Andy Mrnak, Cassie Bacon and Margeaux Firestine were named Pro-Performance Breeders on July 14 at the world's largest Hereford show, the Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE) in Milwaukee, Wis. The Pro-Performance award recognizes members of the National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) who use performance records in their breeding programs.

Selection of winners is based on the juniors' performance programs, as well as leadership, employment, management and herd goals.

Mrnak, Bowman, N.D., was the first place winner, receiving $300 and a package of 10 straws of semen and two certificates of his choice. He is a fourth generation Hereford breeder and has been involved with the Hereford breed all his life. Mrnak has served as president of the North Dakota Junior Hereford Association and recently retired as a director of the NJHA.

Mrnak has built a herd of his own consisting of 21 registered females. To increase the size of his herd quickly, he purchased heifers in a partnership with his brother. He says the partnership has allowed them to extend their budget, outcross some of their genetics and purchase females and semen from breeders across the nation.

Bacon, Prairie Grove, Ark., was the second place winner. She receives $100 and a semen package of five straws and one certificate. Bacon serves on the NJHA Board of Directors and was elected at the JNHE to be reporter for the 2005-2006 year. She has been active in a number of cattle-related groups, including the Arkansas Junior Hereford Association, National Beef Ambassador program and the Arkansas Junior Cattleman's Association.

Bacon owns 48 registered Herefords. She also has ten commercial cows, co-owned with two younger siblings. The cows are used as recipients for their embryo transfer (ET) program. Firestine, Womelsdorf, Pa., was awarded third place. She also wins $100 and a semen package of five straws and one certificate. Firestine served as the 2003 National Polled Hereford Queen, as well as secretary/treasurer of the Pennsylvania Junior Hereford Association from 1999 to 2002.

At the early age of four, Firestine owned her first Hereford heifer. She now owns 20 Hereford cows, some registered and some commercial. The commercial cows are used as ET recipients. She also has 50 percent ownership in two cows from partnerships with NS Polled Herefords in Ohio and Hirsche Herefords in Alberta, Canada.

The National Junior Hereford Association is one of the most active junior programs in the country with 3,000 members. The NJHA's mission is to create and promote enthusiasm for the breed while providing opportunities through leadership, education and teamwork. For more information about the NJHA visit www.hereford.org.

Date: 8/22/05