From Dec. 12-16 2022, generous donors provided various challenge donations, and each gift, no matter the amount, goes towards unlocking these challenge values throughout the week. In its first year, HYFA was able to raise $135,000 to go towards it’s pillars of scholarship, leadership, education and research. All donors were also entered into a giveaway for a custom Hereford branded Priefert cattle chute. This years lucky winner was Jerry Huth of Huth Polled Herefords, Oakfield, Wis.
The Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA) and National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) work together to provide opportunities for our breed’s future leaders so that they may excel in their college and career paths, strengthening this industry and the breed. Scholarships were HYFA’s first mission in the fall of 2004 and now each year, HYFA proudly awards close to $200,000 to support Hereford youth.
Scholarships remain the backbone of HYFA and help honor the memory of loved ones and legacies that have built the Hereford breed. By selecting scholarship donation and making a contribution during the Hereford Season of Giving you may choose to support the general scholarship fund or one of the many endowments that make this pillar so strong.
There is no doubt about it the leadership pillar is helping us build the best leaders in the agriculture industry and beyond. Through the annual Faces of Leadership conference and the new BOLD Leadership conference, junior Hereford members across the country are able to grow as individuals and are preparing to become the best version of themselves. Serving on the National Junior Hereford Association Board of Directors is a prime example of the leadership opportunities and life lessons that HYFA works to cultivate through this prominent pillar. Click on leadership when making your contribution to the Hereford Season of Giving and the sky truly is the limit for leadership opportunities for the next generation.
Through programs like the Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE) and the NJHA Fed Steer Shootout, education is at the forefront and a mainstay to developing the next generation. By making a contribution to education you will help propel these programs to the next level with the sole purpose of providing support at these industry leading events. The JNHE is one of the biggest and best in the world, providing countless opportunities for development in and outside of the showring. Now in its 6th year, the NJHA Fed Steer Shootout continues to provide invaluable industry education and real world cattle feeding experience along with the opportunity to attend a field day each spring at the host feedlot to gain an even better industry perspective and see how the steers and genetics are performing in the yard. Plan to make a difference and support education in the Hereford Season of Giving.
Research is a prominent pillar of the foundation. The Hereford Research Foundation was established in 2009 as a division of HYFA to support breed improvement projects outside the scope of the American Hereford Association budget. The research division supports programs that enhance beef cattle production and these projects are conducted throughout the U.S. in conjunction with universities, private firms and ranches. Take a moment to think about all of the progress the Hereford breed has made since 1881 in genetics and research. This is a sustainability story for the ages and with a donation to research during The Season of Giving, you can be a part of the story and building the research pillar that will stand the test of time.
