gary bishop memorial scholarship

Gary Bishop, an Oklahoma native, first began working for the American Hereford Association in 1973 serving in the capacities of assistant director of Total Performance Records, director of feedlot and carcass programs and director of field services. He also served as director of youth activities, a job that he held in high esteem throughout his life, as he dedicated much of his energy working for the betterment of the Hereford youth organization.

A former junior director sums up Gary’s impact with this statement: “I and many others who were privileged to know and learn from (Gary). We will honor him by continuing to practice the inspiring characteristics that he taught. I was terribly shy, but he never gave up on me and kept pushing me out there until I realized that I could do it. It’s hard to think of anybody who loved raising good cattle and helping good kids more than Gary Bishop.”

Bishop left the AHA in 1983 to manage the family’s large purebred and commercial Hereford ranching operation in Montana. He was actively engaged in community organizations, particularly his church and the 4-H program. Alway sinnovative and in pursuit of a new challenge, he helped many youths step out of their comfort zone to reach new heights. He rejoined AHA in 2000 as director of breed improvement.

Gary passed away Dec. 17, 2002, after fighting a battle with cancer that he met with strength and determination. His many friends called him hard working, dedicated, faithful, determined, a perfectionist and a true gentleman who came to work each day until the end with a gentle smile on his face and ready to face the challenges of the day; a man of principle, whose character was complemented by his capability; that he was a friend to all who knew him and always had kind words to say- even when the going got tough. This scholarship is designed to recognize those youth who demonstrate many of the same qualities that Gary demonstrated.

A $2,500 scholarship will be awarded to a deserving member of the NJHA to continue financing their college education. This scholarship will be funded through the Hereford Youth Foundation of America.

Requirements & Process

Requirements and process are listed on the HYFA Fall Scholarship Application, including any special notes for different requirements per scholarship.

Deadline is Sept. 1.

MGM MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

The newest scholarship endowment is from the Merry family and MGM Polled Herefords of Hartford, Wis. MGM West – owned by Marian and Gordon Merry – began in 1956 with two cows. Gordon and his wife, Marian, used the MGM acronym for their farm name and had five children to show cattle under that prefix – contributing to a string of success for the family.

Gordon Merry got his start in registered polled Herefords on his own in 1955 after graduating from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 1954. Gordon was the second generation of what has become five generations of Merry Polled Hereford breeders. The Wisconsin Hereford Association honored Gordon as a life-long member with a 50 year-Gold Breeder Award. Of all the ribbons, titles and trophies that Gordon Merry earned over his 50+ years as a Gold Breeder, he shared the most satisfying of all his accomplishments was the friendship of fellow breeders and preservation of family tradition and involvement in the breed.

After Gordon and Marian passed away, the family asked in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the couple’s endowment to the MGM scholarship fund which will be given to veterinary students with an interest in Hereford cattle.

MGM Polled Herefords believe the future of agriculture lies in the hands of our industry’s hard-working youth. The Merry family recognizes the dedication required from young people to raise and exhibit livestock and they wish to reward juniors who are passionate about Hereford cattle.

Requirements & Process

Requirements and process are listed on the HYFA Fall Scholarship Application, including any special notes for different requirements per scholarship.

Deadline is Sept. 1

Ostgaard-Breiner Educational Scholarship

The Ostgaard-Breiner Scholarship will issue 2-$1,500.00 scholarships. The scholarship will be awarded in the fall along with the other HYFA/NJHA Scholarships. The scholarship is for non-traditional students wanting to go into a technical field, graduate school, trade school, certification or other acceptable program. The scholarship can be applied for if the recipient or family member is a member of the National Hereford Women (NHW), American Hereford Association (AHA), or National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA). A recipient can receive the scholarship a maximum of two times. If a first-year recipient wishes to apply for a second year, a transcript will be required. The age of the recipient will be over 17 with no upper age limit.

