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 DLCC Ranch
Dar and Lynn Giess of Pierz, Minn., and the Northern States South Devon Association

The Northern States South Devon Association (NSSDA) was formed over 15 years ago by a small group of South Devon breeders in central-Minnesota. An active and enthusiastic group of South Devon producers from Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Montana, currently promote South Devon cattle throughout the Midwest by participating in farm shows, 4-H and FFA activities, Junior shows and livestock events. A strong number of passionate and talented Junior Association members participate each year at the Minnesota Beef Expo. Members from NSSDA have strongly supported MYBEP since its beginning by donating a South Devon heifer each year to a deserving Junior. Northern States South Devon Association members donate funds toward the support of a MYBEP heifer, and then a heifer is selected and purchased from one of the members each year. NSSDA is proud that all of the past recipients of South Devon heifers are active members in the North American South Devon Junior Association.

Since the early 1980’s, DarLynn Cattle Company, otherwise known as DLCC Ranch, has been in the seedstock business. The guiding principles to the DLCC Ranch operation have remained a balanced approach to genetics with emphasis on growth and carcass merit, a sincere focus on eye-appeal and udder quality, and emphasizing the effects of hybrid vigor through the production of their Poundmaker cattle. Dar and Lynn’s philosophy to cattle breeding is represented in every animal they sell, and the Giess’ pride themselves in producing honest cattle that give producers real results.

Dar and Lynn and family are active in a variety of state and national cattle industry groups, including MSCA, Northern States and the National South Devon Associations. They are also strong supporters of youth events in the cattle industry, where they have served as judges at local 4-H livestock shows and work with area youth on cattle showmanship and handling skills. DLCC Ranch is pleased and proud to be associated with the Minnesota Youth Beef Experience Program and is excited to mentor another youth with the gift of this heifer.

SIMMENTAL

Donated by Franke Show Calves
Bob and Lori Franke and family of Dover, Minn.

Franke Show Calves is a family run operation just outside of Dover, Minn. It is operated by Bob & Lori Franke, along with sons Scott and Spencer Franke, Scott’s wife, Sarah, and their son, Barrett, who is three years-old and their daughter, Aspen, who is eight months-old, and Spencer’s finance, Elizabeth Calaway. The business was formed so the boys could show cattle in 4-H and FFA. Franke Show Calves primarily focuses on raising registered Simmental and Maine Anjou. They currently run a 70 head cow herd. Franke Show Calves is dedicated to using A.I. and embryo transfer to produce top quality show heifers, bred heifers and bulls that are sold at numerous sales on and off the farm. Franke Show Calves has proudly offered cattle for sale at the Minnesota Beef Expo for years and are thrilled to offer a MYBEP Simmental heifer to some lucky individual in 2019.

Donated by Thesing’s Riverside Ranch
Eric A. and Darcy, Eric M. and Shelby, Rita, Coy, Kasie, and Hazel Thesing of Carlos, Minn., and Jennifer and Adam, Axel, and Owen Fredman of Rose City, Minn., members of the Minnesota Simmental Association

Thesing’s Riverside Ranch is a successful family cattle operation. Eric A. and Darcy, Eric M. and Shelby, Rita, Coy, Kasie, and Hazel Thesing of Carlos, Minnesota, and Jennifer and Adam, Axel, and Owen Fredman of Rose City, Minnesota, are proud to donate the 2019 MYBEP Simmental heifer. Eric A. and Darcy own Central Marine and Sports in Carlos, and Darcy works in the lab at the Douglas County Hospital. Eric and Darcy purchased their first Simmental cows in 1986 and shortly after, a registered bull was purchased. A percentage herd was built by registering the calves from Eric’s dad’s commercial herd, slowly working towards an all registered herd. They calve about 75 registered purebred and percentage females each year, comprised of 65 cows and 10 heifers. The Thesings utilize A.I. and embryo transfer in their breeding program and retain about 20 females each year for sale either as open or bred, along with 8 to 10 bulls that are sold for breeding purposes, with the remaining calves sold as feeders or fattened for sale as off-farm beef.  

