A delegation of young Irish breeders returned from Kansas late last month after a highly productive week at the World Hereford Conference and Young Breeders Competition 2025, where Team USA claimed the overall title following an intense programme of learning, competition and international collaboration.

Held at Kansas State University and the American Royal, this year’s event brought together 11 teams from seven countries, making it one of the most globally representative Hereford gatherings to date.

 

 

 

 

 

 

International Skills and New Learning

Throughout the week, the Irish team took part in a wide range of modules including written exams, livestock judging, meat evaluation, fitting and showmanship. Many of these tasks involved adapting to American production systems, which provided important new learning opportunities.

Competitor Colin Burke noted that the written exams placed a strong emphasis on American Hereford systems, while the steer profitability challenge required quick conversion between American and Irish grading and weight measures. The livestock judging section, which included market hogs and sheep alongside Herefords, offered a completely new experience for many European participants.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Farm Visits and Practical Development

The visit to the K-State stocker farm and beef unit gave the team first-hand exposure to large-scale American handling systems and automated infrastructure. “It was really interesting to see the differences between here and home,” said Patrick Farrell, reflecting on the tour.

In the meat evaluation contest, the competitors judged short ribs, loins and a full beef carcass under the American grading system, which deepened their understanding of international processing standards. Later, at Spring Hill Herefords and the renowned Jensen Ranches Chosen Sale, the team viewed top-quality cattle and saw the opening lot sell for an impressive $150,000.

Reflecting on one of the busiest days of the trip, Sarah Armstrong highlighted how valuable the practical demonstrations were:

“We had so many educational sessions and hands-on workshops and it really opened our eyes to different approaches in showing and preparing cattle. It was exciting to learn new techniques that we can bring home.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Industry Connections and Global Collaboration

A key highlight of the week was the opportunity to meet breeders and industry leaders from across the United States and other participating nations. At the American Hereford Association headquarters, the Irish delegation explored the breed’s heritage and attended presentations on production, genetics and marketing.

Irish Hereford Society President Alan Crowe addressed the international audience, shared Ireland’s recent progress and formally invited the global Hereford community to attend the 2026 World Hereford Conference in Ireland.

From the American organising team, Amy Cowan of the American Hereford Association reflected on the significance of hosting the event after years of preparation:

“This conference has been five years in the making and it is incredible to see young breeders from around the world stepping out of their comfort zones, building networks and gaining experiences that will shape the future of the Hereford breed.”

                   

 

 

 

 

 

For Irish Hereford Prime’s Tennyson Egar, the event also provided an important chance to compare approaches with those involved in Certified Hereford Beef. He noted that many of their challenges and opportunities closely align with those in Ireland.

From the American perspective, Chris Mullinix of Kansas State University emphasised the long-term value of the competition, describing the young participants as the generation who will drive the global future of the Hereford breed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Final Events and Results

The final day at the American Royal focused on the fitting and showmanship contests, where the Irish competitors demonstrated strong teamwork under pressure. “It was fast and tough but very rewarding,” said Mark Hyland, reflecting on the experience.

After a full week of competition, Team USA were announced as the winners of the Young Breeders Competition 2025. The Irish team warmly congratulated the home nation on their success.

                   

 

 

 

 

 

A Proud Week for Ireland

The Irish young breeders returned home encouraged by their performance and enriched by new international relationships, technical insights and a broader understanding of global Hereford breeding. With Ireland preparing to host the next World Hereford Conference in 2026, the knowledge and experience gained in Kansas will play an important role in the year ahead.