Achieving a secretary position within an organization is more than what meets the eye. Many in this role are meticulous in maintaining records, have a strong understanding of communication, and most importantly, care about how their role plays into their organization’s daily function.

The Missouri Hereford Association (MHA) is pleased to announce the recent hire of Andi Howard, a native of Dora, Missouri, to fill the Secretary/Treasurer role of the MHA.

Howard is no stranger to the cattle industry, let alone the Hereford breed. Growing up on her family’s cow-calf operation, Howard and her sister have raised a small herd of purebred Herefords and commercial Angus cattle.

“I have always had a passion for agriculture specifically the beef cattle industry,” Howard says.

“Entering the Hereford breed has allowed me to find my true passion within raising purebred cattle.”

This passion Howard had for agriculture led her to pursue a degree in the same field. She successfully graduated with her associate degree in agriculture from Missouri State University – West Plains (MSU-WP)  in December of 2022. She continued her degree progress at Missouri State University (MSU) where she will graduate with her bachelor’s degree in agricultural business, emphasis in finance and management this upcoming May.

Throughout her time as a student, Howard held many on-campus extracurricular and employment positions. She successfully spent time at MSU-WP as a student ambassador, where she led prospective student visits and informed high school students about their campus. Moving to MSU, Howard was hired as a ranch hand intern for a semester under the Journagan Ranch, and is a current Shealy Farm student employee, both ensuring the day-to-day care of the animals and farm maintenance.

Howard has enjoyed spending time outside of class and work attending cattle shows, as well as filling her cup full of family time and especially gigging trips.

She is most looking forward to her time spent in this position to grow her connections and involvement within the Hereford breed and learn about the association and its operations within the state.“I would like to have a positive impact on the members of the MHA as I hope to be someone they look to for guidance and support,” Howard says. “I hope to inspire the younger members and provide something for them to strive towards.”