SCHOLARSHIP BACKGROUND
In 2019, the National Hereford Women (NHW) Board of Directors lost two of their beloved board members. Mrs. Sandra Adams Ostgaard of Dayton, Ohio passed away on June 9, 2019. Sandra was incredibly active with the Hereford Breed. In addition to serving on the NHW Board she also served as the Ohio Hereford Women President and as an Ohio Hereford Junior Advisor. She grew up showing Herefords and passed her love of the breed to her children and her grandchildren. Sandra was a retired teacher who taught High School Home Economics and Elementary Grades. Sandra held education of all forms in high regards. Mrs. Callea Mae Breiner of Alma, Kansas passed away on Dec 19, 2019. Callea was not only active on the NHW board but was also active in the Kansas Hereford Association and served as a local community 4-H Club Leader. Her love for the Hereford breed continues to be carried on by her husband and sons. Callea was an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse. Callea had a love to learn as reflected through her successful pursuit in receiving her Doctorates degree.

Requirements & Process

Requirements and process are listed on the HYFA Fall Scholarship Application, including any special notes for different requirements per scholarship.

Deadline is Sept. 1

OXO and HYFA WORLD TRAVELER SCHOLARSHIPS

The family of John and Estelle Matasovic originally established the OXO World Traveler scholarship in memory of their parents through the Hereford Youth Foundation of America. The scholarship was designed to award exceptional Hereford youth with the opportunity to travel to the World Hereford Conference every four years at various destinations around the world and to serve as an ambassador of the American Hereford Association (AHA) on the tour group traveling throughout the host country.

The 2024 World Hereford Conference will be held in Kansas City, Mo. Details regarding the 2024 conference will be coming soon.

Requirements & Process

Requirements and process are listed on the HYFA Fall Scholarship Application, including any special notes for different requirements per scholarship.

Deadline is Sept. 1, 2023.

charles e. boyd sr. scholarship

Charles E. Boyd Sr. was a third generation Hereford breeder that mentored youth in the agriculture industry. Throughout his lifetime, he was recognized on local, state, and national levels for his accomplishments. He was a prominent beef cattle judge at all major livestock shows and exhibited several International and National Champion Hereford cattle.

Determination, hard work and honesty were qualities he not only passed down to his family, but to those he helped along the way. He was never too busy to share his knowledge in the areas of feeding and breeding high-quality Polled Herefords. Selflessly giving to others without recognition is how he lived his life. His service to the agriculture industry has influenced young people and their families for many years. The Charles E. Boyd Sr. Scholarship will continue to help young people in the Hereford breed who plan to go to college and pursue a degree in agriculture.

Requirements

1. Applicant must be a NJHA member in good standing.
2. Applicant must be a paid member for the past three consecutive years.
3. All scholarship applicants must be a high school senior or enrolled in a four- year accredited university, junior/ community college and/ or a technical institution.
4. All applicants must have maintained at least a “C” or 2 .0 grade point average. A current academic transcript must accompany the application.
5. Applicants meeting the necessary requirements can apply any number of times provided they maintain the required academic standards. A new application must be submitted each year.
6. Incomplete applications will not be accepted and we advise a family member, teacher or advisor review your application prior to submission.
7. Interviews will be held prior to the JNHE. Finalists will be contacted prior to the interviews.
8. Previous winners are not eligible to apply.
9. Applications must be submitted through Submittable by April 1.

Deadline is April 1. 

golden bull achievement award

Golden Bull junior achievement awards are presented each year. A bronze Hereford bull model from the American Hereford Association and the National Junior Hereford Association and cash stipend from the Hereford Youth Foundation of America and National Hereford Women will be awarded to four junior members.

