Contact: Jackie Ditsworth, Graphic Designer, Iowa Cattlemen's Association, (515)296-2266.
The Iowa Cattlemen’s Foundation has again partnered with Iowa Beef Breeds Council to provide an amazing opportunity for one deserving seventh grader in Iowa, to promote seedstock herd development and help youth become more involved in the cattle industry.
The 2020 Iowa Foundation Heifer Program winner is Sarabeth Decious. Sarabeth is the daughter of Peter and Kelly Decious of Tracy, Iowa. Sarabeth is a member of the Iowa Junior Beef Breeds Association, the American Junior Hereford Association and the American Chianina Association. She has participated in local, regional and national events within these breed organizations. She attends Pella Middle School where she is active in basketball and choir.
Sarabeth is excited for her opportunity to participate in this program because she wants to learn more and become more involved in the cattle industry. She is anxious to become a producer and this program is giving her the chance to achieve one of her goals of starting her own herd. Her plans are to grow this into a show cattle company, save enough money to pay for college as well as learn financial responsibility, learn how to market cattle and plan for the unexpected.
Sarabeth receives three Registered Bred Heifers of the breed of her choice and accepts all responsibility for the animals during the next five years, including maintaining records for income/expenses, submitting yearly reports and summaries of her activities with the heifers. At the end of five years, she will donate $6,000 to the program which will be used to purchase heifers for future recipients. This year, Sarabeth chose bred heifers from VanAernam’s Simmentals, owned by Gale and Andy VanAernam from Exira, Iowa. Gale and Andy operate their Simmental herd with support from their wives and children, and have been supporters of this program for many years.
Sarabeth will be recognized the evening of February 15, 2021 during the Iowa Beef Expo.
For more information on this program, please contact the Iowa Beef Breeds Council at [email protected] or the Iowa Cattlemen’s Foundation at 515-296-2266 or visit iowacattlemenfoundation.org.
About the Iowa Cattlemen's Association: The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association represents nearly 9,000 beef-producing families and associated companies dedicated to the future of Iowa’s beef industry. ICA’s mission is “Grow Iowa’s beef business through advocacy, leadership and education.” www.iacattlemen.org.