“The Junior Beef Expo was started to get more youth interested and involved in the beef industry,” Expo Chairman Trey Klain of Ruso said. “I enjoyed watching the relationships and skills fostered throughout the contests over the weekend.”

Seventy-three heifers representing 10 breeds, one commercial cow-calf pair and 13 market animals were exhibited in the cattle show, followed by the pee wee, junior and senior showmanship competitions.

Tyler Schaefer of Des Lacs exhibited the supreme champion female, MPJ GDL Ellie 329, an April 25, 2023, daughter of Colburn Primo 5153, which was first the champion Angus female. Zane Lodoen of Westhope exhibited the reserve champion female, GBSF I Love Lucy 2307L, a Feb. 2, 2023, daughter of SO Remedy 7F, which was first the champion Sim-influence female. Kodi Alford of Plaza exhibited the champion market animal, a steer weighing 1,280 pounds on show day.

Elizabeth Hanson of Velva exhibited the champion cow-calf pair, Koda, with a Jan. 3, 2024, heifer calf, Mabel, at her side.

Other heifer breed champions included:

– Champion American Aberdeen: Kyle Best of Watford City.

– Champion Charolais: Bennett Mrnak of Bowman,

– Champion commercial: Macey Miller of Minot,

– Champion Hereford: Ellis Mrnak of Bowman,

– Champion Lim-Flex: Elizabeth Hanson of Velva.

– Champion Mainetainer: Bergen Bullinger of Dickinson.

– Champion Red Angus: Colbie Furstenau of Cavalier.

– Champion Simmental: Carter Sys of Douglas.

In the showmanship competitions, Bennett Mrnak won pee wee showmanship, Layton Mrnak of Bowman won the junior showmanship division and Sydnee Johnson of Zap won the senior division. Reserve champion showmen were pee wee, Vance Mrnak of Bowman; junior, Connor Petersen of Bowbells; and senior, Anna Petersen of Bowbells.

On Friday, exhibitors participated in a beef trivia cornhole tournament. The objective was to provide beef education in a fun, yet competitive, game. Caleb and Ethan Schwab of Englevale, made up the champion cornhole team. The reserve champion cornhole team was Cutler Schaunaman of Ashley and Layne Korgel of Minot.

Another expo highlight was the Hardest Worker Award, presented to the Sys family of Douglas. Lilly Solemsaas of Sherwood won another prestigious award, the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association Member Award, and $100 cash in the drawing. All NDSA-member exhibitors were eligible.