by Lauren Wangsness

Young beef exhibitors and producers from around the Midwest gathered at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds Oct. 19-22 for the annual Minnesota Beef Expo. This event offers many opportunities for youth to engage in their passion for the beef industry.

Organizers packed the four-day event with various learning sessions and competitions for young individuals to compete in. Exhibitors participated in a fitting contest, a beef judging competition, showmanship and a beef knowledge bowl. Between Oct. 21-22, judges sorted a record 1,200 cattle in the all-breed show.

In addition to these opportunities, the Minnesota Youth Beef Experience Program hosted their Ideas & Insights Symposium the evening of Oct. 19. The symposium included various learning sessions related to the beef industry and agriculture, as well as featuring social media personality and agricultural educator Nathan Anderson as a keynote speaker. To conclude the symposium, MYBEP awarded 10 heifers to youth who completed an application process and have proven their commitment to the beef industry.