SYDF
Shorthorn Youth Development Fund
About SYDF
The Shorthorn Youth Development Fund (SYDF) was established in 2020 to provide financial support for programs that develop Shorthorn youth as cattle producers, industry leaders and responsible, productive citizens.
Junior members are the future breeders, producers, customers, agricultural professionals and advocates of the Shorthorn breed. Investing in them today helps ensure a strong future for Shorthorn tomorrow.
One of the greatest examples of that investment is the National Junior Shorthorn Show & Youth Conference (NJSS). Each summer, hundreds of Shorthorn youth and their families from across the country come together for a week of competition, education, leadership development and lifelong friendships.
NJSS is much more than a cattle show. Through contests, educational opportunities and hands-on experiences, junior members build confidence and develop communication, leadership, teamwork and decision-making skills while strengthening their connection to agriculture and the Shorthorn breed.
$500,000 - the cost of making NJSS possible
$500,000 is the estimated cost to produce the 2027 National Junior Shorthorn Show & Youth Conference
Entry and registration fees cover only a portion of the true cost of NJSS. The rest is made possible through the generosity of breeders, families, businesses and industry partners. As costs continue to rise, support of SYDF is more important than ever.
The Shorthorn Youth Development Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring these opportunities remain available to Shorthorn youth for generations to come.
MORE THAN A SHOW
“NJSS has given me so much more than experiences in the show ring. It has taught me about leadership, responsibility, communication, and what it means to be part of something bigger than yourself. Most importantly, it has given me friendships and memories that I would not have had otherwise.” - Caleb Davis, North Carolina Junior Shorthorn Association.
Caleb was inspired by his first NJSS experience and helped establish the North Carolina Junior Shorthorn Association and became the first North Carolina junior to run for the AJSA board.
The experiences created through NJSS extend far beyond one week each summer. The confidence gained, skills developed, friendships made and connections to the Shorthorn breed can last a lifetime.
Today's juniors are tomorrow's breeders, customers, leaders and advocates.
Royal Society
Turn your sale into an investment in the next generation.
The Shorthorn Royal Society recognizes breeders, families and businesses who support SYDF through generous contributions, including proceeds from live animal, genetics, memorabilia, art, or similar lots in their sale.
Diamond — $5,000+
Ruby — $2,500–$4,999
Emerald — $1,000–$2,499
Sapphire — Less than $1,000
Royal Society members are recognized through Shorthorn Country, junior events and social media. ASA will also provide promotional materials to help breeders highlight their SYDF contribution before and during their sale.
50% Live Animal or Pregnancy Lot | 100% Genetics Lot | 100% other lots
Email HERE to support SYDF through your sale.
Red, White & ROan Club
An easy way for anyone to invest in Shorthorn youth.
Join the Shorthorn Red, White & Roan Club by making a one-time gift or setting up an automatic monthly or annual contribution. Recurring gifts provide dependable support that allows SYDF to continue investing in opportunities for AJSA members year after year.
Your total annual giving determines your membership level:
RED, WHITE & ROAN
$1,000+ annually · about $84/month
RED
$500–$999 annually · about $42/month
WHITE
$250–$499 annually · about $21/month
ROAN
$100–$249 annually · about $9/month
Whether you give once or throughout the year, every contribution makes an impact.
Give once. Give monthly. Give annually. Invest in their future.
Help us reach our goal and donate now!
The fund accepts checks, credit cards and direct debit from your bank account. No contribution is too small, and every dollar counts! Everyone will be recognized publicly for their participation. By making the commitment to “pay it forward” through an annual contribution to the Shorthorn Youth Development Fund, today’s breeders accept responsibility of seeing to it that our youth have the development opportunities they need to prepare for their time as the Shorthorn breeders of tomorrow.
SYDF: Red, White, and Roan Beef
BEEF
Purchasing SYDF’s brand of “Red, White and Roan All Beef Snacks” is an easy and delicious way you can support the Shorthorn breed’s youth development mission!
100% Shorthorn Beef Snacks taste great and are packaged to make appealing gifts for family and friends, customers and business associates!
No contribution is too small, and every dollar counts!
By making the commitment to “pay it forward” through an annual contribution to the Shorthorn Youth Development Fund, today’s breeders accept responsibility of seeing to it that our youth have the opportunities they need to prepare for their time as the Shorthorn breeders of tomorrow.