Voting opens May 1 for the Miniature Hereford Breeders Association and the Miniature Hereford Youth Foundation.

Watch your email for voting instructions and access details.

MHBA Ballot

• Vice -President: Dan Wiley
• Treasurer: Billy Scott, Russell Blessin
• Region 2 Director: No nomination
• Region 5 Director: Leon Lamer, Stephanie Stevens
• Region 8 Director: Jerry DuVal

MHYF Ballot

• Vice-President: Emma Eldridge
• Treasurer: Jennifer Place
• Director of Scholarships: Nikki Camp, Jim Phillips

Take a moment to review the candidates who are willing to serve our membership and support the next generation of Miniature Hereford youth.

Dan Wiley

I currently serve as Vice President of the Miniature Hereford Breeders Association, where my focus has been strengthening the organization, improving communication, and helping move the association forward. It has been an honor to work alongside the board during a time of growth and positive momentum for our breed.

My family and I live in Central Ohio, where we run 4 Wiley Farm along with our two sons, Isaac and Walker. We bought our first Miniature Herefords simply to raise beef for our family, but now show at the county, state, and national levels, and our involvement in the breed has become a true family passion.

I first served the MHBA as the Region 3 Director and now serve as superintendent for national and state level shows, including the Miniature Hereford Junior Nationals. These roles have allowed me to represent the breed, build strong relationships, and help elevate the quality and visibility of Miniature Herefords in the show arena and cattle industry. 

We are a growing breed with tremendous opportunity ahead. I would be honored to have your vote so we can continue building a stronger Miniature Hereford Breeders Association together.

Billy Scott

As the current Treasurer of the Miniature Hereford Breeders Association, I have worked hard to help move our breed forward. My focus has been strengthening our financial foundation, rebuilding relationships within the cattle industry, and fighting for the recognition and opportunities our breeders and youth deserve. I am truly dedicated to this breed, and I believe deeply in the future we are building together.

My story is rooted in hard work, family values, and a lifelong love for agriculture. I grew up on a hobby farm in New Mexico, where I spent my youth showing livestock through 4‑H and FFA. Those early experiences shaped my character and set the course for my connection to the cattle industry.

Today, I live in Lubbock, Texas, where I own a commercial construction company that I’ve built over the past 30 years. From hospitals and restaurants to warehouses and agricultural facilities, I’ve learned what it takes to build something that lasts. That same determination fuels the work I do on our farm.

Our family operation includes 25 club cows, 15 recips, and a growing herd of Miniature Herefords. My two older children, Aubrey and Zane, were raised in the show ring, and my youngest daughter, Journi, is proudly carrying on the tradition. She started showing Miniature Herefords at just three years old, following in her siblings’ footsteps. Together, we’ve traveled across the country, making memories and building a legacy with our cattle.

Outside of the barn and the jobsite, I host A Daddy’s Story, a podcast inspired by a mentor’s reminder: “STOP! We only have right now.” Through that platform, I share stories about fatherhood, faith, and living with intention—values that guide every part of my life.

I am passionate about the future of the Miniature Hereford breed and the role the MHBA plays in shaping it. I want to see our association re‑energized, unified, and working together to create more opportunities for our breeders and youth. My goal is simple: to help this breed grow stronger and to make things better for the people who believe in it.

With a builder’s mindset, a breeder’s heart, and a commitment to progress, I would be honored to continue serving this association and working for the future of the Miniature Hereford breed.

Russell Blessin

My name is Russell Blessin and I am your candidate for Treasurer for the MHBA. I am 54 years old and have been raising miniature herefords for 6 years with my wife and daughter.  We live in Kenesaw, Nebraska and operate RMB Miniature Herefords.  

I enjoy the Miniature Hereford breed for their docility and ease of keeping and growing a herd. Our granddaughters have enjoyed the breed and the friendships they have made because of the shows that we have attended.  We have enjoyed seeing the advancements from year to year with our granddaughters' confidence and leadership.  

I am running to promote the Miniature Hereford Breed and to bring some clarity to our organization.  I do not feel that as members of MHBA we have been given an appropriate amount of information on where our money is currently being used. I will also do my best to assist in unifying the 2 groups and bring about some organizational harmony so our kids can enjoy the best that our breed has to offer.  

I am qualified for the treasurer position because I was previously in charge of the budgeting, billing and accounts receivable for a region of 4 states for my current employer - an international company that installs and operates multi-million dollar sheet metal processing machines.  While in my regional position, I had full budgetary control and I was required to make account adjustments efficiently, and sometimes immediately, settle billing disputes with customers, and record each transaction in order to be completely transparent and accountable.

Thank you for the opportunity to be considered for the treasurer position of the MHBA. 

Leon Lamer

As a retired CEO of a major utility company, I bring leadership experience and expertise to the MHBA board. I believe strongly that this background allows me to contribute in meaningful ways as our association continues to grow and define its future.

As a grandfather and great‑grandfather, I also understand the importance of setting clear standards for the next generations. Our youth deserve consistency, fairness, and confidence in what the rules mean and what is expected in the show ring. Establishing those standards now ensures that future breeders and exhibitors have a strong foundation to build upon.

This is still a young breed, just getting its feet on the ground, but I believe we have an outstanding start. We have a board that is committed to doing things the right way by creating structure, strengthening expectations, and laying the groundwork for the future generation to use in breeding Miniature Hereford cattle.

It has been a pleasure to serve on the board, and I would be more than happy to continue serving another term.

Stephanie Stevens

I am Stephanie Stevens and I am running to be your next Region 5 Director for the MHBA. I grew up on a farm near Fedora, SD where we raised crops and backgrounded feeder steers on grass. I couldn’t imagine a life off the farm so my husband, Gavin and I built a house near my family farm and now together crop farm, background steers and have a cow/calf operation of both Miniature Herefords and commercial cows.

