MADISON, Wis. — Lauren Wingler, a National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) member from Christiana, Tenn., was awarded the $2,000 NOP Founders Scholarship at the 2026 VitaFerm^® Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE) Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA) Scholarship, Award and Maroon Jacket Ceremony July 9 in Madison, Wis.

Established in 2003, the NOP Founders Scholarship honors the pioneering women who founded the National Organization of Poll-ettes (NOP), which began in 1965 and later became known as the National Hereford Women (NHW). 

“It is always a privilege to participate in the HYFA scholarship process and support the next generation of young leaders as they pursue their academic and professional aspirations,” says Lindsey Jacobs, NHW board member. “Each year, we are fortunate to receive applications from an increasingly talented and accomplished group of candidates, making our selection process that much harder. Seeing the growth, strength and perseverance of this next generation reaffirms the bright future that we have as an organization and as an industry.” 

During the 2026 JNHE, HYFA awarded more than $50,000 in scholarships and awards to exemplary Hereford youth and will allocate more than $220,000 throughout the year to support junior members in their academic pursuits. 

Wingler is a sophomore at the University of Tennessee at Martin majoring in agricultural business with an emphasis on agricultural law. She is focusing on building a strong foundation in both the business and legal aspects of agriculture, while preparing to attend law school with a focus on agricultural and environmental law.

Currently serving as the National Hereford Queen, Wingler knows the impact the Hereford breed can have on its members and the opportunities it offers.

“These connections, along with my background in the Hereford breed, will help me stay deeply rooted in the industry I am passionate about serving,” Wingler says. “Through dedication to my education, continued involvement in agriculture and a commitment to advocacy, I am confident in my ability to achieve my goal of becoming an agricultural lawyer and making a meaningful impact on rural communities.”

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The Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA) was established in 2000 and is a not-for-profit 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. 

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