Share
All things VitaFerm® Junior National Hereford Expo, readily available for you.
 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

— FRIDAY, MAY 8 —

YOUR SHOT STARTS HERE

Entries are open for the 2026 VitaFerm ® Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE) in Madison, Wis., July 4-10, with the early bird deadline marked for May 15 and final entry and ownership deadline of June 1. We are so excited to welcome Hereford families from across the country to join us for the event of the summer. Step up to the tee, take your swing and get ready for a championship week at "The Hereford Masters in Madison."


Show rules, judges, contest information and a tentative schedule are all available at the JNHE Resources page. Check in often to find all the details and information you need as you prepare for your trip.

BEYOND THE SHOWRING

The entries for all contests held in conjunction with the 2026 JNHE are open and the NJHA is excited to welcome all members to participate in educational contests and programs during the JNHE. 


Through educational programs at the JNHE, Hereford youth have the opportunity to gain invaluable skills that will enable them to become self-directing, educated leaders in today’s world. Rules for all contests have been updated and adjusted to encourage involvement and success for our junior members

Enter Today
JNHE Resources
Contests & Education

ATTENTION STEER EXHIBITORS

The 2026 VitaFerm® JNHE reminds all steer exhibitors that all steers will be required to be parent verified to both sire and dam, therefore, a DNA profile of the steer, the sire and dam must be completed through the official AHA lab by entry deadline. DNA requests can be made through MyHerd, by emailing aha@hereford.org, or by calling into customer service at (816) 842-3757.


The lab is currently estimating a 4-5 week turnaround for all samples and testing, including hair, tissue, blood and semen samples.


Please plan accordingly and give yourself plenty of time to get your DNA samples processed.

The JNHE wants to remind exhibitors the rules are available to view online. Please note, entries submitted prior to the earlybird deadline of May 15 with animals not meeting the entry requirements will be put on hold and will be charged an additional $20.

JNHE EXHIBITOR CHECKLIST

  • Are your NJHA membership dues paid?

  • Does your steer have a DNA profile on file at the association?

  • Are your bred-and-owned animals registered correctly?

  • All of your animals have been registered and transferred.

  • Entries submitted prior to the earlybird deadline with animals not meeting the entry requirements will be put on hold and will be charged an additional $20.

  • There will be NO substitutions or refunds issued for the JNHE.

JNHE LODGING INFORMATION

Availability in Madison, Wis., during the dates of July 4-10 is limited due to a concert in the area, so we encourage all exhibitors to book rooms through the JNHE hotel block if you haven't done so already. 


If you are interested in camping, the Alliant Energy Center (AEC) offers camping onsite. Reservations for camping spots are now open and will be handled by the AEC.

Hotel Block Information
AEC Camping Details

PUT YOUR BRAND IN PLAY

Advertise in the 2026 VitaFerm® Junior National Official Show Program.


This show program is placed directly in the hands of every exhibitor at the 2026 JNHE and is also digitally archived online for lasting visibility and impact. Don’t miss your opportunity to connect with the next generation of Hereford leaders.


For more information, contact Bailey Clanton at bclanton@hereford.org

TEE OFF THIS SUMMER

Tee off this summer at the Hereford Invitational Golf Tournament, proudly sponsored by Cottonwood Springs Farm, during the VitaFerm JNHE on July 6. 


Join us for an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start at Pleasant View Golf Course as teams of four take on 18 holes of friendly competition, all for a great cause. Proceeds benefit the Faces of Leadership Endowment, supported by the National Hereford Women and HYFA. Each registration includes greens fees, cart rental and lunch, generously sponsored by C&L Hereford Ranch.


Registration closes June 15 or once capacity is reached — don’t miss your chance to play.

Learn More

RUN FOR THE NJHA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

For those who will be interested in applying for the NJHA Board of Directors, applications are open now. On behalf of the NJHA, the board of directors travels to various activities, meeting fellow members and sharing their thoughts and experiences of Hereford involvement. They also get first-hand experience at leadership, cooperation and organization.


The NJHA Board also makes recommendations for new programs and ideas to the American Hereford Association Board of Directors, helps train other juniors and promote the Hereford breed at various activities and events throughout the year.


Being on the NJHA board of directors is a responsibility that should be taken seriously. Before applying, please make sure to read through the Board Agreement and Code of Conduct that you sign once elected, stating you are capable of meeting those requirements. Applications will be due June 1, including the state advisor submitted Director Nomination Form.

Learn More

THE VOICE OF THE NJHA

The Advantage Newsletter, the voice of the NJHA should be in mailboxes and homes, packed with everything you need to know for an exciting summer ahead. From upcoming events to ways junior members can get involved, you won’t want to miss this issue.


In this edition of The Advantage newsletter highlights include the VitaFerm® Junior National Hereford Expo “The Hereford Masters in Madison,” the different leadership roles at the national level for National Junior Hereford Association members, and reaching both a grassroots and global audience. 

Read it Here

The VitaFerm® Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE) provides an opportunity for competition of junior members and their cattle projects, along with plenty of events for the entire family. Schedules, contest rules and details for the 2026 JNHE can all be found at the JNHE Resources page.


If you are looking for the dates for a state or regional show, or other dates and deadlines during the busy summer, make sure to look at the AHA digital calendar.

JNHE Resources
Calendar of Events

Email Marketing by ActiveCampaign