Eric M. and Shelby got married in 2011 and were fortunate enough to purchase the family farm from Eric A.’s parents, Connie and Roy, where the cattle operation was started. Eric is employed at Central Marine and has significantly assisted in the growth of their crop farming operation to its current 800 acres. Shelby works at the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Douglas County. She finds time to care for the household raising their four children and is determined to make time in the evenings to work with haltered calves and ride horses.

Jennifer and Adam, with their two boys, reside in Rose City. Jennifer works at Central Marine and Adam for Border States Electric.  The couple raises their own commercial herd influenced by Simmental genetics.

Eric and Darcy worked to teach their children to work hard for what they want. The entire family is always willing to assist each other in all the aspects relating to the farm. They have strived to develop a cow herd that will be sustainable for years, and they hope the herd will be enjoyed by family in generations to come. They feel it is important to continue to promote the breed and to continue their involvement by getting other kids involved with agriculture. They are very honored to be a part of the 2019 MYBEP heifer program.

SHORTHORN

Donated by Gene and Roberta Francis Family of Lawton, N.D.

The Gene and Roberta Francis family is excited to participate in the 2019 Minnesota Youth Beef Experience Program through the donation of a Shorthorn heifer. Gene and Roberta are proud that their grandchildren are the sixth generation to be involved with Shorthorn cattle since the first Shorthorns arrived on the homestead of Roberta’s great-grandfather in the early 1900’s.  Today, the herd consists of about 60 producing females. Bulls and females are sold as breeding stock, primarily to commercial producers. Steers are sold directly to a feedlot where carcass data is obtained and analyzed. Genetic selection is focused on ensuring the production of functional cattle that perform in the harsh North Dakota environment and have enough eye appeal to be accepted by Shorthorn breeders. Gene is a livestock hauler, and Roberta a registered nurse, so the cattle must be able to calve with minimal intervention. For that reason, most calving is done in May and June when the weather is warmer.

Gene and Roberta’s three adult daughters, Crosley, Riley and Phoebe all showed Shorthorns as Junior exhibitors. Crosley won Showmanship titles at the very competitive Illinois State Fair Junior Show. Riley and Phoebe both served as Minnesota Shorthorn Lassie Queens, with Riley being crowned the National Alternate Queen. Most summers were spent with the family happily being involved with Junior Nationals, and they treasure the friendships which blossomed at these cattle events. Gene and Roberta and family believe in the importance of youth involvement in the beef industry and look forward to working with the individual who receives the Francis family heifer.

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 Mittag’s Shadow Ridge Ranch
Randy and Liz Mittag of River Falls, Wisc., members of the Minnesota Hereford Breeders Association

Shadow Ridge Ranch was established in 1996 on a small hobby farm outside of River Falls, Wisconsin.  By recommendation of the family veterinarian, Registered Polled Herefords became the chosen breed for the family because of their docile temperament, superb mothering ability and lack of horns.  Liz’s first cow and calf were purchased at an auction.  The herd quickly increased in number with cattle purchased by private treaty and at the Indianhead Polled Hereford Association Annual Cattle Sale. By using A.I. and quality herd sires, Shadow Ridge Ranch’s herd size has increased with cattle that have sound legs and feet, good udders, excellent mothering abilities and quality carcasses with large rib eye and well marbled meat.  In 2012, Liz met Randy Mittag, and they joined forces.

Randy and Liz moved south of River Falls where they have established a management intensive grazing farm and calve 25 – 30 cows. Calves are raised for breeding animals, and steers are sold privately.  The Mittag’s finish steers as corn finished and have begun providing grass fed beef for a local food cooperative. Shadow Ridge Ranch is honored to be able to provide a heifer to a young person.  Randy and Liz hope to motivate the recipient to enjoy and appreciate Herefords as much as they do.  

