What started as an experiment is now ready for its twenty-fourth annual run. The Hoosier Beef Congress takes place Friday, Dec 3 through Sunday December 5. As always, it will be held in the cattle barn at the Indiana State fairgrounds in Indianapolis.

One of the Midwest’s premier cattle shows, some 1,000 junior exhibitors plus their families are expected for the three-day shows. More than1,500 head of cattle will pass through either the show ring, sale ring, or both. The event is open to both heifers and steers. Many cattle that you will see at the show will be 4-H projects exhibited by 4-H members at county fairs and the Indiana State fair next summer.

Junior shows will be conducted for the following breeds: Angus, Belted Galloway, Charolais, Chianina, Gelbvieh, Hereford, Limousin, Maine-Anjou, Maintainer, Red Poll, Salers, Shorthorn, Shorthorn Plus, Simmental, Percentage Simmental and Red Angus. That’s 16 divisions recognized for the 2010 show.

All breeds except Belted Galloway, Red Poll and Salers will also feature sales during the three-day event. Besides the breed events, commercial heifers and commercial steers will also be exhibited, and included in sales.

The Congress also features a trade show staffed by vendors, government agencies and commodity groups, with plenty of information about cattle, plus tons of ideas for Christmas gifts for the cattle enthusiast.

Other activities for exhibitors will be offered, including a coloring contest for kids under 8, and a rookie division for first-time attendees. Hoosier Beef Congress is open for exhibitors from third grade through 21, as long as they do not exceed 21 as of December 31, 2010.

The show will again utilize four show rings, decorated with garland and a few Christmas trees here and there to put everyone in the Christmas spirit. Set-up and behind-the-scenes activities are the responsibility of the sponsoring committee, with help from Franklin FFA members. This is the third year that Franklin FFA members will assist at Hoosier Beef Congress.

Registration deadline for entering cattle into the sale is October 15. Deadline for Junior Show registration is Nov. 1. Information on such things as showmanship rules and a full schedule of events is available on the Web. Visit: www.hoosierbeefcongress.com. Or you can get the same information with a call to the Indiana Beef Cattle Association office in Indianapolis at 317- 293-2333.