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All things VitaFerm® Junior National Hereford Expo, readily available for you.
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— FRIDAY, MAY 15 —

YOUR BEST SHOT AT SAVINGS

Entries for the 2026 VitaFerm® Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE) in Madison, Wis., July 4-10, are rolling in, and now’s your moment to step up to the tee. Take your shot and get ready for a championship week at the “Hereford Masters in Madison.” The early bird deadline closes TONIGHT and all memberships, registrations and transfers must be correct in order to receive the discount. The final entry and ownership deadline is marked for June 1.


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. Contest entries and registrations are all due June 1.


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

Cattle Entries Portal
JNHE Resources
Contest Entries Portal

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

TEE OFF THIS SUMMER

While juniors compete in the Judging Contest, parents and supporters are invited to head over to Pleasant View Golf Course and take part in the Hereford Invitational Golf Tournament. Register your team of four and enjoy a day on the course during the JNHE on July 6, proudly sponsored by Cottonwood Springs Farm.


Tee off with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start and enjoy 18 holes of friendly competition — all for a great cause. Proceeds benefit the Faces of Leadership Scholarship Endowment, supported by the National Hereford Women and the Hereford Youth Foundation of America.

Register Your Team

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

ELEVATE YOUR IMPACT — JOIN THE CLUB

Join the Foundation Club for a VIP experience at the 2026 VitaFerm JNHE. With three levels of membership, members receive exclusive VIP passes, including access to premium seating areas throughout the event. Enjoy added perks like beverages and hors d’oeuvres served during select hours — while supporting the future of the Hereford breed.


Become a member of the Foundation Club at the 2026 JNHE in Madison, Wis., and enjoy a VIP experience like no other.

Join the Club

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

BIG IDEAS. BOLD LEADERS.

Save the date — July 29 - August 1. Registration is open for the 2026 Faces of Leadership Conference in Boise, Idaho. Get ready to grow your leadership skills, make lasting connections and experience an unforgettable event.


NJHA members age 14-21, make sure to join us for a conference that builds communication skills, teamwork and personal leadership through hands-on learning and industry connection.


Earlybird Registration Deadline: June 15

Final Registration Deadline: July 1

Learn More

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

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