KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Addison Macfarlane, Cottonwood, Calif., was awarded a $2,000 Western States Scholarship at the 2024 Western States National Hereford Show in Reno, Nev., Dec. 7. The scholarship goes to a high achieving National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) member from the western states and is given on behalf of the Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA) and the Western States Hereford Association.

Macfarlane is a sophomore at Chico State University studying animal science. Her long-term goals keep her close to home and the land and cattle she cares about. Professionally, she wants to focus on agricultural accounting, lending and ranch and land appraisal. As a 14-year member of the NJHA and California/Nevada Junior Hereford Association, her involvement and passion for the breed go beyond the showring. Giving back is also close to Macfarlane’s heart, and she is able to pair that with her Hereford involvement.

“One of my most memorable experiences in the Hereford industry was when my group, G5, sold a heifer at the Western States National Hereford Sale to raise funds for the victims of the Camp Fire in Northern California. We were able to raise $40,000, and all proceeds were donated to support those affected by the disaster,” said Macfarlane. “Being part of this initiative was incredibly rewarding, as it allowed me to contribute meaningfully to a cause close to my community. This experience not only reinforced my commitment to the Hereford industry but also highlighted the powerful impact agriculture can have in times of need.”

“On behalf of the committee, I can confidently say that the applicants for the Western States Hereford Scholarships were indeed all deserving, each showcasing remarkable talent and dedication,” said Marty Wilcox, Western States Hereford Scholarship committee. “Selecting just three recipients was incredibly challenging, especially considering the legacy of the two great men, John Ascuaga and Willard Wolf, who were instrumental in making the Western States Hereford 'Nugget' show what it is today.”

The Western States Hereford Association awarded a total of $6,500 this year in partnership with HYFA. The scholarship fund serves as the bedrock of HYFA, and countless youth benefit from its mission. Since its inception, HYFA has awarded scholarships fueling educational opportunities, and for years, these scholarships have been lighting the way for youth in the Hereford breed. Recently, the foundation celebrated awarding more than $2 million in scholarships since 2000 to assist Hereford youth further their education.

### 

The Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA) was established in 2000, when the American Hereford Youth Foundation and the American Polled Hereford Youth Foundation, Inc., merged. HYFA is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to the scholarship and educational support of young people in the Hereford industry. Its mission is to encourage, recognize and reward the development of life skills and values in the next generation of leaders by providing education, scholarship and leadership opportunities for Hereford youth.