Welcome to the Minnesota Beef Expo!

SYMPOSIUM HEIFER

Donated by the Minnesota’s State Cattlemen’s Association

The Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association (MSCA) is a membership-based organization that represents cattle producers and individuals who are part of the cattle community in Minnesota. The Association is currently offering opportunities for junior members through the creation of the Minnesota Junior Cattlemen’s Association. The junior program will provide junior leadership development, career opportunities and junior activities at the MSCA State Convention, Summer Cattlemen’s Tour and many other events. The MSCA currently represents over 1,000 members from all segments of the beef community. They are proud of their partnership with over 20 local cattlemen’s associations from around the State that affiliate with the MSCA. The MSCA is primarily focused on addressing local, state and federal issues that impact the long-term viability of cattle production and ensuring that Minnesota’s business climate welcomes the growth and long-term success of raising cattle in Minnesota. The MSCA also works on several promotional activities during the year, including FarmFest, the Minnesota Beef Expo, the Minnesota State Fair, Cattlemen and the Capitol events (both in St. Paul and Washington, D.C.) and many more! The MSCA has been proud to provide a heifer every year for the Thursday night Symposium since its start ten years ago, and the Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association is happy to provide another heifer this year to the lucky Symposium recipient.

SOUTH DEVON

Donated by R P Farms and Popken South Devon
Robert and Joel Popken of Swanville, Minn., on behalf of the Northern States South Devon Association

The Popken family has been in the cattle business since Joel’s great grandfather migrated to the United States from Germany in the 1800’s. The Popken’s moved to Minnesota from Nebraska in 1973 and purchased their first South Devon bulls in 1983. They have stayed with the South Devon breed because of great dispositions, fast growth rate and excellent meat quality.  They have achieved many milestones in the cattle industry with one of their greatest accomplishments being named the 2021 South Devon Seed Stock producer of the Year.

Popken South Devon and R P Farm’s  heifers are artificially inseminated for calving ease, while cows are bred focusing on genetics with a balanced set of EPDs to enhance each animal’s genetic worth. They consistently focus on a moderate frame and good phenotype in every individual. The family is also committed to purchasing the best bull available. They raise most of their replacement females by carefully selecting from what they have identified as the top end of their heifers. The Popkens do not chase fads or base decisions on only hide color, and instead, select on what they think is best. The Popkens believe South Devon cattle have many outstanding benefits like gentle dispositions that cross with everything, quick growth rates, and great carcass traits.

Popken South Devon and R P Farms have shown cattle at the National Western Stock Show in Denver. They are active members of the North American South Devon Association and of the Northern States South Devon Association since the beginning. Both Bob and Joel have been serving on the board every year since its inception in 1986. Joel is currently on the board of both organizations. He also has served on a number of committees and assisted with the National South Devon Show in Denver, Colorado each year since 1995. They have been supporters of the South Devon Junior Association, and they are happy to provide this South Devon heifer to help a deserving youth get a start in the industry.

SIMMENTAL

Donated by Hilbrands Cattle Company
Mark, Amanda & Kinslee Hilbrands of Clara City, Minn., on behalf of the Minnesota Simmental Association

Hilbrands Cattle Co was established in 2013 and is located in Clara City, Minn.. Both graduates of South Dakota State University, Mark and Amanda run 150 head of purebred and percentage Simmental cattle with an extensive use of embryo transfer. They host the Jewels of the Northland Production Sale the first Saturday in December and the Passion for Perfection Spring Sale the second Saturday in April. Cattle are marketed through the two production sales, Louisville, Denver, and the Minnesota State Simmental Sale. Embryos are always available, and bulls are for sale private treaty. Hilbrands Cattle Company also enjoys showing competitively at the Minnesota State Fair, North American and National Western. The Hilbrands family is excited to offer this Simmental heifer and looks forward to working with a MYBEP recipient.

