In today’s Beef Buzz, senior farm and ranch broadcaster Ron Hays speaks with Shane Bedwell, chief operating officer of the American Hereford Association, about the continued growth of Cattlemen’s Congress, the momentum within the Hereford breed, and the next generation shaping its future.
Bedwell, who has served on show’s Board of Directors since it’s inception, reflected on the early days of Cattlemen’s Congress, noting that its long-term success was far from guaranteed. “It was just mainly a fallback plan, you know, for the circumstances at the time,” he said. What began as a contingency has evolved into a must-attend event, embraced by cattlemen across breeds. According to Bedwell, “It’s really grew into a show that folks want to be at… cattlemen of all breeds come here and have a lot of commerce.”
Turning to the Hereford breed, Bedwell described 2025 as an exceptional year, highlighted by hosting the World Hereford Conference in Kansas City. “It’s only been in the U.S. three different times since the existence, going back to the ’50s,” he said. The feedback from international guests was especially encouraging, with many remarking on the breed’s progress. “They couldn’t believe how much the cattle had changed… it was just a shot in the arm for all those breeders,” Bedwell added as breeders look ahead to the next bull sale season.
Bedwell also outlined how today’s Herefords differ significantly from those of a decade or two ago. He credited disciplined breeding decisions for major improvements in functionality and performance. “We’ve made so many big strides on udders and teat quality,” he said, adding that modern Herefords now combine “performance, growth, and the carcass merit to go along with them.” He emphasized that efficiency, soundness, and strong feet and legs remain hallmark traits that help the breed “check a lot of boxes” for commercial cattlemen.
Finally, Bedwell highlighted the association’s commitment to youth and junior programs, calling them a cornerstone of the Hereford organization. “We give away between $280,000 and $300,000 every year in scholarships,” he noted, stressing the importance of investing in young people. He said it’s especially rewarding to see the long-term impact, with families returning to the breed across generations. “Now you’re seeing three-, four-generation young people that have been through the show ring… it’s really neat. It’s a big part of our association.”
The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Ag Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR for today’s show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.
