The National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) Board of Directors is comprised of 12 individuals who serve three-year terms and govern the 4,200 member junior organization. Each year, four new members are elected at the Junior National Hereford Expo. This year there are four candidates vying for a spot on the board.
Aidyn Barber is a fifth-generation Hereford breeder from Channing, Texas, with a deep-rooted passion for the agricultural industry. The daughter of Brett and Nicole Barber demonstrates her lifelong commitment to the breed through her years advocating for its youth. Aidyn most recently served as the Texas Junior Hereford Association president. A highly competitive livestock exhibitor, she was named the 2025 JNHE champion senior showman. Aidyn is currently a student at Texas Tech University pursuing a double major in animal science and agribusiness with a focus in communications. She aspires to earn a graduate degree in agricultural law. Having participated in foundational leadership events, like the Building on Leadership Development (BOLD) conference, Aidyn is eager to use what she’s learned to give back to the association. Her platform focuses on welcoming new families, mentoring younger members and preserving the rich legacy of the Hereford breed.
Amberlyn Christenbury, the daughter of Mike and Jennifer Christenbury, hails from Starr, S.C. She is an aspiring agricultural communications professional and a passionate advocate for the farming community. Currently a sophomore at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) majoring in agricultural communications with an agribusiness minor, Amberlyn serves as the vice president of member engagement for ABAC’s Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow and an Agriculture Future of America Ambassador. With a proven track record of youth leadership, including serving as president of both the South Carolina Junior Hereford Association and Crescent FFA, she has earned prestigious accolades, such as the South Carolina Outstanding Junior Award and national FFA proficiency honors. Amberlyn’s ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between consumers and producers by using digital platforms and strategic storytelling to promote transparency and education across the agricultural industry.
Rhett Lehman, is a sophomore at South Dakota State University pursuing a major in biology with a pre-veterinary focus. The Sullivan, Ill., native hopes to become a large animal veterinarian. The son of James and Erica Lehman demonstrated his steadfast commitment to the livestock community as an Illinois Junior Hereford Association (IJHA) member. Rhett has served as both IJHA treasurer and director over his eight years of membership. A seasoned participant in elite youth leadership events, Rhett has attended four NJHA Faces of Leadership and Building on Leadership Development (BOLD) conferences along with the NJHA Fed Steer Shootout Field Day. Driven by his passion for youth mentorship, agricultural advocacy and herd improvement, Rhett hopes to give back to the association that shaped him by fostering growth, connection and learning for the next generation of Hereford youth.
Matalyn Martinson, daughter of Krishona and Chad Martinson, was raised in Elk River, Minn., and has been an active member of the Minnesota Junior Hereford Breeders Association for seven years. She currently serves as the organization’s secretary. A junior at South Dakota State University (SDSU) majoring in animal science with a production management emphasis, Matalyn maintains a rigorous academic and extracurricular schedule. She is the executive communications coordinator for the SDSU Little International, a Hayenga Undergraduate Research Grant recipient and a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship recipient following her study abroad experience in Australia. As the owner and manager of Martinson Herefords since 2019, she pairs her hands-on industry experience with a long-term goal of earning a doctoral degree in ruminant nutrition and becoming a university professor and researcher. Driven by a passion for youth mentorship and scientific advancement, Matalyn looks forward to bringing her leadership experience from programs like BOLD to serve and uplift junior Hereford members nationwide.
