MADISON, Wis. —  National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) members won special awards July 9 at the VitaFerm^® Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE), “The Hereford Masters in Madison,” in Madison, Wis.

Ella Weldon, Piedmont, Okla., was awarded the junior premier breeder banner, and T/R Cattle Co., Glencoe, Okla., was named adult premier breeder. Junior premier exhibitor honors went to Beckett Barber, Amarillo, Texas.

The GKB Super States contest, sponsored by GKB Cattle, Desdemona, Texas, recognizes two divisions: small states (less than 25 head) and large states (more than 25 head). During the JNHE, members earn points for their state via contest placings and showring standings. This year, Idaho was named the small states division winner, and Texas won the large states award.

The Golden Pitchfork award recognizes a state group for their dedication to cleanliness and stall maintenance throughout the week. State associations consistently presenting a clean, uniform and uniquely decorated stall area are top candidates for the title. This year, the Golden Pitchfork was awarded to exhibitors from the state of Michigan. 

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The 2026 VitaFerm^®Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE), “The Hereford Masters in Madison,” was sponsored in part by BioZyme^® Inc., St. Joseph, Mo., and their brands VitaFerm and Sure Champ^®. The JNHE provides educational and leadership opportunities for junior members and their cattle projects, along with plenty of events for the entire family. The NJHA is one of the most active junior programs in the country with more than 4,200 members. For more information about the JNHE, visit Hereford.org/youth.

Find photos and press release here.