Minnesota Beef Expo to Highlight Youth as Future of Beef Industry

ST. PAUL, MINN. (10/18/2011)(readMedia)-- Minnesota Beef Expo, the annual event that celebrates and promotes the beef industry, runs Thursday, Oct. 20 through Sunday, Oct. 23, at the Warner Coliseum on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. The event – which attracts participants from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and North and South Dakota – includes educational workshops, showmanship competitions, contests, cattle sales and a trade show.

The Minnesota Youth Beef Experience Program (MYBEP) 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. A heifer will be awarded to one qualified youth participant, thanks to the Minnesota State Cattlemen's Association.

Thursday also features a Youth Beef Knowledge Bowl and competitions to determine a team of Minnesota Beef Spokespersons to educate consumers and students about beef nutrition, food safety and stewardship practices of beef farmers.

On Friday, teams of youth ages 9-21 will vie for the title of "2011 Beef Expo Extreme Makeover Champion." Teams work together within a time limit to groom and fit an animal in preparation for the show ring and to respond to judges' questions.

Prize money totaling $6,750 will be awarded on Saturday at the 9th Annual Supreme Row, where supreme and reserve champion females and steers are selected and sold. Also at the program, heifers are awarded to 11 MYBEP youth to help them get a start in the beef cattle business, and winners of 2010 MYBEP achievement awards and scholarship are announced.

The beef agricultural education events conclude Sunday with the Junior Show. This year, youth will show nearly 600 animals in competition and are awarded halters, plaques, ribbons and more than $10,000 in premiums.

Throughout the event, the highest-quality breeders will showcase 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.