The purpose of the MHBA AIME (Advances in Miniature Hereford Excellence) Program is to recognize exceptional cattle and breeders in the Miniature Hereford breed.  

Each animal receives points for each AIME show entered based on their placing in the show.  The animal with the highest points at the end of the year is awarded the title of Animal of Excellence.  

The 2025 Female of Excellence was awarded to T3C Firefly, owned by Rileigh White of Cheyenne, Wyoming.  

Rileigh also were awarded the 2025 Bull of Excellence with T3C Zero.  

The 2025 Prospect Steer of Excellence was awarded to Ada Pence of San Luis Valley, Colorado for her steer, RPR Ginko.  

The 2025 Market Steer of Excellence was awarded to MFR Lucky, owned by Hayden Lloyd, of Wooster, Ohio.  

The Ranch of Distinction division is designed to recognize breeders for their success in the show ring across multiple animals.   This program is an accumulative point show program designed to recognize ranches/farms that promote and educate the general public about the Miniature Hereford breed.  These ranches/farms do this through exhibiting their animals in Miniature Hereford shows across the country.  

The 2025 MHBA Ranch of Distinction I (1-3 head exhibited) was awarded to Triple 3 Cattle of Cheyenne, Wyoming.  

The 2025 MHBA Ranch of Distinction II (4-6 head exhibited) was awarded to McKenna Camp of MC Livestock out of Maypearl, Texas.  

Congratulations to all the AIMES winners for their success this past year both in the show ring and in furthering the Miniature Hereford breed!

The 2026 Annual Meeting of the Membership brought together breeders to reflect on the past year and chart a course for the future of the Miniature Hereford breed. With updates from leadership, the meeting highlighted the Association’s continued commitment to integrity, transparency, and breed advancement.

A Look Back—and Ahead—with President Craig DeHaan

President Craig DeHaan opened the meeting with an overview of the Association’s 2025 goals and the progress made throughout the year. From strengthened youth engagement to improved communication channels and expanded member resources, Craig emphasized the importance of building on this momentum as we move into 2026.

Looking forward, the MHBA is growing, evolving, and preparing for a strong future.

Height Rule Update from Charles Rohla

Height Committee member, Charles Rohla, provided an update on the new age and height standards that will take effect February 1, 2026. These guidelines reflect years of data collection, analysis, and field testing, ensuring that the rule aligns with modern genetics, management practices, and the long‑term integrity of the Miniature Hereford breed.

Charles discussed the research behind the updated standards and provided attendees with pocket reference cards. Exhibitors are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new requirements ahead of the upcoming show season.

Modernizing Elections: Update from Secretary Diane Jex

Secretary Diane Jex introduced the Association’s new online election platform, designed to streamline the voting process and increase member participation. The system offers improved accessibility, security, affordability, and a more efficient experience for both voters and administrators.

This transition marks a significant step toward modernizing MHBA governance and ensuring that every member has a convenient and reliable way to make their voice heard.

Marketing & Communications: Growing Our Reach in 2026

Marketing Director Heather Wiley shared updates on the Association’s expanding social media presence and website enhancements. With a focus on authenticity, education, and community engagement, MHBA’s digital platforms continue to grow in reach and impact.

Heather also previewed marketing resources aimed at strengthening the MHBA brand and supporting breeders nationwide.

The 2026 Annual Meeting underscored the dedication, collaboration, and forward‑thinking leadership that define the Miniature Hereford community. With new tools, updated standards, and a clear strategic direction, the Association is well‑positioned for a successful year ahead.

More information from the meeting can be viewed at 2026 MHBA Annual Meeting.pdf

The Justin Grady Herdsman Award was established in 2024 to honor the lasting impact of former MHBA President Justin Grady. As one of the earliest Miniature Hereford exhibitors at the National Western Stock Show, and later a longtime show superintendent, Justin championed the breed at every turn. His persistence helped secure Miniature Herefords a respected place at one of the most historic livestock events in the country. Today, the breed stands as one of the largest represented at the National Western, a testament to his dedication and vision.

In 2025, McKenna Camp received the award and was invited to help select this year’s honoree. When asked why she nominated him, she shared:

“John is always willing to help others. I saw him helping others blow dry their cows before he did his own, and he ensures that his cows are always presentable. John is an all‑around genuine good kid and a great embodiment of a Miniature Hereford breeder.”

This year’s recipient, John Carter of Pierce, Colorado, exemplifies the spirit of the award. At just 14 years old and in the 9th grade, John is the primary caretaker of his family’s 10‑head herd. He has been showing Miniature Herefords for six years and brought both a cow/calf pair and a heifer to the National Western Stock Show in 2026.

John was also selected as an MHBA Ambassador this year—a role he pursued because he hopes to “show leadership and help people get into the Miniature Hereford breed.”

His work ethic, kindness, and commitment to the breed make him a standout young leader.

With his selection, John joins a growing list of Justin Grady Herdsman Award honorees, including:

• Cow Swamp Creek Farms — 2024
• McKenna Camp — 2025

Each recipient reflects the work ethic, generosity, and passion that Justin Grady embodied.

Congratulations to John Carter, the 2026 Justin Grady Herdsman Award recipient!

The excitement of the 2026 National Western Stock Show is officially underway. Whether you're ringside, in person, or following along from home, this year’s events promise exceptional cattle, outstanding youth exhibitors, and unforgettable moments at the Miniature Hereford World Show.

To make it easy for families, breeders, and fans to stay connected, the show programs are now available online. 

Click below to view the 2026 National Western Stock Show programs.

Junior Show Program

Open Show Program

And for those cheering from afar, you won’t miss a second of the action. Every ring, every class, every champion drive is streaming live.

