Four National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) members were elected to the National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) board of directors at the 2021 VitaFerm®Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE), Hereford Spectacular, July 3-9, in Kansas City, Mo. Wesley Denton, Blue Rapids, Kan.; Lauren Jones, Darlington, Wis.; Hannah Pearson, Oconto, Neb.; and Tar Tut, Faribault, Minn., were all welcomed into their maroon jackets as new NJHA directors during the JNHE awards ceremony on July 8. Two delegates from each state junior Hereford association voted for the individuals they wanted to represent the membership. The NJHA board is composed of 12 individuals who serve three-year terms and govern the 3,800-member organization. The 2021-22 officer team includes chairman Noah Benedict, Dewey, Ill., ; vice-chairman Wyatt Lawrence, Princeton, Minn.; communications chair Bailey Morrell, Willows, Calif.; leadership chair Lauren McMillan, Tiskilwa, Ill.; fundraising chair J.W. Cox, Flemingsburg, Ky.; and membership chair Libby Rushton, Waverly, Tenn. Also serving as directors are Luke Daniels, Dalhart, Texas, Ralston Ripp, Kearney, Neb. and the newly elected four. Four NJHA board members handed over their maroon jackets after giving their retiring addresses. Retiring board members include 2020-21 chairman Montana Lawrence, Princeton, Minn., 2020-21 vice chairman Abby Spindle, Moriarty, N.M., 2020-21 director, Samuel Lawrence, Avilla, Ind., and 2020-21 director Brooklyn Adam, Lathrop, Mo. Learn more about the new NJHA Board of Directors:
Noah Benedict is the 21-year-old son of Chad and Becky Benedict and is a senior at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign majoring in agribusiness: markets and management and minoring in leadership studies. Upon graduation he plans to work in the livestock feed and nutrition industry. Noah has held a variety of leadership roles, most recently as the chairman of the Illinois Junior Hereford Association. He is a fifth-generation Hereford breeder, and says he hopes to continue his family’s operation into the next generation. Noah values the NJHA because of its tremendous support for its junior members and how much he knows it can help them grow. He strives to make as many connections as he can with the junior members and their families and is looking forward to an exciting final year serving the NJHA as chairman. Wyatt Lawrence is the 21-year-old son of Bryan and Marytina Lawrence, and recent graduate of University of Minnesota Twin Cities majoring in agribusiness with a minor in animal science. While at the University of Minnesota, Wyatt was a part of the Livestock Judging team, Block and Bridle club and a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity. In 2020 Wyatt married his wife, Claire, and they returned to Princeton to take part in the family farming operation. Wyatt and Claire are the fourth generation to raise Hereford cattle. Wyatt attributes his knowledge and passion for the cattle industry to his time spent as an NJHA member. He has held many leadership roles in the breed at a state level and considers it a true honor to serve on the national board of directors. While on the board Wyatt focuses on educating and growing the next generation of beef professionals. Wyatt is passionate about the breed and Hereford youth, and is excited about what the future holds for the NJHA.
BaileyMorrell is the 20-year-old daughter of Barry and Carrie Morrell. This fall she will be a senior at Colorado State University (CSU) double-majoring in agricultural education with a concentration in agricultural literacy and political science with a concentration in environmental policy. During her years at Colorado State University, Bailey has served as the Block and Bridle club Vice-President, the Collegiate Livestock Association Secretary and a current member of the livestock judging team. After graduation she plans to attend law school to earn an agricultural law degree. Bailey hopes to own her own practice in Northern California specializing in agriculture water rights while continuing to operate her family’s generational seedstock Hereford operation, Morrell Ranches. Bailey has served as president for four years of the California-Nevada Junior Hereford Association and state Hereford queen. She looks forward to serving on the junior board for one more year while making memories that last a lifetime. LaurenMcMillan is the 19-year-old daughter of Kyle and Jodi McMillan. Lauren is a sophomore at the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign where she is majoring in agricultural leadership while being heavily involved in all parts of campus. Lauren may not have any specific future plans, but after graduate school she plans to put her focus into a leadership position for an agricultural based company. Lauren is a 12-year member of the Illinois Junior Hereford Association where she is currently serving as President. She works to connect with both young and old members to understand how she can help better their experience in the Association. Lauren continues to focus on what the board can improve on in order to create the best environment and JNHE for our members as she believes those before
495
Powered by FlippingBook