Minnesota Beef Expo to Highlight Youth as Future of Beef Industry

MINNESOTA STATE FAIRGROUNDS (10/09/2014)(readMedia)-- Minnesota Beef Expo, an annual event that celebrates and promotes the beef industry, runs Thursday, Oct. 16 through Sunday, Oct. 19, at the Lee & Rose Warner Coliseum on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. The event, which attracts participants from across the Midwest, includes educational workshops, a showmanship competition, youth contests, cattle sales and a trade show. Admission is free and open to the public. The 2014 schedule of featured Beef Expo events is as follows:

Thursday, Oct. 16

• 12:30 p.m.: Youth Knowledge Bowl

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

• 2:30 p.m.: Minnesota Beef Ambassador Team Competition & Workshop

Youth compete 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.

• 5 p.m.: Minnesota Youth Beef Experience Program (MYBEP) Seminar

Beef industry leaders offer educational presentations on cattle nutrition, selection, production and promotion. All ages are welcome to attend.

Friday, Oct. 17

• 9:30 a.m.: Judging Contest

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

• 11:30 a.m.: Sullivan Supply Stock Show University Fitting Contest &?Seminar

Youth ages 9-21 compete in teams within a time limit to groom and fit an animal in preparation for the show ring and respond to judges' questions.

• 3:30 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 genetic material at this formal event.

Saturday, Oct. 18

• 8 a.m.: Sale Cattle Show

Animals are shown by exhibitors while being evaluated by judges and potential buyers before the cattle sale begins at noon. These competitors are vying for a total of $6,750 in prize money, which will be awarded at the Supreme Row Dinner & Awards later in the evening.

• Noon: Cattle Sale

Heifers and show steers are selected and sold at the Upper Midwest's premier cattle sale.

• 5 p.m.: 12th Annual Supreme Row Dinner & Awards

At the Supreme Row Dinner, heifers are awarded to eight MYBEP youth to help them get a start in the beef cattle business. The 2013 MYBEP?Acheivement Award winner and Minnesota Beef Ambassador Teams will also be announced. A total of $6,750 in premiums are awarded to buyers and sellers of Supreme and Reserve Champion animals as the best of the best are announced in the 2014 "Supreme Row."

Sunday, Oct. 19

• 8 a.m.: Prospect Market Calf & Market Beef 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 Junior Show Supreme Champions

Supreme champion steer, heifer and prospect market animal are awarded to the Junior Show's top cattle.

Throughout the event, the Upper Midwest's best breeders showcase Angus, Charolais, Hereford, Limousin, Maine Anjou, Shorthorn, Simmental and South Devon breeds, as well as commercial heifers and fancy club calves. This year's featured breed is the Maine Anjou, a large dual-purpose breed that originated in northwestern France in the early 1900s. The Minnesota Maine Anjou Association is providing support for the 2014 Minnesota Beef Expo through volunteers and coordination of special activities.

The annual Beef Expo 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.