“The Junior Beef Expo was started to provide an opportunity for youth to gain interest and involvement in the beef industry,” said Expo Chairman Trey Klain, a Ruso cattle producer. “It was rewarding to see the relationships and skills that developed during the weekend’s contests.”

Exhibitors participated in a beef trivia quizbowl activity. The objective was to provide beef education in a fun, yet competitive, game. The champion team consisted of Zane Lodoen of Westhope, Layton Mrnak of Bowman, Kaleb Neshem of Berthold and Cooper Strommen of Solen.

The cattle show featured 56 heifers representing 10 breeds, one cow-calf pair and 15 market animals and was followed by the pee wee, junior and senior showmanship competitions.

Bennett Mrnak of Bowman exhibited the supreme champion female, IVM Miss Outlier 4507M 1ET, an April 6, 2025, daughter of BOY Outlier 812 ET PLD, which was first the champion Charolais female.

Elizabeth Hanson of Velva steadies her animal before the judge at the Junior Beef Expo. She showed the champion Lim-Flex female and earned senior reserve champion in showmanship.

Rylee Erdmann of Lisbon, exhibited the reserve champion female, BSF 1812 Miss Pin Up 2409, a Feb. 1, 2024, daughter of PVF DLX King Pin 0058, which was first the champion Angus female.

Layton Mrnak of Bowman exhibited the champion market animal, a steer weighing 1,315 pounds on show day. Dylon Cargo of Arnegard exhibited the reserve champion market animal, a steer weighing 1,380 pounds on show day. Kyle Best of Watford City exhibited the champion cow-calf pair, DCS Luna 3L, with a Feb. 24, 2025, bull calf, BEST Norsk 501, at her side.

Other heifer breed champions included the following:

-Champion Chi-influence Female: Lilly Johnson of Froid, Montana

-Champion Commercial Female: Carson Sys of Douglas

Kaleb Neshem of Berthold poses his champion Hereford heifer for the judge at the Junior Beef Expo.

-Champion Hereford Female: Kaleb Neshem of Berthold

-Champion Lim-Flex Female: Elizabeth Hanson of Velva

-Champion Red Angus: Adalyn Bullinger of Powers Lake

-Champion Shorthorn Plus Female: Samantha Lyons of Lisbon

-Champion Simmental Female: Zane Lodoen of Westhope

Adalyn Bullinger of Powers Lake shows her champion Red Angus during the Junior Beef Expo in June.

-Champion Sim-Influence Female: Lodoen

In the showmanship competitions, Bennett Mrnak won the pee wee showmanship. Kadence Spickler of Glenfield won the junior showmanship division, and Lodoen won the senior division. Reserve champion showmen were Eli Petersen of Bowbells, Ashtyn Erickson of Plaza and Anna Petersen of Bowbells in the pee wee, junior and senior divisions, respectively.

Show judge Riley Lafrentz, a native of Bienfait, Saskatchewan, owns and operates Wheatland Cattle Company, a Simmental and Angus operation, with his family. He has been a recipient of the All-American Livestock Judging Award and has judged in Australia, Canada and the United States.

Another expo highlight was the Hardest Worker Award, presented to Elizabeth Hanson.

Bergen Bullinger of Dickinson won the prestigious NDSA Member Award and $100 in a drawing. All NDSA-member exhibitors were eligible for the latter prize.

Carson Sys of Douglas looks toward the judge as he shows his champion commercial heifer at the Junior Beef Expo.

The NDJBE Planning Committee was composed of Haley Anderson of Lisbon, Cord LaPlant of Binford, Jayd Novak of Minot, Hope Willson of Wimbeldon and Klain.

“The Junior Beef Expo is a great example of how the NDSA supports the next generation of beef producers,” Klain said. “It is a fun, educational event where young people can get hands-on experience and build their skills.”

Next year’s show is scheduled for June 25-26.