CHAROLAIS

Donated by North Grove Charolais
Dennis & Kari Fischer, Brandon Fischer, and Dustin & Maggie Fischer of Grove City, Minn., members of the Minnesota Wisconsin Charolais Association

North Grove Charolais was established in 1994 by Dennis and Kari Fischer with the purchase of four Charolais heifers that became 4-H projects for their young children, Brandon, Jamie, and Dustin. Today the herd consists of about 60 head of registered Charolais and commercial cows used in their embryo transfer program. North Grove Charolais focuses on raising quality cattle that are performance-oriented, while standing out in the show ring. They strive to produce cattle with superior genetics that fit in any operation and genetics that will improve any herd. To provide maximum genetic potential, North Grove Charolais’ breeding is 100 percent artificial insemination and embryo transfers. Their criteria in bull selection are backed by strong cow families, sound structure, depth of body, docility, performance data, and breed-leading EPDs. North Grove Charolais’ embryo transfer program has been a very successful part of their Charolais operation. Today, their embryo transfer program consists of four elite donor cows. These cows are backed by popular genetics in the Charolais breed. North Grove Charolais markets their cattle through consignment sales across the Midwest. They also host an annual online sale in the fall.

North Grove Charolais is located in Grove City, Minnesota, which is 70 miles west of the Twin Cities. Today the farm is owned and operated by Dennis and Kari, Brandon, and Dustin and Maggie Fischer. The Fischer family is passionate about mentoring youth involved in the cattle industry. They are active youth leaders in Meeker County 4-H and the Minnesota Wisconsin Junior Charolais Association. They are also members of the American International Charolais Association. The Fischer family is excited for the opportunity to award a heifer and mentor a deserving youth!

Donated by the Minnesota Wisconsin Charolais Association

The organization has about 100 members that consist of commercial, feed yard and purebred breeders across the two states, and this heifer will be the 4th heifer that the Minnesota Wisconsin Charolais Association has donated to a fortunate young person and the 4th time a member from the Association will mentor the youth. The past MYBEP Charolais recipients continue to be very active in cattle-oriented events.

ANGUS

Donated by Elmdale Farm, Gary and Kathy Eikmeier of Pipestone, Minn.
Co-sponsored by Schiefelbein Farms of Kimball, Minn., and the Minnesota Angus Association

Gary and Kathy Eikmeier, owners of  Elmdale Farm, in Pipestone, Minnesota,  are very happy to be the donor of the 2019 MYBEP Angus heifer co-sponsored by the Schiefelbein Farms and the Minnesota Angus Association.  The Eikmeier family has always believed in the positive experiences Junior programs can provide for youth, and MYBEP and the Minnesota Beef Expo are great examples of these types of programs.   Elmdale Farm’s Angus herd was started in 1917 by Gary’s great-grandfather, August Eikmeier, and his sons, Earl and Harry, later known as Eikmeier Brothers. The brothers decided to use Angus bulls on their Shorthorn cows prior to this and to stay with tradition, there are still a few blue roan cows in their pastures today.  Gary’s parents, Glen and Karen Eikmeier, took over the herd in the early 1970’s.  Gary’s sisters and brother, along with Gary, were always encouraged to participate in any Junior activity that came their way.  Gary enjoyed showing cattle and being on many General Livestock Judging teams over the years.  The Eikmeier family has shown cattle since the 1940’s  at County fairs, State fairs and National shows like Denver and Kansas City because the Eikmeiers think hanging out with other cattle folks is about as good as it gets.

Kathy and Gary both grew up in strong Angus families and found out after they started dating that their parents knew each other–so much for meeting the parents!  Gary and Kathy’s children, Jessica and Grady, were active in cattle shows and judging during their 4-H time and are still active in cattle and youth programs.  Gary and Kathy have five happy and healthy grandkids, and Grandpa Gary cannot wait for them to get old enough to hold the halter of a black Angus heifer.   Presently, the Eikmeiers run about 40 cows on the family farm southwest of Pipestone, and they try to have half the cows as Registered Angus and the other half Maines and Maintainers. They have been involved with the Minnesota Beef Expo since the start and have watched it grow and evolve into one of the premier events in this area. The Eikmeiers felt it was time to give something back to a program that has given so much to them.  Gary’s parents and grandparents instilled in their children that to ensure the future of the beef industry, they need to start with the youth. Gary and Kathy are confident that their ancestors are smiling down from heaven knowing that an Elmdale Angus heifer will be part of the MYBEP program this year.  The Eikmeiers hope this heifer will be the start of a successful herd for its new owner, and they wish many happy memories to the MYBEP recipient of this Elmdale heifer.