We purchased our first Miniature Hereford heifer in 2014 but it wasn’t until 2018 when we decided we wanted to pursue raising and showing Miniature Herefords further. We maintain a smaller herd but my passion for this breed is second to none. I have thoroughly enjoyed traveling and participating in a few shows each year. We have met some wonderful people involved with this breed and for that I am extremely grateful.

            I would love the opportunity to be the Region 5 Director not only to become further involved with the breed, but to make sure the membership is being heard with concerns and feedback to the board. It is very important to me to see this breed continue to succeed for our youth. I also would like to bring more attention to the shows in our region to continue to build the breed in the upper Midwest.  

            Thank you for the opportunity to run for Region 5 Director. I look forward to another busy summer season and to continue to meet new people involved or looking to get involved with Miniature Herefords.

Jerry DuVal

I am a full time farmer, a dedicated advocate for the Miniature Hereford breed, and a mentor who believes deeply in supporting the next generation. I live in Silverton, Oregon, where I operate DuVal Farms alongside my wife, Cynthia, and our daughter, Alyssa. Our farm has been passed down through my family, and it is a privilege to watch Alyssa prepare to carry that legacy forward.

At DuVal Farms we raise grass seed and Miniature Herefords, combining crop production with a strong commitment to livestock excellence. I have served on the Miniature Hereford Breeders Association board for many years, and I am proud of the work we have done to strengthen the breed and expand its visibility across the country.

I also serve as a show superintendent for events throughout the Northwest. This role has allowed me to help grow the presence of Miniature Herefords at major venues. I take great pride in the attention to detail and consistency that exhibitors expect, and I am grateful for the opportunity to help elevate the reputation of our breed.

My family and I are deeply involved in the Miniature Hereford Junior Nationals, and supporting youth is one of the most meaningful parts of what we do. One of our most important efforts is our youth leasing program, which gives young people the chance to show a Miniature Hereford even if they do not live on a farm. At the end of the season they can choose to purchase the animal or return it to our program. This reflects my belief that opportunity should never be limited by where a child lives.

Whether I am working in the show ring, serving on the board, or mentoring young exhibitors, I bring integrity, generosity, and a genuine love for the Miniature Hereford breed. My work is rooted in the legacy of those who came before me, and my focus is always on the future we are building together.

Emma Eldridge

Emma Eldridge, of Bruneau, Idaho, is the daughter of Eric and Erin Eldridge. She began showing Miniature Hereford cattle at just three years old, sparking a lifelong passion for the cattle and livestock industries.

Throughout her junior career, Emma proudly represented the breed as both an Ambassador and National Queen, demonstrating her dedication and leadership within the Miniature Hereford community.

Following high school, Emma attended Colby Community College in Colby, Kansas, where she studied Animal Science and Pre-Veterinary Medicine. While at Colby, she competed on both the Livestock Judging Team and the Track and Field Team, earning honors as an All-American, All-Academic, and Presidential Scholar.

After graduating from Colby, Emma continued her education at Oklahoma State University, majoring in Animal Science. There, she competed on the Reserve National Champion Livestock Judging Team, further solidifying her excellence in the field.

Today, Emma has returned to her alma mater as the Head Livestock Judging Coach at Colby Community College. She brings with her a deep passion for the Miniature Hereford breed, which she actively shares with her team and incorporates into her everyday life.

Jennifer Place

I was raised on a Polled Hereford farm in Virginia, where I developed a deep appreciation for cattle and agriculture at a young age. I went on to earn my Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Virginia Tech, where I was an active member of both the Livestock Judging Team and the Horse Judging Team. Those experiences sharpened my eye for quality and strengthened my competitive spirit.

After several years working in the insurance industry, I chose to focus on raising my children, Julia and Jackson, while working full time on the farm with my husband, Jeff. Together, we manage a growing herd of Miniature Herefords and continue to build a program that reflects our family values and commitment to the breed.

My connection to the Miniature Hereford community deepened when Jackson and I attended the Miniature Hereford Junior Nationals. From the moment we arrived, I felt at home. I jumped in wherever help was needed and quickly found myself becoming part of the team. That involvement led to leadership roles, including serving as Treasurer for the Miniature Hereford Youth Foundation. In that role, I bring professionalism, accuracy, and a steady hand to the financial responsibilities of the organization.

As a member of the MHJN Committee, I handle many behind the scenes tasks that help the event run smoothly. My goal is always to ensure that youth exhibitors and their families have a positive and memorable experience. Whether I am managing paperwork, preparing cattle, or supporting young people in the ring, I am always ready to help.

My story is one of lifelong passion for agriculture, quiet and steady leadership, and a commitment to helping this breed grow through education, opportunity, and family involvement. I would be honored to continue serving this community and supporting the future of the Miniature Hereford breed.

Jim Phillips

I was raised on a ranch in California. I have been raising livestock all my life. I joined 4-H went I was old enough. I raised Hereford cattle and showed them for eight years. After High school I became a 4-H leader. Projects I taught kids were beef cattle, breeding cattle. Later I also became the swine, sheep leader. When my kids were old enough to join 4-H they showed all classes of livestock, including poultry.  I was also their leader. I became a meat cutter so I could teach the youth how to cut meat and also how to grade beef. I cut meat for over 25 years. My door is always open to people who want to learn about our industry. On my farm we have Mini Herefords, Boer goats, and cattle, swine. We raise all our meat for our family. The mini-Herefords remind me of my Hereford show cattle I showed in the late 1960 and early 1970. I prefer the Herefords over all the other breeds. We also grow our hay. I enjoy our farm and the opportunity to help others when I can. 

Nikki Camp