Requirements

1. Applicant must be an active member of the National Junior Hereford Association and 18 years of age as of Jan. 1.
2. Applicant may receive award only once. NJHA directors are ineligible to receive an award.
3. Parent or guardian of applicant must be a current paid member of the National Hereford Women or the American Hereford Association.

process

1. A three-member selection committee from the National Hereford Women will be appointed to independently review the applications, which will be evaluated on a combined point system.
2. Application must be filled out electronically through Submittable by April 1st. Attach a photo for publication, official high school and college transcripts and a maximum of two letters of recommendation.
3. Interviews will be conducted prior to the Junior National Hereford Expo. Finalists will be notified of the interviews prior to the interview process.
4. Attach an essay that describes how your Junior Hereford Association activities have benefitted you and how they will help your future in the beef industry.

hereford herdsman scholarship

Scholarships will be awarded to two deserving members of the National Junior Hereford Association to continue financing their education. This scholarship will be funded through the Hereford Youth Foundation of America through funds designated to the Hereford Herdsman Fund that is supported by Hereford Herdsman and Sullivan Supply. Scholarship amounts will be based on funds available through the Herdsman Scholarship Fund on a yearly basis.

1. Applicant must be a member of the National Junior Hereford Association and be between the ages of 17-21 years of age as of January 1 in the year of application.
2. Applicant must have attained the status of a high school senior and enrolled in an accredited university or college level program.
3. Previous winners are not eligible to receive the award for a second time.
4. Immediate family must have been involved in the Hereford breed for at least five years.

PROCESS

1. Application must be filled out electronically through Submittable by April 1st.
2. Attach your high school or college transcripts, whichever is applicable, and acceptance letter into college if just entering or transferring into a four-year university.
3. A selection committee will evaluate the application.
4. The top five finalists will be notified two weeks following the application deadline.
5. A panel of three judges will rank the final applicants.
6. Interviews will be held prior to the JNHE. Finalists will be contacted prior to the interviews.
7. Scholarship will be awarded at the Junior National Hereford Expo each year.

Deadline is April 1. 

john wayne memorial scholarship

The Hereford Youth Foundation of America and National Hereford Women will annually award two college scholarships to individuals having made outstanding contributions to agriculture and the Hereford industry. Two winners will be announced at the Junior National Hereford Expo.

requirements

1. Applicant must be an active NJHA member.
2. Applicant may receive award only once.
3. Parent of guardian of applicant must be a current paid member of the National Hereford Women or the American Hereford Association.
4. Applicant must be enrolled on a full time basis in a college of their choice at the time the award is received. Applicant must be interested in pursuing a career related to agriculture, home economics or a field directly related to the Hereford industry.

process

1. Application must be filled out electronically through Submittable by April 1st.
2. A qualified selection committee designated by the NHW executive committee will review applications.
3. Interviews will be held prior to the JNHE. Finalists will be contacted prior to the interviews.
4. Attach a photo for publication purposes, official high school and college transcripts and a maximum of two letters of recommendation.

nATIONAL JUNIOR MERIT SCHOLARSHIP

The National Junior Merit Scholarship program is designed to provide recognition for outstanding members of the National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA). Its purpose is to encourage individual and cooperative effort, enthusiasm, excellence, leadership, and achievement among youth and to develop good breeders for both Herefords and the beef industry.

These scholarships are awarded to further higher education opportunities for NJHA members. The NJHA appreciates the value of a college or technical education and urges juniors to take advantage of every educational opportunity. Each year up to three college scholarships are provided by the Hereford Youth Foundation of America. First place is awarded a monetary scholarship, plus a subsidized trip to a Hereford operation in the continental U.S. provided by American Livestock Inc. Second place and third place are awarded monetary scholarships.

Deadline April 1. 

poll-ette founders scholarship

Honoring the women who laid the foundation for the National Organization of Poll- ette’s. The NOP was organized in 1965 and at that time it was known as National Council of Poll- ette’s.

Two scholarships will be awarded to members of the National Junior Hereford Association to continue financing their education. These scholarships will be funded through the Hereford Youth Foundation of America, but managed by the National Hereford Women

Requirements

1. Applicant must be a NJHA member.
2. Applicant must be between 17-22 years of age by Jan. 1 of the current year and attained the status of a high school senior, but not yet completed his or her senior year in college.
3. Previous winners are not eligible to receive the award for a second time.