Donated by Krueger Simmentals
Paul and Cassie Krueger of Hastings, Minn., on behalf of the Minnesota Simmental Association

Krueger Simmentals is a family cow/calf operation focused on raising quality registered Simmentals from start to finish. The Kruegers calve 120 pairs from January to April.  They also crop farm 1100 acres of corn, alfalfa, soybeans, rye, and wheat. Paul and Cassie have three kids. Blake is 12 and is very active with the cattle, and every day he enjoys learning new things about the beef industry. Luke is 9 and wants to be at the farm helping wherever he can. Bree is 5, and she enjoys hanging out and having tractor rides every time she visits the farm.

This is the second time that the Kruegers have donated a MYBEP heifer. In 2009, Katie Steffl received a Krueger MYBEP heifer. The Kruegers felt they had a great experience the first time around, so when the opportunity came up this year, the Kruegers committed to supporting the program again. Krueger Simmentals is proud to help out because they feel MYBEP has done a great job getting cattle to next generation.

SHORTHORN

Donated by Wildwood Farm
Jane, Tom and Joanie Waldron of Buffalo, Minn., on behalf of the Minnesota Shorthorn Association

The Waldron family started raising Shorthorn cattle in 1971 with the purchase of a small herd from northern Minnesota. The original operation was named Virgil & Jane Waldron and sons. Virgil and Jane encouraged and supported their three sons, Tom, Dan and Joe, to start showing cattle in 4-H and FFA. They have proudly been raising, showing, and selling purebred Shorthorn cattle ever since.

Today Wildwood Farm is operated by Jane, Tom, and Joanie Waldron. One of their favorite contributions to the cattle industry is the mentorships that are created between the young people and families who have purchased or leased Wildwood Cattle. Wildwood Farm is dedicated to raising quality cattle that are visually correct and eye appealing with great dispositions and good udders reflecting the qualities that Shorthorns are known for traditionally. Wildwood genetics are marketed by private treaty at the Minnesota Beef Expo, the Minnesota State Shorthorn Sale, and the Watertown Winter Farm Show.

Tom and Joanie are past advisors of the Minnesota Shorthorn Junior Association. Tom has served on the board of the Minnesota Shorthorn Association as President and Director. He also served as the coordinator for the Shorthorn Junior Nationals when it was held at the Minnesota State fairgrounds.

In 2008, Wildwood Farm happily donated their first heifer to the MYBEP program. That mentorship has created a long-lasting bond with the recipient, Cody Fitzgerald, and his family. Therefore, in honor of the Waldron’s 50th year in the Shorthorn business, they are pleased to donate again, along with the Minnesota Shorthorn Association. Wildwood Farm looks forward to starting another memorable mentorship with another MYBEP recipient.

RED ANGUS

Donated by Compeer Financial
Steve Pomerenke, mentor

Compeer Financial is a member- owned Farm Credit cooperative serving and supporting agriculture and rural communities. The $18 billion organization provides loans, leases, risk management and other financial services throughout 144 counties in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Based in the Upper Midwest, Compeer Financial exists to champion the hopes and dreams of rural America, while providing personalized service and expertise to clients and the agriculture industry. Compeer Financial is the third largest member of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of lending institutions that support rural communities and agriculture with reliable, consistent credit and financial services. Steve Pomerenke will be the mentor for this heifer and recipient.

HEREFORD

Donated by Lakes Area Herefords
Jim, Jen, Emma, Abby & Elle Penzenstadler of Chisago City, Minn., on behalf of the
Minnesota Hereford Breeders Association

Jim & Jen Penzenstadler started with a small herd of crossbred cattle. They moved the cattle to their current farm and were invited by a neighbor to come to a 4-H meeting and the rest is history!  In addition to running an electrical business, they started Lakes Area Herefords where they raise Registered Herefords and Registered Miniature Herefords. They have a cow-calf operation and sell most of their livestock through private treaty. They also raise purebred Hampshire and crossbred show pigs. Jim & Jen have three daughters who were heavily involved in both 4-H and FFA. Emma, the oldest, graduated from the University of Minnesota with an Agriculture Communications and Marketing degree and is currently employed at Premier Pontoon. Abby also graduated from the University of Minnesota with two degrees in Agriculture Communications and Marketing and Economics. She is currently employed with the USDA at the Farm Service Agency.

