Applications now being accepted for the
2009 Iowa Beef Heifer Awards

The Iowa Beef Heifer Award program is designed to honor outstanding youth and future leaders of the beef industry. This program was created to increase the interest and participation in the beef breeding heifer project by allowing youth to earn a certificate for the purchase of a breeding female. The program evaluates leadership and involvement in breed organizations and community activities as well as responsibilities and growth within their project.

All 4-H, FFA and junior association members who own and exhibit a market beef or breeding heifer at the Iowa State Fair are eligible to enter. Applicants may participate in one of the following breed divisions: Angus, Charolais, Chianina, Gelbvieh, Hereford, Limousin, Maine-Anjou, Red Angus, Salers, Shorthorn or Simmental.

Finalist for each breed will need to participate in a personal interview to be held on Monday, August 17, 2009, at the Iowa State Fairgrounds with a panel of judges. Winners will be announced at the selection of the Grand Champion 4-H breeding heifer on August 18, 2009. The winner of each breed division will receive a certificate for the purchase of a registered female sponsored by the Iowa State Fair and the respective state breed association. Show halters are presented to runner-ups and are sponsored by Kent Feeds, Inc. of Muscatine, Iowa, and Sullivan Supply, Inc. of Dunlap, Iowa.

The Iowa Cattlemen's Association (ICA) coordinates the application process. Program guidelines and applications can be found on the ICA Web site at www.iacattlemen.org or by calling Kellie Carolan at (515) 296-2266. Applications are due to the ICA office in Ames no later than July 25.


2009 Iowa Beef Heifer Application*

Local Youth Recognized at 2008 Iowa State Fair

Fifteen Iowa youth from 15 counties were recognized for their achievements with their purebred breeding heifer projects last week at the 2008 Iowa State Fair.

The Iowa Beef Heifer Award is designed to honor outstanding youth and future leaders of the beef industry. This program evaluates leadership and involvement in breed organizations and community activities as well as responsibilities and growth within their project.

All 4-H, FFA and junior association members who own and exhibit a market beef or breeding heifer at the Iowa State Fair are eligible to enter. Applicants may participate in one of the following breed divisions: Angus, Charolais, Chianina, Gelbvieh, Hereford, Limousin, Maine-Anjou, Red Angus, Salers, Shorthorn or Simmental.

The Iowa Cattlemen's Association (ICA) coordinates the application process and breed representatives along with an outside judge serving as the selection committee. They review all applications and conduct personal interviews with each of the applicants at the fair.

Winners of each breed division receive a certificate for the purchase of a registered female sponsored by the Iowa State Fair and Beef Breed Associations. Show halters are presented to runner-ups and are sponsored by Kent Feeds, Inc. of Muscatine, Iowa, and Sullivan Supply, Inc. of Dunlap, Iowa.

2008 Iowa Beef Heifer Award Winners and Runner-ups

Angus - Lauren Barker of Monticello, Emily Orman of Ottumwa, Tyler Orman* of Ottumwa
Charolais - Tyler Smith* of Grinnell, Dustie Tibboel of Pleasantville
Chianina - Mallory Bormann of Algona, Sarah Butler* of State Center
Gelbvieh -Judd Martin* of Fontanelle
Maine Anjou - Amy Sampson* of Nevada, Makayla M. Smith of Dows City
Red Angus - Nathanial Morgan* of Cushing
Shorthorn - Casey Smith* of Fairfield
Simmental - Lance Bormann of Clinton, Chase Jass* of Garner, Katlyn Ruth of Iowa City

*Denotes this years breed winner.

The Iowa Beef Heifer award is an annual event. For additional information on this event please contact the ICA at 515-296-2266 or email kellie@iabeef.org.