Herefords Australia Youth Members Excel at World Hereford Conference

Four of our Herefords Australia Youth members have delivered an exceptional performance on the international stage, representing Australia at the World Hereford Conference Young Breeders Competition in Kansas City, USA.

Emily Taylor, Tabby Cross, Will Van Gend and Lochie McLauchlan, competed against 11 teams from seven countries and were guided throughout the competition by Herefords Australia CEO, Hamish Chandler and team mentor Tim Reid.

The group’s performance was exceptional. They claimed the Champion Team Fitting Award, demonstrating outstanding technical skill, teamwork, and professionalism. In addition, Emily Taylor earned the Reserve Individual Champion title in the Meat Animal Evaluation, making her the only competitor outside the United States to place in the university division. This achievement underscores the high calibre of our youth members and their ability to compete successfully on a global stage.

“Beyond the results, the team earned widespread praise for their sportsmanship, leadership, and the way they represented Australia and the Hereford breed,” said Herefords Australia CEO Hamish Chandler. “This is an extraordinary achievement and a proud moment for Herefords Australia. Their dedication and hard work clearly paid off.”

Tim Reid also praised the team, saying, “Their success in the fitting competition was particularly impressive. They showed that Australian youth can perform at the highest level internationally, combining skill, strategy, and teamwork. It was an absolute pleasure to mentor them and watch their confidence and capability grow throughout the week.”

For the team members, the competition was both challenging and rewarding. Emily Taylor reflected on the experience: “The journey from Tamworth to Kansas City was long, about 18 hours with two stopovers, but arriving a day early gave us time to adjust and settle in. Competing alongside young breeders from other countries was inspiring, and it pushed us to perform at our best. Working as a team was the highlight. We each had our individual moments, but our collaboration and support for each other really made the difference.”

The competition not only tested technical skills like livestock and meat judging but also fostered cultural exchange, leadership development, and industry networking. The Australian team’s success is a testament to their talent, commitment, and the strength of our next generation of beef industry leaders.

“This is a powerful example of what our youth can achieve in agriculture,” added Hamish Chandler. “Our Herefords Australia Youth members are earning international recognition through their hard work, teamwork, and pride in the breed. Their achievements will inspire other young Australians to engage with the industry and pursue excellence.”

The experience in Kansas City highlights both the global reputation of Hereford cattle and the dedication of Australia’s next generation of breeders. With their impressive results and exemplary representation, our youth members have set a benchmark for future competitions and reinforced Australia’s place on the world Hereford stage.