Both girls were on the University’s livestock judging team and continue to judge livestock shows today. Elle, the youngest, graduated from high school this year and will be attending the University of Minnesota in the fall to study animal science and nutrition. The family is hopeful she may join the judging team as well. Go Gophers! Abby & Elle were very fortunate to be recipients of the MYBEP program and are excited for the opportunity to give back.

CHAROLAIS

Donated by J & A Charolais
Jeff, Angela, Shade & Breeze Bunker of Sparta, Wis. on behalf of the
Minnesota/Wisconsin Charolais Association

J & A Charolais was founded in 1995 and is a registered seedstock producer of purebred Charolais cattle. Their operation is owned and operated by Jeff & Angela Bunker and their two daughters, Shade and Breeze. The operation consists of approximately 35 purebred cows. In 2014, the Reserve National Champion Charolais Bull was raised by J & A Charolais. The Bunker family strives to raise quality Charolais cattle that are easy fleshing and structurally sound. They produce cattle that have strong performance and eye appeal.

The Bunker family has long supported youth in the livestock industry. Since Shade was able to show at her first Junior Nationals at the age of 8, the family has been committed to take the trip to Charolais Junior Nationals each year. The Bunkers have enjoyed show ring success at the local, state and national level. But the main purpose of the J & A Charolais program is and will continue to be producing offspring that thrive in the commercial industry. The Bunker family is honored to work with a recipient of the MYBEP program to continue to promote the next generation of the beef industry.

Donated by Double-H Charolais
Harlin & Sue Hecht and family of Paynesville, Minn., on behalf of the
Minnesota/Wisconsin Charolais Association

The Hecht’s Charolais story began in the late 1950’s when Harlin was reading The Farmer magazine and saw an article featuring a new breed that had entered the United States, Charolais. Harlin was impressed with what he read.  Then in 1960, his father, Herbert purchased three ¾ and 7/8 Charolais cows, and Harlin observed how fast their calves grew compared to the Angus cows he had.  His thoughts at the time were “this is the breed of the future.” A few years later, Herbert purchased a Charolais bull, Flores, who traced back to original Mexican bulls such as El Jefe, Titano and Wee 58.

Harlin and Sue were married in August 1967, and lived in an apartment in Evansville, Minnesota, where Harlin was a vocational agriculture instructor, and Sue worked as an extension economist. One day Harlin saw a newspaper ad for a Charolais dispersal sale. The Hecht’s purchased what they thought was the best cow in this sale, DE Lora and her bull calf. Thus, the foundation for their Double-H breeding program was born. Lora’s first calf for the Hecht’s, Double-H Laura, a 1969 daughter of Ali Baba Bramard, is historically significant as she became the first AICA Sterling Dam of Distinction—her mounted head hangs in the AICA office today. The Double-H program has produced seven AICA Sterling dams in its history. Soon after, Harlin and Sue purchased additional females including a purebred heifer that they showed at the Minnesota State Fair. The Hechts are proud to say that 2021 will mark the 53rd consecutive year that they have shown Charolais at the Great Minnesota Get Together.

The first few years in Charolais were a financial struggle, but the Hecht’s persevered and started showing cattle around the nation. An interesting fact is that the Minnesota Charolais Association was organized in their kitchen. They had good and bad days, but they always enjoyed and found inspiration in the Charolais people.

