This spring marks 10 years of Hereford Youth, a decade in which hundreds of young people have taken part in workshops, stock judging, training and international opportunities through the Hereford Cattle Society.
Hereford Youth held its first workshop in April 2016, when nearly 30 young people travelled from across the UK, including Northern Ireland, to Normanton Herefords. That day set the tone for the programme: practical learning, shared experience and a commitment to developing the next generation of Hereford breeders and industry professionals.
Since then, young members have gone on to represent the breed and the UK on the national and international stage. Highlights have included participation in young handlers’ classes at Tullamore Show during a workshop visit to Ireland in 2018, and annual representation in the National Stock Judging competition at Three Counties Show. Many members have also secured young handler titles at shows across the country, building skills and confidence in the ring.
Internationally, teams of young Hereford breeders travelled to New Zealand in 2020 and the United States in 2025, representing the UK at successive World Hereford Conferences. Alongside this, Hereford Youth members have contributed to the British Cattle Breeders Club Conference and other industry events, with several individuals going on to be nominated for national awards in their own right.
The programme has also broken new ground socially. In 2022, Hereford Youth hosted the Society’s first charity ball, a black-tie event which brought supporters together from across the UK and Europe and raised £10,800 for good causes. Across the decade, workshops, farm walks, stockmanship training and social events have helped young people build networks, careers and lifelong friendships.
Reflecting on the milestone, Hereford Cattle Society General Manager, Seth Wareing said he was proud of what has been achieved and excited about the future. “Over the past ten years, Hereford Youth has helped young people gain skills, experience and confidence while flying the flag for the breed at home and overseas,” he said. “We are now looking forward to the next decade, continuing to invest inopportunity, leadership and practical learning for the next generation of Hereford breeders.”
The 10-year anniversary will be marked at the upcoming youth workshop on Friday 2 May at Allwood Herefords, by kind permission of Gerald Wood and family. The day will focus on hands-on stock judging, show preparation, teamwork and confidence building, welcoming young Hereford enthusiasts from across the UK.
To help make the anniversary event as rewarding as possible, Hereford Youth is still seeking raffle prizes and small awards for participants. Suitable items include vouchers or experiences, farm or breed-branded clothing, farming or livestock equipment, gifts, hampers or other practical items for young farmers.
Anyone wishing to support the event, or to discuss a potential prize donation, is invited to contact Emma Edwards at emma.edwards@herefordcattle.org