MINOT, N.D. (KXNET) — Over 70 youth exhibitors participated in the 29th annual North Dakota Junior Beef Expo (NDJBE) in June, along with the North Dakota Stockmen's Association (NDSA).

According to a press release, the expo took place on June 21 and 22 at the North Dakota State Fairgrounds in Minot.

“The Junior Beef Expo was created to get more youth interested and excited about the beef industry,” said Trey Klain, NDJBE chairman. “I enjoyed watching the relationships and skills that were formed during the weekend's competitions.”

On Friday, the kids played a cornhole tournament and beef trivia, with Caleb and Ethan Schwab of Englevale making up the winning team. The reserve team consisted of Cutler Schaunaman of Ashley and Layne Korgel of Minot, and third place went to Kindle Carlson of Finley and Brady Haugen of Hannaford.

The livestock show began on Saturday morning with 73 heifers of 10 breeds, a commercial cow-calf pair and 13 farm animals. Then the Pee Wee, Junior and Senior Showmanship competitions began.

The Supreme Female Champion was presented by Tyler Schaefer of Des Lacs. The Reserve Champion was presented by Zane Lodoen of Westhope.

The champion market animal was shown by Kodi Alford of Plaza. The reserve champion market animal was shown by Calli Schaunaman,

The champion cow-calf pair was presented by Elizabeth Hanson of Velva.

Other champions were:

• American Aberdeen bitch shown by Kyle Best from Watford City
• Charolais female, shown by Bennet Mrnak from Bowman
• Commercial bitch shown by Macey Miller of Minot
• Hereford bitch shown by Ellis Mrnak from Bowman
• Lim-Flex Female shown by Elizabeth Hanson of Velva
• Mainetainer female, shown by Bergen Bullinger from Dickinson
• Red Angus, shown by Colbie Furstenau of Cavalier.
• Simmental bitch, shown by Carter Sys from Douglas

The winner of the Pee Wee Showmanship was Bennet Mrnak of Bowman. The winner of the Junior Showmanship was Layton Mrnak of Bowman. The winner of the Senior Showmanship was Sydnee Johnson of Zap.

The reserve champion in the Pee Wee was Vance Mrnak of Bowman. The reserve champion in the junior division was Connor Petersen of Bowbells. The reserve champion in the senior division was Anna Petersen of Bowbells.

The Sys family of Douglas received the hardest worker award. Lilly Solemsaas of Sherwood won the NDSA member award and $100 cash in the drawing.

“The Junior Beef Expo is just one example of how NDSA focuses on young leaders in the beef industry and encourages young people to become the next generation of farmers,” Klain said. “It’s an excellent place for young people to participate, learn about the livestock industry and have fun.”

The 2025 fair is scheduled to take place on June 28 and 29.