KANSAS CITY, Mo. — National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) members built foundational leadership skills and industry connections during the Building On Leadership Development (BOLD) conference in Desdemona, Texas, April 3-6.

In a quest to build a pipeline of leaders, the American Hereford Association and Hereford Youth Foundation of America work together to provide tools for junior members. BOLD is quickly becoming an important tool in the box for leadership development.

“Building these connections through these speakers and industry professionals to launch you into your future is incredible,” says Rylie Meinhardt, an attendee from Wamego, Kan. “You get to ask personal questions that you might be hesitant to ask. But these industry leaders are so personable and care so much about encouraging our youth that they’re willing to answer any and all questions you have.”

The BOLD conference focuses on improving personal leadership, providing career opportunities and cultivating life-long relationships. Each year, 20 college-aged NJHA members are selected from across the country to attend the conference through an application process.

Gary and Kathy Buchholz, GKB Cattle, graciously hosted BOLD at their Hi Point Ranch. Speakers, such as Cheryl Mitchell — dairy farmer’s daughter turned speaker and farm legacy facilitator — and world champion rodeo athlete, Tyson Durfey, highlighted the event. Attendees participated in a variety of leadership and career-building activities, including resume writing and mock job interviews. The NJHA junior board led leadership workshops and professionals from GKB Cattle, Priefert, BioZyme Inc., and the American Hereford Association offered advice during a career panel.

“The only thing that matters is what action are you taking today,” world champion rodeo athlete Tyson Durfey said. A common theme throughout the conference was mindset. Speakers like Durfey reminded the young attendees that your mind will give you the power to do anything you want.

Through these events young people received personalized feedback on their resumes and leadership styles, while forging valuable industry connections to continue these important conversations about leadership and agricultural careers after the conference. These industry leaders and mentors challenged young people to look toward the future and make clear goals based on their passion.

 In the closing session, Tyler Norvell, executive director of the Oklahoma Youth Expo and Cattlemen’s Congress, posed the question, “What mindset do you choose to have and what’s your ‘why?’” Norvell reminded BOLD participants that true leadership stretches beyond personal career goals, as the agricultural industry needs advocates. “We don’t have to fight for our livelihoods; we have to fight to feed people. It matters. We have to continue to tell that story.”

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The National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) is one of the largest, strongest and most active junior cattle programs in the country. Over the years, members of this association have gone on to earn international and domestic respect as models for youth organizational success. The NJHA, through its extensive educational programs, continues to lay the foundation for the beef industry’s future leaders. The traditions of the past coupled with the energy of today’s board of directors have created a progressive approach to further develop a meaningful and educational association focus.