Over the 50 years Harlin and Sue, and their sons, Howard, Mark and Dale, have been actively involved with the Charolais breed, they have accomplished many worthy achievements. Harlin served as the AICA President from 2011-2012, and he was an Area Director beginning in 1983 when the AICA headquarters was relocated to Kansas City. Today he remains active serving on AICA committees. In 2006, Harlin was recognized as the AICA Herdsman of the Year at the 37th National Show in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the National Western. Harlin was the first Charolais breeder to be inducted into the Minnesota Livestock Hall of Fame in 1996. Sue has been active in Charolais Dees, serving as President. She has been an active member of AICA committees and participated in planning past AIJCA JUNIOR Nationals hosted by Minnesota. In 2018, Harlan and Sue Hecht were inducted into the American International Charolais Association Hall of Fame. Sons Howard and Mark are past Presidents of AIJCA, and Dale was a director and honored as Junior Herdsman of the Year.  During their AIJCA careers, the sons exhibited countless class winners and even earned Bred & Owned Champion Heifer. Currently, the Hecht grandchildren have continued the Double-H tradition of competing at Junior Nationals.

Today the Double-H Charolais program is heavily involved with embryo transfer and was the first AICA member to utilize the new CharAuctions.com technology. Harlin and Sue were honored as the 40th National Show Dedicatees at the 2009 Fort Worth Livestock Show recognizing their achievements in and for the Charolais breed. Since founding the Double-H program over fifty years ago, the Hecht family has strived to produce quality performance Charolais cattle with the right look. Double-H Charolais will proudly maintain an active leadership role in guiding the Charolais breed into the next generation by providing a heifer for a MYBEP youth.

ANGUS

Donated by Bullerman Angus Farm
Tom & Trisha Bullerman, Tyler & Hilary Bullerman, Trent & Christine Bullerman of Adrian, Minn. Co-sponsored by Schiefelbein Farms of Kimball, Minn., on behalf of the Minnesota Angus Association

Bullerman Angus was established by Tom and Trisha Bullerman in 1983. Two purebred Angus heifers were purchased from a local breeder as 4-H projects for their sons, Tyler and Trent. Over the next 15 years, they purchased several cows, heifers, and bulls from Eloi Stassen of Marshall, Minnesota. They have added some foundation production type cows from Schaff Angus Valley in North Dakota. These cows and their offspring produce sound structured cattle with outstanding udders and form the strong base of the herd.
 
Bullerman Angus currently has about 140 cows.  They proudly make extensive use of artificial insemination and embryo transfer. Bullerman Angus Farm has two distinct types of cows. The bulk of their females are production-oriented females with strong EPD profiles and breed leading performance. Performance data is submitted through AHIR on each animal and the use of genomics has allowed them to make rapid progress towards herd improvement. The Bullerman herd is also a participant in the Maternal Plus program offered by the Angus Association.

They also have a small, but mighty group of show females that consistently produce elite show type heifers. A number of show heifers were brought into the herd from PVF Angus of Illinois, and they are the foundation of the Bullerman show heifer division. Tom and Trisha have happily been involved with 4-H for 30+ years and have also been with the Minnesota Beef Expo since its start. Main show destinations each year are the National Junior Angus Show, National Western Stock Show, Minnesota State Fair, Iowa State Fair, Clay County Fair in Spencer, Iowa, Minnesota Beef Expo, Sioux Empire Farm Show, and Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo.  

Today, Bullerman Angus is owned and operated by Tom and Trisha Bullerman, Tyler and Hilary Bullerman and Trent and Christine Bullerman. Tyler is a part of the daily management of the Angus operation, and his wife, Hilary, works full time off the farm. Their daughter, Brynn, will be a freshman in college this fall and is active in 4H and the NJAA. Trent and his wife, Christine, and daughters, Kendall and Andi, own a lumberyard in Adrian and always help whenever an extra set of hands is needed. The Bullerman’s are excited for the opportunity to be part of the MYBEP program and are confident that this heifer will be the foundation female for a new Angus breeder.