Shane Bedwell is the chief operating officer and director of breed improvement at the American Hereford Association (AHA), headquartered in Kansas City, Mo.

Through his position with the AHA, Bedwell oversees the Association’s genetic evaluation and National Reference Sire Program. He also works to promote the breed through a variety of educational events.

Prior to joining the AHA, Shane was a professor and livestock judging coach at Colorado State University for 8 years.

Bedwell received his associate’s degree in animal science from Butler County Community College and his Bachelors degree in Animal Science and Industry from Kansas State. He then went on to complete his Masters in Beef Cattle Nutrition at the University of Illinois.

Bedwell grew up on a cow-calf and stocker ranch near Medicine Lodge, Kansas. He spent much of his time at the sale barn in Medicine Lodge, ran by his grandfather, where he developed the knowledge of the cattle marketing business. He is still an active part of the family’s 350-head operation today. Bedwell resides in Holt, Mo., with his wife, Lacey, and their two children, Cealy and Chisum.