The Minnesota Beef Expo is proud to have awarded nearly 150 heifers to deserving youth across the Midwest since the start of Minnesota Youth Beef Experience Program (MYBEP) in 2004! Each year, cattle producers from across the region generously donate heifers to help young cattle enthusiasts get their feet wet in the beef business. Although we will not be awarding heifers in 2020, the program will be back in 2021!
Each MYBEP winner is responsible for raising, breeding and maintaining complete records on care of the animal, while providing monthly progress reports to the original owner and the Minnesota Beef Expo. MYBEP recipients must also commit to participating at the Expo in the following year. The breeders who donated heifers will serve as mentors to the MYBEP youth and help guide them through their first year as cattle owners.
MYBEP recipients must be 12-16 years of age, participate as a 4-H, FFA or junior breed association member and live in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota or Wisconsin. Each year, youth must apply to be considered to receive a heifer, and an expert panel of judges will score applications to select MYBEP recipients.
Questions about MYBEP can be directed to Expo staff at info@mnbeefexpo.com or 651-643-6476. Stay tuned for information about applying for the program in 2021!
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE 2019 RECIPIENTS AND DONORS
RULES & INFORMATION
General Information
- MYBEP recipients will receive a heifer donated by an experienced cattle family, organization or individual, two straws of semen from Minnesota Select Sires, an Andis cattle clippers, a show stick and 100 pounds of Purina Show Chow from Purina Animal Nutrition.
Applicant Requirements
- Must be 12-16 years of age when applying
- Must participate as a 4-H, FFA or junior breed association member
- Must live in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota or Wisconsin
- Previous recipients of MYBEP heifers are ineligible to enter
Application Process
- Applications will be judged on their commitment to agriculture, ability to define clear future goals, financial need and ability to raise the animal in a proper setting.
- All applicants must complete the online application form thoroughly and carefully. Be mindful of spelling, grammar, punctuation and clarity.
- Two letters of recommendation must accompany your online application.
- One reference letter must be from your 4-H extension officer, FFA advisor or junior association leader.
- One reference letter must be from an adult who is not related you but knows you well enough to comment on abilities and commitment.
- Letters of reference may be emailed to info@mnbeefexpo.com or sent to
MYBEP – Minnesota Beef Expo
1265 Snelling Avenue N., St. Paul, MN 55108
- Applications must submit a personal letter of intent explaining why you want/need the calf and why you feel you are a good candidate for this project. Letter must be limited to two typed pages.