Watch the shows online at:
https://www.ringsidelive.co/watchlive

In accordance with the By-Laws of the Miniature Hereford Breeders Association, you are invited to attend the annual meeting of the members to be held at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado on Friday, January 9, 2026.  

The purpose of the meeting is to provide members with the opportunity to:

• Receive updates on important Association initiatives and projects
• Review the financial status of the MHBA
• Celebrate and recognize our 2025 Royalty & Ambassadors and AIMES winners

As a member association, your involvement and participation in the organization is very important.  It is your opportunity to stay informed, engaged and connected to the future of the Miniature Hereford breed.  Staying up to date on initiatives not only helps guide the direction of the MHBA, but also ensures that our breed continues to thrive and grow for generations to come.  

We look forward to seeing you in Denver and deeply appreciate your continued support of the Miniature Hereford Breeders Association. 

The Miniature Hereford Breeders Association is excited to announce that applications are now available for our 2026 Royalty and Regional Ambassador programs!

Created to provide meaningful service opportunities for youth, the MHBA Royalty program encourages young leaders between the ages of 10 and 20 to apply.  Participants will represent our breed and community while developing valuable skills in leadership, communication, and outreach.  

The National Royalty team will include the MHBA Queen, Princess and Junior Princess.  

In addition to the National Royalty titles, there are nine Regional Ambassador positions available for 2026.  These roles give youth across the country the chance to serve their local regions while building confidence and connections.  

Why Apply?  Selected individuals will gain hands-on experience in leadership, public speaking, and community engagement - skills that will serve them well both inside and outside the show ring.  

Applications, along with detailed program requirements, can be found here. 

If you have questions, please reach out to Erin Eldridge, MHBA Royalty Chairperson at cowqueen19987@gmail.com.

Application deadline is December 15, 2025.

As an Association, it is important to establish standards to maintain the heritage of our breed.

At the 2025 MHBA Annual Meeting held on January 10th at the National Western Stock Show, Charles Rohla presented research data and current recommendations from the Height Committee.

After months of gathering additional data and testing the recommendations at various shows, the MHBA Board, during their September 25th meeting, voted to approve the implementation of the 6-month age and height restrictions starting February 1, 2026.

The approved age and height restrictions shown below are based on data from various past show programs. The Height Committee analyzed this data to compare differences in hip heights relative to the animals' ages.

Females:

The Board asks for the support of the breeders and exhibitors to ensure that these rules are followed.  We strongly encourage all exhibitors to know the hip height of their animals and to understand why these rules are important to ensure that the integrity of our breed remains strong and viable. 

If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact any of the MHBA Board members.

We’re excited to announce the upcoming 2025 Miniature Hereford Breeder Directory—a printed resource connecting breeders, buyers, and enthusiasts across the country. This publication celebrates our members, honors the legacy of the breed, and strengthens the Miniature Hereford community.

The directory will be distributed to all MHBA members and shared at cattle and agricultural events nationwide, making it a valuable tool for visibility and connection throughout the year.

To be included, please complete the form linked in the e-mail sent to all MHBA members.  Member Information Update Form must be completed by September 16, 2025. If we don’t receive your form by the deadline, we’ll include the default information currently attached to your membership. Please note: this will limit your contact details and reduce your reach with potential customers.

Want to stand out? You can upgrade your listing for just $25 to include additional information, a logo, and make your farm or ranch more visible to readers.

We’re also accepting advertising placements for this edition. If you’d like to promote your business, services, or cattle program, this is a great opportunity to reach a highly engaged audience. For more information about your ad space, reach out to Heather at mhbamarketing23@gmail.com.

The 2025 elections for the Miniature Hereford Breeders Association (MHBA) and the Miniature Hereford Youth Foundation (MHYF) have officially concluded, and we extend our appreciation to all members who participated in the voting process. Your voice and your vote play a vital role in shaping the future of both organizations.

A key benefit of MHBA family membership is the opportunity to vote in annual elections—ensuring that leadership reflects the values and priorities of our breeder community. We thank those who accepted nominations and congratulate the newly elected officers and directors.

2025 Elected Positions

Miniature Hereford Breeders Association

• President: Craig DeHaan
• Secretary: Diane Jex
• Region 1 Director: Bill Moreton
• Region 4 Director: Mark Fullenwider

Miniature Hereford Youth Foundation

• President: Brian Moore
• Secretary: Sheryl Erickson
• Director of Grants: Brice White

On behalf of the Boards of the MHBA and the MHYF, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to two exceptional individuals whose terms have come to a close: Amanda Morgan, MHBA Region 4 Director, and Dave Pence, MHYF President. 

Our association’s success is built on the collective passion and perseverance of its people.  Officers, board members, volunteers, and show superintendents all play a vital role in moving the Miniature Hereford breed forward – each giving generously of their time and talents.  Words cannot fully capture the gratitude we feel for your tireless dedication, leadership, and service. Your commitment has left a lasting impact on our organizations and the Miniature Hereford community as a whole—thank you.

To view the official election report prepared by the independent accounting firm, please visit the MHBA Business Page.

MHBA Board members Craig DeHaan, Dan Wiley and Charles Rohla had the opportunity to sit down with Shane Bedwell, Chief Operating Officer and Director of Breed Improvement at the American Hereford Association. 

They discuss the advantages of DNA testing and how it protects the integrity of the breed.  Shane talks trends in cattle, the rich history of the Hereford breed and why they continue to be a valuable asset in the industry.  

Follow along on the Miniature Hereford Breeders Association YouTube channel and watch the full interview.