Minnesota Beef Expo to Highlight Youth as Future of Beef Industry

ST. PAUL, MINN. (10/09/2015)(readMedia)-- The Minnesota Beef Expo, an annual event that celebrates and promotes the beef industry, runs Thursday, Oct. 15 through Sunday, Oct. 18, at the Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. The event, which attracts participants from across the Midwest, includes educational workshops, youth contests, cattle sales, junior shows and a trade show. Admission is free and open to the public. The 2015 schedule of featured Minnesota Beef Expo events is as follows:

Thursday, Oct. 15

• Noon: Youth Knowledge Bowl

Four-member teams participate in a quiz bowl competition that tests their knowledge of cattle and the beef industry.

• 3:30 p.m.: Sullivan Supply Stock Show University Seminar

• 5:30 p.m.: Minnesota Youth Beef Experience Program (MYBEP) Educational Workshop

Beef industry leaders offer educational discussion on cattle breeding, selection, feeding, reproduction and Beef Quality Assurance (BQA). All ages are welcome to attend. At the conclusion of the workshop, the attendee present with the highest application score given by the MYBEP selection committee will be awarded a heifer, sponsored by the Minnesota State Cattlemen's Association.

Friday, Oct. 16

• 9:15 a.m.: Judging Contest

Competitors in four age groups compete individually or in teams to evaluate breeding heifers, market steers and prospect calves.

• 12:30 p.m.: Sullivan Supply Fitting Contest

Youth ages 7-21 compete in teams within a time limit to groom and fit an animal in preparation for the show ring.

• 3 p.m.: Junior Showmanship Competition

Youth exhibitors compete in a showmanship contest where they are judged on their animal handling skills and cattle knowledge.

• 7 p.m.: White Satin on Ice Elite Genetics Sale

Highlighting the best of the beef industry, seedstock producers sell their top genetics at this formal event.

Saturday, Oct. 17

• 8 a.m.: Sale Cattle Show

Sale animals are evaluated by judges and potential buyers before the cattle sale begins at noon.

• 9 a.m.: 2015 Minnesota Beef Ambassador Team Competition

The Minnesota Beef Ambassador program provides an opportunity for youth to educate consumers and students about beef nutrition, food safety and stewardship practices of beef producers. The Minnesota Beef Ambassador Team will consist of the Senior Minnesota Beef Ambassador Winner and two team members, and a Junior Beef Ambassador. They will promote beef and agriculture as they develop skills of leadership, communication and self-confidence. The program highlights the positive impact cattle farming has on our health, economy and environment.

• Noon: Cattle Sale

Breeding heifers and prospect show steers are sold at the Upper Midwest's premier cattle sale.

• 2 p.m.: Minnesota British White Park Select Sale

• 2 p.m.: "Artist In You" Class with Weber Custom Painting

Popular livestock artist Michelle Weber will host a fun and interactive class on basic painting techniques. This class is open to all age groups and skill levels, but attendees must pre-register.

• 4:30 p.m.: 13th Annual Supreme Row Dinner & Awards

The 13th Annual Supreme Row Selection Event & Dinner highlights all of the successful breeders during Saturday's sale. Supreme and Reserve Champion animals are selected from the breed sale champions, and a total of $6,750 in prize money will be awarded to seller and buyers. Additionally, heifers are awarded to 12 MYBEP youth to help them get a start in the beef cattle business. New for 2015: The Minnesota State Fair will award the 100th heifer in the program's history. Awards will also be given to the 2014 MYBEP? Achievement Award winner and the 2015 Minnesota Beef Ambassador Teams will be recognized. The Market Beef Show will kick off the event at 4:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 18

• 8 a.m.: Prospect Market Calf Show and Junior Breeding Heifer Show

Youth ages 7-21 show more than 700 animals in competition and are awarded plaques, ribbons and more than $10,000 in premiums.

• 3:30 p.m.: Selection of Heifer Supreme and Premier Exhibitor Awards

The supreme heifer champion will be selected from the breed champions. The Premier Exhibitor Awards, new in 2015, will highlight youth who actively participate in the educational events and youth contests, and excel in the show ring at the Expo. Prizes will be awarded to the Top 5.

Throughout the event, the Upper Midwest's best breeders showcase Angus, British White Park, Charolais, Hereford, Limousin, Maine Anjou, Shorthorn, Simmental and South Devon breeds, as well as commercial heifers and club calves. This year's featured breed organization is the Minnesota Angus Association. The Angus breed is the largest breed association in the country with almost 300,000 head of cattle registered in 2014. The Certified Angus Beef brand is commonly seen at restaurants across the country. The Minnesota Angus Association is a group of breeders dedicated to promote the breed through the production of Angus cattle with improved genetics. They also are focused on supporting the junior Angus members.

The annual event is coordinated and funded by the Minnesota State Fair with financial support from leading beef industry organizations as a way to promote youth in animal agriculture.

For a complete schedule and more information on Minnesota Beef Expo, call (651) 643-6476, email beef.expo@mnstatefair.org or visit mnbeefexpo.com.

-MSF-