Young Breeders Competition

Excitement is building as the American Hereford Association (AHA) and National Junior Hereford Association prepare to welcome young Hereford cattlemen and women from around the globe to the World Hereford Conference Young Breeders Competition (YBC).

​

The YBC took flight during the 2020 World Hereford Conference in New Zealand, where Team USA won championship titles in communication and judging contests, placing third overall. Competition is open to Hereford enthusiasts, ages 18–26, selected by participating countries. The event offers competitors the chance to showcase their skills across a wide range of industry-focused events while learning more about cattle production and Hereford genetics from around the world.

​

“The competition includes a variety of events aimed at demonstrating and evaluating competitors’ knowledge and skill about the cattle and beef industries, Hereford genetics and seedstock production and marketing,” explains Amy Cowan, AHA director of youth activities and foundation. “This competition pits the best against the best from around the world.”

​

“Sponsored by industry leaders such as Merck Animal Health® and BioZyme® Inc., this competition is more than just a contest,” Cowan explains. “It’s an opportunity for future leaders to connect, collaborate and deepen their knowledge of the beef and Hereford industries.”

​

This year’s event features 11 teams of young Hereford breeders from seven countries, including two teams from the United States. Each team is comprised by four members.

​

Kansas State University (K-State) will host the Young Breeders Competition Oct. 19-22 in Manhattan. Kan.

“We’re thrilled to bring this world-class event to a land grant university like K-State,” Cowan says. “As a special highlight, competitors will be among the first to experience K-State’s new Bilbrey Family Events Center, set to open this fall.”

​

After their time at K-State, the teams head to Kansas City for the final leg of competition at the American Royal, where they’ll demonstrate their showmanship skills in a grand finale sponsored by Sullivan Supply.

Join us in welcoming and cheering for these talented young leaders from around the world as they compete, learn and lead the Hereford breed to new heights. Let the countdown to competition begin.