Powered by the American Hereford Association, 1881, has a mission to share stories of the breed’s rich history in the beef industry, connect with the faces behind the bald face and share the progress that has impacted operations across the country. We’ll bring you content that appeals to cattlemen and women of all ages looking to learn more about the breed bringing people home. Come Home to Hereford.
1881 traveled to Madison, Wis., for the 2026 VitaFerm® Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE). In this three-part series, Shane Bedwell sits down with the judges of the Hereford Masters in Madison to discuss their careers, experiences and perspectives from one of the summer's most prestigious events. In Part 2, Shane is joined by owned female show judges Randy Mullinix, Toulon, Ill., and Jake Bohnsack, Taylor Ridge, Ill. Randy owns and operates Purple Reign Cattle Co. in Toulon, Ill. Raised on a diversified cattle and grain operation in Woodbine, Md., he attended Black Hawk East and Kansas State University, where he was a member of national champion livestock judging teams at both institutions. Purple Reign has produced numerous national champions and earned nearly 50 premier breeder honors at national events. Randy has judged livestock shows in 40 states, including national shows and junior nationals for more than a dozen breeds. Jake was raised in Taylor Ridge, Ill., where he developed a passion for exhibiting Hereford cattle. He attended Black Hawk East before earning a degree in animal science from Oklahoma State University, where he further developed his livestock evaluation skills as a member of the livestock judging program.
1881 travels to Madison, Wis., for the 2026 VitaFerm® Junior National Hereford Expo. In this three-part series, Shane Bedwell sits down with the judges of the Masters in Madison to discuss their careers, experiences and perspectives from one of the most prestigious events of the summer. The first guest is Montie Soules, CEO of the American Shorthorn Association (ASA), who judged the steers and bred-and-owned bulls. Shane and Montie recap the show, reflect on Montie's career in the beef industry and Hereford breed. Before joining ASA, Montie spent 34 years as general manager of Star Lake Cattle Ranch/ACE Polled Herefords, where the program exhibited 49 national and reserve national champions and 13 consecutive champion carloads of bulls at the National Western Stock Show. He has judged cattle across the United States and internationally and spent 18 years consulting in Argentina. Raised on his family's farm in Michigan, Montie graduated from Michigan State University.
In this episode of 1881, Jirl Buck, Madill, Okla., shares the story behind his lifelong passion for the livestock industry and the experiences that led him to the Hereford breed. Working alongside his father sparked Jirl's interest in the cattle business at a young age, and years later, he found his way to the Hereford breed through the National Hereford Sale, where the females purchased helped lay the groundwork for Buck Cattle Co.'s success in the breed. Throughout the episode, he reflects on the cattle and people that have influenced his journey and shaped his success.
In this episode of 1881, Justin Miller, the American Hereford Association’s new director of commercial programs visits with Shane Bedwell. The conversation highlights Miller’s long-standing career in the beef business, his enthusiasm for the Hereford breed and the growing value of Hereford genetics in the commercial sector.
In this episode of 1881, Bill Ashe of Selmer, Tenn., shares the story of building a registered Hereford herd from scratch in 1963 and the decades of leadership that followed. From his military service to shaping the commercial acceptance of Hereford genetics in the Southeast, Ashe’s influence can be seen across the region. Tune in to hear more about a lifetime dedicated to the Hereford breed.
In this episode of 1881, Noble Research Institute regenerative ranching advisors Charles Rohla and Devlon Ford join Shane Bedwell to break down research-proven strategies. The conversation covers what actually drives plant recovery and soil health, how maternal heterosis strengthens resilience in the cow herd, and the monitoring tools producers can use to stay profitable while adapting to change. This episode sets the stage for a deeper discussion at the Learning Lounge at #CattleCon, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. — built for cattlemen making real decisions on grass, genetics and long-term sustainability.
In this episode of 1881, Shane Bedwell sits down with members of the American Hereford Association Records department, the team on the front lines of registrations, transfers and data. Talina Nelson and Debbie Hayes answer frequently asked questions from breeders and commercial cattlemen, clear up common misconceptions and share practical guidance to help navigate the registration process.
In this episode of 1881, Shane Bedwell sits down with Austin Snedden, a fifth-generation California rancher and newly elected chairman of the American Hereford Association Board of Directors. Austin shares his background, the long-standing history of Snedden Ranch and how his family continues to build a program rooted in quality Hereford cattle with a strong focus on meeting the needs of commercial customers. Their conversation also explores Austin’s vision for the breed, where the Association is headed and how Herefords continue to shape the commercial cattle industry today.
In this episode, American Hereford Association (AHA) Executive Vice President Jack Ward joins host Shane Bedwell to discuss the Association’s new DNA testing partner. They walk through frequently asked questions about the transition to the new lab, what breeders can expect and how the change will benefit members. The episode also highlights what’s ahead for the AHA, including the 2025 Junior National Hereford Expo and the upcoming World Hereford Conference.
