Shane Bedwell has been named Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Director of Breed Improvement of the American Hereford Association (AHA). Shane will lead the AHA performance department and oversee the National Reference Sire Program (NRSP) and Whole Herd Total Performance Records (TPR) program.
“I feel very humbled and honored to take the job as Director of Breed Improvement and COO for the American Hereford Association,” Shane says. “I look forward to serving the membership and working for a first-class organization. I believe that because of AHA’s outstanding leadership, the breed is currently positioned very well in the industry and envision continued growth for the years to come.”
Prior to joining the AHA staff, Shane coached the livestock judging team at Colorado State University. In that role since August 2007, he has led many successful and championship teams. He also was an instructor for two livestock selection classes, as well as co-taught animal nutrition while serving as advisor for CSU’s Block & Bridle club.
A Kansas State University graduate, Shane was a member of the 2003 Reserve National Champion Judging Team. Shane earned a master’s degree in beef cattle nutrition from the University of Illinois in 2007.
Shane was raised on a cow-calf and stocker ranch near Medicine Lodge, Kan., and continues to help manage his family’s 350 head cow-calf operation, which consists of a rotational cross of Hereford, Angus and Red Angus.
Shane has had the opportunity to judge cattle in 30 states including the National Western Stock Show, American Royal, North American, Fort Worth Stock Show, San Antonio Livestock Show and the Houston Livestock and Rodeo. He says he enjoys youth events and working with students who are focused on pursuing a career in the livestock industry.
“We are excited to have Shane join our Hereford team,” says Jack Ward, American Hereford Association executive vice president. “He brings a wealth of commercial industry knowledge to our organization as well as a unique ability to communicate technology and science in beef-producer terms. He will lead our research projects as we continue to document and prove the Hereford advantage.”