Officials with the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association report applications for the Iowa Beef Heifer Award program are due no later than Monday, July 1st. The program is designed to honor outstanding youth and future leaders of the beef industry. It was created to increase the interest and participation in the beef breeding heifer project by allowing youth to earn a certificate for the purchase of a breeding female. The program evaluates leadership and involvement in breed organizations and community activities as well as responsibilities and growth within their project. All 4-H, FFA and junior association members who own and exhibit a market beef or breeding heifer at the Iowa State Fair are eligible to enter. Applicants may participate in one of the following breed divisions: Angus, Charolais, Gelbvieh, Hereford, Limousin, Maine-Anjou, Red Angus, Salers, Shorthorn or Simmental.

Finalists for each breed will need to participate in a personal interview to be held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds with a panel of judges. Winners will be announced during the selection of the Grand Champion 4-H breeding heifer. The winner of each breed division will receive a certificate for the purchase of a registered female sponsored by the Iowa State Fair and the respective state breed association. Show halters are presented to runner-ups and are sponsored by Kent Feeds, Inc. of Muscatine.

The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) coordinates the application process. Program guidelines and applications can be found on the ICA Web site at www.iacattlemen.org or by calling (515) 296-2266. Applications are due to the ICA office in Ames no later than July 1.