KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Rhett Lehman, Sullivan, Ill., was awarded the Perks Ranch Scholarship during the 2026 American Hereford Association (AHA) Annual Meeting and Educational Forum in Kansas City, Mo., on Oct. 23. In a special awards ceremony, the Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA) and its donors awarded $168,000 in scholarships to 28 National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) members to help support their higher-education goals.

A sophomore at South Dakota State University, Lehman is studying biology and animal science. He plans to receive his doctorate of veterinary medicine and practice on food animal operations in rural America.

“I hope to specialize in beef cattle, but initially, I will build a sound foundation in veterinary medicine by working for a mixed-animal practice under an experienced veterinarian,” Lehman says. “Our country is facing a shortage of large animal veterinarians right now, and I plan to take advantage of the demand that has built up as many retire from the profession.”

The $5,000 Perks Ranch Scholarship is given by HYFA. It honors the Perks Ranch of Illinois and highlights Doug Perks’ legacy and leadership during his time on the HYFA board of directors. He helped lead the $5 million capital campaign, which laid the groundwork for the foundation’s pillars — scholarship, leadership, education and research.

“It was exciting and inspiring to read scholarship applications from a very strong group of Hereford juniors,” says George Sprague, HYFA scholarship committee member. “Their academic records and their contributions both to agriculture and to their communities were first rate and set standards that make the Hereford breed proud.”  

The scholarship fund is the bedrock of HYFA, and countless youth are benefactors of its mission. Since its inception, HYFA has fueled educational opportunities with scholarships and awards. For years, these scholarships have been lighting the way for young Hereford enthusiasts. The Foundation continues to invest in the future of the Hereford breed, recently surpassing $2.6 million in scholarships awarded to youth pursuing higher education.

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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. 

Find photos and press release here.