Hereford enthusiasts traded show sticks for golf clubs during the Hereford Invitational Golf Tournament at the 2026 VitaFerm® Junior Hereford Expo (JNHE), “The Hereford Masters in Madison.” The field featured 20 teams comprised by 76 competitors of all ages, who had a chance to connect outside the barn while raising funds to support Hereford juniors through the Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA).

“I just enjoyed getting out of the barns and spending time with my buddies I only get to see a few times a year,” says Grady Carter, JNHE exhibitor and tournament participant. “I had one drive that had us cheering and belly laughing. We will be able to talk about that for a while.”

Enthusiasm surrounding the tournament exceeded expectations, with participants excited to see theevent return. A 5K run enjoyed by many replaced the golf tournament in recent years. However, folks kept clamoring for the Hereford Invitational to return.

This year’s JNHE theme, inspired by the Masters Tournament, made it the perfect time to revive the event, says Amy Cowan, American Hereford Association (AHA) director of youth activities and foundation. So, the National Hereford Women partnered with HYFA and AHA staff to tee up the tournament once again.

“Supporting these kids is instrumental to the future of this breed,” says Steve Folkman, tournament lunch sponsor. “When Amy called about helping with the golf tournament, I simply said, ‘What do you need?’”

The tournament was much more than a competition. It bolstered relationships, traditions and the commitment to the Hereford breed, while investing in the future of leaders through the Faces of Leadership Scholarship Endowment.

“To get out on this beautiful course and be with breeders on a different level than just the barns is so special,” says Jill Bielema, HYFA board member. “Getting to see HYFA and the National Hereford Women collaborate with AHA staff and put on a top-notch event is just so special.”