National Western Stock Show 2025
A place where generations have come together to celebrate the timeless value of Hereford genetics. Here’s to honoring the past, shaping the future, and showcasing the breed making a mark on history.
Cattlemen's Congress 2025
The breed built to meet a demand – a cornerstone of the industry on display at Cattlemen’s Congress.
2025 Cattlemen's Congress Teaser
It all comes down to this -- the anticipation is building to watch the Hereford legacy continue.
A historic opportunity is here. Make it count.
Ellsbury Ranch | 2024 Commercial Producer of the Year
Ellsbury Ranch LLC is a fifth-generation cow-calf and yearling operation in northeastern Wyoming, owned and operated by Colter and Sarah Ellsbury, and Jeff and Whitney Stull. The couples purchased the cattle and equipment in 2017 and enjoy raising their families on the ranch and teaching their children about the ins-and-outs of the operation.
Initially, Ellsbury Ranch was home to Hereford cattle, but in the ’90s the herd transitioned to black baldies before becoming home to solely black-hided cattle in the 2000s. But, after Ellsbury and Stull acquired the herd, they felt like they needed a change to bolster performance, despite their strong commercial Angus cow herd. So, Ellsbury Ranch welcomed back Hereford sires in 2018. The resulting black baldy calves showed the textbook example of heterosis firsthand, with the bald-faced calves consistently weaning at heavier weights than their black-hided peers. With this added boost in pounds and performance, Ellsbury Ranch sold its last black bull in 2023 and now has an entirely Hereford bull battery to make black-white-faced, Hereford-sired calves. With the added pounds, demand and docility the bald faces brought to Ellsbury Ranch, the families have no plans to change their business model.
A testament to the value of Hereford genetics – help us congratulate Ellsbury Ranch on this honor!
Keith Fawcett | 2024 Hall of Fame Inductee
Keith Fawcett was a fourth-generation rancher from Ree Heights, S.D. In 1906, his great-grandfather journeyed from Arkansas to South Dakota and purchased the initial land to start what is now known as Fawcett’s Elm Creek Ranch (FECR). A large majority of the original land is still part of the operation. When Keith graduated high school in 1977, he became an integral part of the operation. Three years later, Keith married Cheryl, and together they grew the operation.
With decades of genetic progress and an endless pursuit of making Hereford cattle better, FECR has become a destination for commercial and purebred cattlemen to source their genetics. Keith’s emphasis on breeding Hereford cattle offering a balance of maternal traits and carcass merit has created a demand for the ranch’s bulls and calves and made those investing in FECR genetics more profitable. Like so many in his generation, Keith knew how to work hard; he lived the ups and downs of ranching and farming and reaped the rewards of his livelihood. Keith’s knowledge, kind spirit, and honesty earned him respect as one of the breed’s great stockmen.
Keith passed away in June of 2024 and was inducted posthumously into the Hall of Fame.
Celebrating the breed built to fill the need of the industry during a historic weekend in Kansas City, where it all began.
Jack Hedrick | 2024 Hall of Merit Inductee
Jack Hedrick, cattle sales manager and owner of JDH Marketing Services LLC, Signal Mountain, Tenn., has deep roots in the Hereford breed. At an early age, Jack was always drawn to sale day. As a ranch manager’s kid, Jack witnessed firsthand the hard work, creative marketing and professionalism poured into each successful sale. Jack views sales management as a team sport where managers call upon the best in the industry in their trades — photographers, catalog designers, videographers, auctioneers, clippers, fitters, ring help and auctioneers — to help prepare for a successful event.
“I think Jack’s greatest attributes are his personality and dedication to do the best job possible for all his employers,” writes Walt McKellar, CMR Herefords, in his letter to the selection committee. “This dedication and integrity has earned him a special place in all aspects of our industry. He has been the ultimate mentor and friend throughout my life, and I know he has done the same for so many others.”
Help us congratulate, Jack, on this tremendous honor!
An inherent advantage ✔
Make your decisions count with Hereford genetics.
Focused on the future and honoring a rich a history in the beef industry – a core initiative for the American Hereford Association is to develop young breed leaders. Eight members took part in the second annual Hereford Seedstock Academy centered around educating the next generation.
Snedden Ranch | Maricopa, California
She’s fertile, efficient and built to last. Come Home to Hereford.
Herefords: Accountable. Predictable. Profitable. Sustainable.
