What is the HYFA?
The Hereford Youth Foundation of America was established in 1986 and is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated exclusively to scholarship and educational support of youth in the business of raising Hereford cattle. The Foundation is governed by a board of directors who are heavily involved in the Hereford industry and who have a vested interest in educating youth, developing leadership, and encouraging young people to return to production agriculture.
People directly involved in production agriculture account for less than 2% of the United States population, yet a strong agriculture economy insures the national security, well-being and independence or our nation trough the production of the safest, least expensive and highest quality food supply in the world. The Hereford Youth Foundation of America’s goal is to recruit, support, educate, train, and identify future leaders that will appreciate and extend our nations position as the bread and protein basket of the world.
The Hereford Youth Foundation of America is a national foundation and does not discriminate among youth from different regions of the country, race, gender, physical capabilities or religious beliefs.
History
The Hereford Youth Foundation of America was originally established in 1986 to support the educational needs of those young members of the National Junior Hereford Association, a membership organization that was formally established in 1965 as a young cattlemen arm of the American Hereford Association. The National Junior Hereford Association is one of the largest, strongest and most active agriculture youth programs in the country.
However, in 2000 as a result of the amalgamation of the two youth foundations including the American Hereford Youth Foundation and the American Polled Hereford Youth Foundation, Inc., the new Hereford Youth Foundation of America was begun. After blending the two foundations $218,000 worth of assets were reported in the new foundation. There are a host of individuals that are responsible for raising such monies over the years including much work from the two women's groups. These sources of income include organized silent auctions, heifer donations, transfer of assets from the American Hereford Women, tremendous breeder support from individuals such as Mrs. Tyssowski and the Vanier Family and many other individual contributions that are too numerous to name.
The Focus of HYFA
Since the beginning, the focus of the HYFA has primarily been geared toward supporting youth. Juniors can participate in a wide variety of contests and activities that are supported by the HYFA. Hereford youth have the opportunity to gain invaluable leadership skills that will enable them to become self-directing, educated leaders in today’s world. Each year the HYFA awards numerous scholarships to deserving Hereford Youth.
The Organization of the HYFA
The Hereford Youth Foundation of America is governed by a group of individuals who serve on the Foundation's board of directors. The board members have a sincere interest in the Hereford youth programs and the planning for the future development of the Hereford breed. AHA staff also plays a role in the management of the Foundation by securing private and corporate contributions and obtaining corporate sponsorships for various Association and NJHA activities, working with fundraising projects and overseeing the management and allocation of scholarship funds. These people work together as a team to make decisions that have lasting effects on the future of the HYFA.
Opportunities available through giving to HYFA
The most important members on the HYFA are those who give their support through financial contributions. The tax-deductible contributions of American Hereford Association members and partners who see the potential of the HYFA in bettering our society make-up the vast majority of the HYFA support system. HYFA supports the programs and activities that not only benefit the Hereford breed today but also helps establish the future of the Hereford breed for tomorrow’s youth. The most common methods of giving include traditional methods such as: cash donations, sponsorships and memorials.
We hope that you will remember the Hereford Youth Foundation of America and help us ensure a bright future for our Hereford youth. Your involvement will make a difference in the future of the Hereford breed.
Courtesy of: American Hereford Association