Minnesota Beef Expo to Highlight Youth as Future of Beef Industry

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ST. PAUL, MINN. (10/10/2012)(readMedia)-- Minnesota Beef Expo, the annual event that celebrates and promotes the beef industry, runs Thursday, Oct. 18 through Sunday, Oct. 21, at the Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. The event – which attracts participants from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas 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, production 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 Ambassadors who will educate consumers and students about beef nutrition, food safety and stewardship practices of beef producers.

On Friday, youth ages 9-21 compete in the Sullivan Supply/Stock Show University Fitting Contest & Seminar. 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. New this year on Friday evening, White Satin on Ice Elite Genetics Sale takes place at the CHS?Miracle of Birth Center beginning at 6 p.m.

Competitors vie for $6,750 in prize money on Saturday at the 10th Annual Supreme Row & Sale, where supreme and reserve champion females and steers are selected and sold. The Supreme Row & Sale are sponsored by Agri-Media Livestock Group, Purina Animal Nutrition LLC, Rabo AgriFinance and Optimizer Calf Gel. That evening, the Minnesota State Cattlemen's Association sponsors the Supreme Row Dinner where heifers are awarded to 10 MYBEP youth to help them get a start in the beef cattle business; and winners of 2011 MYBEP achievement awards and a $750 scholarship sponsored by Minnesota Farmers Union and Minnesota Farmers Union Agency are also announced.

The agricultural education events conclude Sunday with the Junior Show. This year, youth will show more than 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, as well as commercial heifers and fancy club calves.

Admission to the event is free and open to the public. For a complete schedule and more information on Minnesota Beef Expo, call (651) 643-6476, email beef.expo@mnstatefair.org or visit mnbeefexpo.com.