Minnesota?Beef Expo Returns to Warner Coliseum - Oct. 21-24

Youth Agricultural Education a Focus

SAINT PAUL, MINN. (10/18/2010)(readMedia)-- Minnesota Beef Expo, the annual event that celebrates and promotes the beef industry, runs this Thursday, Oct. 21 through Sunday, Oct. 24 at the Warner Coliseum on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. Programming includes educational workshops, showmanship competitions, contests, cattle sales and a trade show.

The Minnesota Youth Beef Experience Seminar will be held Thursday evening. Beef industry leaders will educate youth ages 12-16 about starting their own beef herd with presentations on cattle nutrition, handling, housing, training, transportation, genetics, finance and promotion. At the conclusion of the seminar, a heifer will be awarded to one youth participant, thanks to the AgStar Fund for Rural America.

On Friday, teams of youth ages 9-21 will vie for the title of "2010 Beef Expo Extreme Makeover Champion." Participants work together to organize supplies, groom and fit an animal in preparation for the show ring, and respond to judges' questions.

Nearly $6,500 in prizes will be awarded on Saturday at the 8th Annual Supreme Row where supreme and reserve champion females and steers are selected and sold. Following the selection, 2010 Youth Beef Experience winners are awarded their heifers and an achievement award is presented to 2009's outstanding Youth Beef Experience winner.

The beef agricultural education events conclude Sunday with the Junior Show where youth participants' animals are judged and awarded halters, plaques, ribbons and more than $10,000 in premiums.

Other Beef Expo activities include the youth beef knowledge bowl; youth judging contest and showmanship competition; trade show booths; and beef cattle sales, featuring the highest quality breeders showcasing Angus, Charolais, Hereford, Limousin, Maine Anjou, Shorthorn, Simmental and South Devon breeds.

Admission to the event is free and open to the public. For a complete schedule and more information on Minnesota Beef Expo, call (651) 288-4440 or visit mnbeefexpo.com.