Process

1. Application must be filled out electronically through Submittable by April 1st.
2. A panel of judges will evaluate the applications
3. Interviews will be held prior to the JNHE. Finalists will be contacted prior to the interviews.
4. Electronically submit copies of high school or college transcripts, whichever is applicable. Also submit acceptance letter into college if just entering or transferring into a four-year university.

B.C. Snidow Award

The Bud B.C. Snidow Award, sponsored by the National Hereford Women, will be given at the Junior National Hereford Expo to a deserving NJHA member who exemplifies the qualities most admired in Bud B.C. Snidow. Some of these qualities are honesty, fairness, hard work, enthusiasm and dedication to the Hereford breed and its people.

New in 2022, NJHA Members will apply for the Bud Snidow Award with an accompanying letter of recommendation from state junior advisor.

application process

1. A letter of recommendation from the state advisor(s) must be uploaded through submittable The letter should include the nominee’s background and evidence that he/she is worthy of the award.
2. Application must be filled out at herefordyouthfoundation.submittable.com. Applicant’s address, phone number, age on Sept. 1 of the current year and parent’s names must be included.
3. A high-resolution photo of 300 dpi or higher must be uploaded at herefordyouthfoundation.submittable.com.
4. In a 750 word essay, applicants must show how they exemplify the qualities most admired in Bud Snidow.
5. Current NJHA officers or directors are not eligible to apply for this award.

All nominations must be uploaded to Submittable by April 1. 

Mead Family Memorial Scholarship

Mead Cattle Enterprises in Midville, Ga., has been breeding Hereford cattle for more than 40 years. They were a part of the original Pro Performance Breeders group that supported Hereford youth in the business of raising cattle and the Mead family has been leaders in the Hereford breed with owner, Tommy Mead, serving on the American Hereford Association Board of Directors and his daughter, Tommie Lynne (Mead) Jones serving on the National Junior Hereford Association Board of Directors.

In 2020, the Mead family suffered the loss of two amazing ladies and backbone of their Hereford operation, Tommy’s mother, Hazel Mead, Oct. 7, 1933-Oct. 9, 2020 and his wife, Valarie Mead, June 15, 1974 -Dec. 8, 2020.

Hazel Mead was the matriarch of the Mead Family and a true Southern Christian lady who kept the family all in line from greeting visitors, cooking and mowing the lawn. Hazel and her husband, Thomas H. Mead Sr., had 3 daughters and one son. Valarie Burgamy Mead passed away unexpectedly at the young age of 46 and was an integral part of Mead Cattle Enterprises. A loving mother to four children, family was always Valarie’s number one priority. She could always see the good in everything and truly graced the lives of everyone she met. With the newly established Mead Family Memorial Scholarship Hazel and Valarie’s Mead family legacy lives on.

In 2021, Mead family and friends rallied together to honor the passing of Hazel and Valarie with the Mead Family Memorial Scholarship Endowment, generating funds that will perpetuate over time to support a Hereford junior member from the Southeast or across the country and assist them as they chase their dreams and further their educations.

Requirements

1. Applicant must be a NJHA member in good standing.
2. Applicant must be a paid member for the past three consecutive years.
3. All scholarship applicants must be a high school senior or enrolled in a four- year accredited university, junior/ community college and/ or a technical institution.
4. All applicants must have maintained at least a “C” or 2 .0 grade point average. A current academic transcript must accompany the application.
5. Applicants meeting the necessary requirements can apply any number of times provided they maintain the required academic standards. A new application must be submitted each year.
6. Incomplete applications will not be accepted and we advise a family member, teacher or advisor review your application prior to submission.
7. Previous winners are not eligible to apply.
8. Applications must be submitted through Submittable by April 1.

Process

1. Submit online application to Submittable by April 1.
2. Upload high school or college transcripts, whichever is applicable.
3. Submit two “current” letters of recommendation.
4. Upload a high-resolution photo, 300 dpi or higher.
5. Submit a 500 word essay outlining the need and impact this scholarship will have upon your decision to pursue and complete your degree.
6. A selection committee will evaluate the application and an interview will be held.
7. Recipients will be recognized at the JNHE during the awards ceremony.

Deadline is April 1.