Mark your calendars for an event that celebrates the heart of the Hereford breed. The American Hereford Association is proud to host the 2025 World Hereford Conference, featuring exclusive pre- and post-conference tours, and the highly anticipated Young Breeders Competition. Want to know more? Tune in to this episode with Amy Cowan, where we share the details you need to know about the conference, tours and competition. Registration is open now, and early bird pricing won’t last forever — prices increase on April 1, 2025. Secure your spot today and be part of this global gathering. Find more information on the conference here -- worldherefordconference.com
What makes a cow truly fit for a regenerative ranching system? In this episode of 1881, we visit with Hugh Aljoe of the Noble Research Institute to dive into the traits of a productive and efficient cow—one that thrives in both economic and environmental conditions. Want to learn more about leveraging profit potential, environmental stewardship, and social demands? Join us at #CattleCon25 on Wednesday, Feb. 5, from 10–11 a.m. at the AHA booth (#3560) to visit with AHA staff and Hugh Aljoe. See you there!
An episode packed with information – Kane Aegerter, the newly appointed Director of Seedstock Marketing for the American Hereford Association, joins host Shane Bedwell on this episode of 1881. With excitement building around the Hereford breed, they discuss its latest highlights and growing momentum. Kane shares his industry experience, along with the passion and vision driving his approach to helping breeders market their genetics. Reflecting on the start of 2025, they dive into the successes of Cattlemen's Congress and the National Western Stock Show, the unmatched demand for F1 females, and the value of Hereford bulls as sale season kicks off. Tune in now!
On the final 1881 episode of the year, we’re honored to welcome Chad Breeding, a lifelong Miami, Texas, resident and the newly elected chairman of the American Hereford Association board. Chad reflects on his family’s rich legacy with the Hereford breed, shaped by generations of ranching and leadership, and shares his vision for the year ahead.
Tune in to this episode of the 1881 podcast as we visit with Hugh Aljoe, Director of Ranches, Outreach, and Partnerships at the Noble Research Institute. Learn how the NRI’s innovative approach to ‘doing more with what you have’ is helping farmers and researchers. Visit the Noble Research Institute here: https://www.noble.org/
This episode of the 1881 Podcast is truly 'all about the beef' as we welcome Dr. Shawn Baker, renowned author of The Carnivore Diet and advocate for the carnivore lifestyle. Dr. Baker has thrived on this diet for years, and he joins us to dive deep into its benefits and the essential role beef plays in nutrition. Tune in to discover more about the power of beef in your diet and the essential role farmers and ranchers play in raising this nutritious staple.
A resource for breeders and commercial cattlemen – the AHA field staff cover the United states promoting Hereford genetics. Tune into this episode of 1881 to meet the team, learn about their industry backgrounds, and find out how they can assist your operation.
The Hereford breed is known for its heritage and history in the beef industry. The National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) has played a crucial role in shaping the leaders of tomorrow by fostering the development of junior members. Each summer, the NJHA's hallmark event is the VitaFerm® Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE). On this episode of 1881, Mike Simpson and Bonnie Coley-Malir share the storied history of the junior Hereford programs, culminating in the inception of the JNHE in 2000. As you journey to Grand Island, Neb., for the Grand Daddy of 'Em All, tune in to relive the proud heritage of the Hereford breed.
What started as a 4-H project in Redmond, Oregon, grew Denny Hoffman into a herdsman, manager and now owner of Hoffman Herefords in Thedford, Nebraska. With more than 60 years of involvement in the breed, Denny began the early part of his career as a herdsman for Stone Herefords, Hermiston, Oregon. On a courageous leap of faith, Denny moved the family operation from California to Nebraska in order to grow and sustain the business for the next generation. A 2019 Hall of Fame inductee, Denny shares his history with the Hereford breed in this episode of 1881.
Every state newsletter column John Meents, Jenera, Ohio, penned ended with the sentence, “Make your cattle better today because you have to market them tomorrow,” a sentiment John believed throughout his entire livestock marketing career. Meents had a 21-year career with the American Hereford Association as the Upper Midwest Region field representative. He worked hard to sell animals in the sale ring and privately, offered industry insights for advertising and breeding decisions, and cheered on multiple generations of Hereford breeders. A 2021 Hereford Hall of Merit inductee, John shares about his livestock marketing career in this 1881 episode.
The inaugural Hereford Seedstock Academy brought together a group of young Hereford enthusiasts eager to learn from industry professionals and Association staff all while building their network. Shayne Wiese, Wiese and Sons Herefords, Manning, Iowa, participated in the 2023 Hereford Seedstock Academy. From the board room to meat retail, from pasture to feedlot and to cutting-edge research in three states, Shayne shares his experience as part of the Academy. Applications for the 2024 Hereford Seedstock Academy are open and can be found here: https://hereford.org/hereford-seedstock-academy/
