. 1 through Submittable.

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

Junior members who participate in the NJHA Fed Steer Shootout program have access to a library of resources to learn about the beef cattle feeding industry and what happens to the cattle after they move on from a cow-calf operation. A final portfolio project, for those who wish to compete for junior member of the year is due Sept. 15. Portfolio finalists will be invited to the AHA Annual Meeting & World Hereford Conference to compete in person on Thursday, Oct. 23 at 3 p.m., and be recognized on Friday., Oct. 24 during the Young Breeders Competition & HYFA Scholarship and Awards Luncheon.

The final rules and questions for the portfolio project are provided below as well as the direct link to submit your 2025 NJHA Fed Steer Shootout Final Portfolio Project.

Due Sept. 15

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.

DATES & DEADLINES

Keystone International Livestock Exposition Entry Deadline
Aug. 30, 2025
More Information

Fall HYFA Scholarship Application Deadline
Sept. 1, 2025
Apply Today

National Hereford Queen Application Deadline
Sept. 1, 2025
Apply Today

American Royal Livestock Show Entry Deadline

(Including Educational Contests)
Sept. 10, 2025
More Information

NJHA Fed Steer Shootout Portfolio Project Due
Sept. 15, 2025
Submit Your Portfolio

Western States Hereford Scholarship Application Deadline
Oct. 1, 2025
Apply Today