GRAND ISLAND, Neb. – Hereford juniors competed in the Hereford bowl contest at the 2024 VitaFerm® Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE), “The Grand Daddy of ’Em All,” on July 8, in Grand Island, Nebraska. The Hereford bowl contest is an individual and team competition where members demonstrate their knowledge of Hereford beef cattle and the history of the JNHE. Participants take a preliminary 50-question written test, including a newly added skillathon portion where members identify different feed samples. The top four teams then compete in a buzzer match to determine the winner.
The senior high individual in the written test was Allyson Hamilton, Atlanta, Texas. Addison Duis, Petersburg, Ill., was named the high individual in the junior division of the written test.
The winning team in the junior division was Illinois, with members: Addison Duis, Petersburg, Ill.; Cora Chapman, Seneca, Ill.; Ella Crane, LaSalle, Ill.; and Owen Crutcher, Montrose, Ill. Second-place went to team Texas with members: Jarrett Worrell, Mason, Texas; Gage Creamer, Waxahachie, Texas; Aubrey Lockhart, Somerville, Texas; and Kinleigh Jo Guidry, Brenhamn, Texas.
In the senior division, the winning team was Illinois, with members: Kade Boatman, Rockford, Ill.; Kendall Boatman, Rockford, Ill.; Brogan Keltner, Pearl City, Ill.; and Morgan Richardson, Capron, Ill. Kade and Kendall Boatman are Byron FFA members. The second place senior team was Indiana, with members: Jayden Simpson, Roachdale, Ind.; Carlee Musser, Otterbein, Ind.; Bailey Landrum, Huntington, Ind.; and Matthew Elzemeyer, Richmond, Ind.
The Hereford bowl competition encourages good sportsmanship and dedication to learning more about the beef industry and the Hereford breed. The contest also provides an educational experience for both participants and spectators.
The Hereford Youth Foundation of America (HYFA) holds multiple educational contests and events during JNHE. Members are encouraged to participate in these educational events and connect with other National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) members.
The 2024 VitaFerm®Junior National Hereford Expo, “The Grand Daddy of ’Em All,” was sponsored in part by BioZyme Inc., St. Joseph, Mo. The National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) is one of the most active junior programs in the country with more than 4,000 members. The NJHA’s mission is to create and promote enthusiasm for the breed while providing opportunities through leadership, education and teamwork. For more information about the NJHA, visit JrHereford.org.