1881

Part 1 | The Masters in Madison

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. 

Episode 44 | An Eye for Livestock

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.

Episode 43 | Building on Commercial Momentum

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. 

Episode 42 | A Lifetime in the Breed

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.

Episode 41 | Stocking for Resilience

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. 

Episode 40 | The Front Liners

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. 

Episode 39 | Leading the Breed

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.
 

Episode 38 | A New Partner in DNA Testing

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.