American Hereford Association

Executive Vice President

 

Jack started with the American Hereford Association in 2003 and currently serves as the executive vice-president.  His initial role was Chief Operations Officer and Director of Breed Improvement.

Jack received his Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Economics from Purdue University, and an Associates of Science degree from Black Hawk College, East Campus

Jack and his wife Mary Ann along with Carter, operate Ward Brothers Livestock.  Ward Brothers is a seedstock cattle operation.

Jack has served on various boards and advisory committees including the Beef Improvement Federation board, Germ-Plasm preservation committee, Ultrasound Guidelines Council and National Beef Cattle Evaluation advisory committee.  Additionally, he is a member of the American Royal board of directors.

Ward has traveled around the United States and into 7 foreign countries to judge livestock shows and present lectures on beef cattle genetic improvement.

American Hereford Association

Chief Operating Officer and Director of Breed Improvement

 

Shane Bedwell serves as the Chief Operating Officer and Director of Breed Improvement for the American Hereford Association (AHA). Shane works closely with the AHA’s genetic evaluation as well as National Reference Sire Program.

Prior to joining the AHA in 2015, Shane was a professor and livestock judging coach at Colorado State University for 8 years. He received an associate’s degree in science from Butler County Community College in 2002 and a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and Industry from Kansas State University in 2004. Shane completed a master’s degree in beef cattle nutrition from the University of Illinois in 2007.

Shane has had the opportunity to judge cattle in 33 states, including to be invited to judge at all major and national shows in the U.S. Additionally he has judged in two foreign countries.

Shane was raised on a cow-calf/stocker ranch near Medicine Lodge, Kansas where he remains active in the genetic decisions of the ranch. Along with his wife Lacey and children Cealy Rose and Chisum they operate CB Livestock in Holt, MO.

Beef Australia Special Edition Mag 2024