KANSAS CITY, Mo. —  The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas (CFSEK) awarded a $15,000 grant, in honor of the late Bill House, to the Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA). This gift will support the National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) Fed Steer Shootout Program and Fed Steer Shootout Field Day, an industry leading educational program for youth to learn more about the feedlot and beef packing sectors.

“HYFA was thrilled when this partnership opportunity presented itself, as our mission of leadership and education aligns so well with the Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas. We look forward to putting the grant in motion in support of HYFA’s pillars of scholarships, leadership, education and research,” says Amy Cowan, American Hereford Association (AHA) director of youth activities and foundation.

The 2026 CFSEK Bill House Agricultural Grant honors a historic figure in the beef cattle industry and the Hereford breed. House served as the AHA President from 1963-1964 and was a highly involved in the Kansas beef industry. He exhibited champions at the American Royal livestock show and was named Kansas Stockman of the Year in 1992. This grant continues to honor his life and legacy through the Hereford breed and cattle industry.

“I did not know Bill personally, but as I learn more about him, it has become very clear to me that this program is a perfect fit to honor his legacy and leadership in the Hereford breed,” Cowan explains.

The NJHA Fed Steer Shootout Program provides National Junior Hereford Association members the opportunity to expand their knowledge of animal health, nutrition and marketing through educational programming and by monitoring performance of their entries in the feedlot and on the rail.

Participants enter single or pens of three Hereford or Hereford-influenced steers, which are fed at HRC Feed Yards LLC in Scott City, Kan. Participants have the chance to see their cattle on feed during the Fed Steer Shootout Field Day, which is a two-day interactive learning experience featuring industry leading experts. As participants learn how their genetics perform beyond the pasture and the larger industry they also compete for more than $15,000 in scholarships and prizes.

Founded in 2021, ‘The Community Foundation of Southeast Kansas has awarded more than $23 million in grants from donors who have a passion for giving back to the community. It is one of more than 800 community foundations in the country and is a member of the Kansas Association of Community Foundations. HYFA is honored to have received the 2026 CFSEK Bill House Agricultural Grant from the foundation to continue pushing Hereford youth forward.

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The Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA) was established in 2000 and is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to its four core pillars of scholarship, leadership, education and research. The mission of HYFA 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. For more information about HYFA, visit Herefordyouthfoundation.org.