Each year the MYBEP Ideas & Insights Symposium brings together youth exhibitors and knowledgeable speakers for an incredible learning opportunity that kicks off the Expo.
Participating youth will have the opportunity to listen to a celebrity motivational speaker and select a range of sessions to learn about everything from management practices and nutrition to genetics and improving your MYBEP application. Past motivational speakers have included Nathan Anderson, teacher and social media content creator @mnagteacher; Katey Jo, “Ultimate Cowboy” from season two of Ultimate Cowboy Showdown; Amberley Snyder, motivational speaker, author and barrel racer; and Lance Pekus, “The Cowboy Ninja” from America Ninja Warrior.
Meet the 2026 MYBEP Symposium Keynote Speaker: Courtenay DeHoff!
With over fifteen years of experience as a television host, Courtenay DeHoff boasts a wide skill set including shooting, editing, and producing high-quality broadcast content. Her career has taken her from the rodeo arena to the national spotlight, and she’s never lost sight of where she came from.
Courtenay grew up showing Angus cattle and competing in rodeo events. She went on to become a collegiate and professional rodeo athlete before finding her footing in front of the camera. She has worked on-air in front of sold-out crowds at sporting events inside Madison Square Garden and anchored live telecasts for national news networks such as New York Fashion Week.
In 2020, Courtenay founded Fancy Lady Cowgirl, a global brand movement empowering woman to live legendary lives through the unstoppable cowgirl’s spirit including sharing her story on advocating for agriculture at the 94th National FFA Convention.
Courtenay is a motivational keynote speaker who encourages youth to lean into agriculture, embrace their unique agricultural story, and feel confident sharing that story with the world. She highlights the many ways showing livestock builds character, leadership, resilience and work ethic, and prepares young people for success far beyond the show ring.
Learn more about Courtenay at: https://www.courtenaydehoff.com
SCHEDULE
Thursday, Oct.17, 2024 (CHS Miracle of Birth Center)
- 5:00 p.m. – Pizza is served
- 5:10 p.m. – Welcome/introduction
- Explanation of educational sessions and procedure to earn Premier Exhibitor points
**Move to Coliseum concourse to attend the educational sessions (Please use the Cattlemen’s Code. If all chairs are full, move to another session. Please be respectful and attentive. Feel free to ask questions. Thank the speakers and group leaders as you leave.)
- 5:30 – 6 p.m. – Educational Session #1
- 6:05 – 6:35 p.m. – Educational Session #2
- Agriculture Advocacy: Beyond the Farm with Sydney Mitchell, University of Minnesota Extension Educator
- Beef-O-BINGO with the Minnesota Beef Ambassadors
- Calf Care with Dr. Carey Prigge, Official Minnesota Beef Expo Veterinarian
- From Evaluation to Explanation: Unlocking Success in Livestock Judging and Oral Reason with Martha Moenning, Education and Outreach Manager of the American Meat Science Association and Former Collegiate Livestock Judging Competitor
- Hoof Trimming Techniques with Dave Capatske, Capatske Cattle and Hoof Trimming Co.
- Leaning in on Ground Beef: Understanding Ground Beef Fat/Lean Percentages with the University of Minnesota Meat Lab
- MagnaWave Demonstration with Anika Hansen, Certified MagnaWave Practitioner, Midwest Livestock Therapies
**All participants return to CHS Miracle of Birth Center.
- 6:40 – 7:30 p.m. – Keynote Speaker: Amanda Radke
- 7:30 p.m. – Announcement of the MYBEP Symposium heifer recipient
- Heifer will be awarded to the MYBEP applicant with the next highest score
- Applicant must be present to win