Photo: NDSA
The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association hosted 60 youth exhibitors and their families at the 30th annual North Dakota Junior Beef Expo June 28-29 at the McKenzie County Ag Expo in Watford City, N.D.
“The Junior Beef Expo was started to provide an opportunity for youth to gain interest and involvement in the beef industry,” said NDJBE Chairman Trey Klain, a Ruso, N.D. cattle producer. “It was rewarding to see the relationships and skills that developed during the weekend’s contests.”
On Saturday, exhibitors participated in a beef trivia quizbowl activity. The objective was to provide beef education in a fun, yet competitive, game. The champion team consisted of Zane Lodoen of Westhope, N.D.; Layton Mrnak of Bowman, N.D.; Kaleb Neshem of Berthold, N.D.; and Cooper Strommen of Solen, N.D.
The cattle show began Sunday morning. Fifty-six heifers representing 10 breeds, one cow-calf pair and 15 market animals were exhibited, followed by the pee wee, junior and senior showmanship competitions.
Bennett Mrnak of Bowman, N.D., exhibited the supreme champion female, IVM Miss Outlier 4507M 1ET, an April 6, 2025, daughter of BOY Outlier 812 ET PLD, which was first the champion Charolais female. Rylee Erdmann of Lisbon, N.D., exhibited the reserve champion female, BSF 1812 Miss Pin Up 2409, a Feb. 1, 2024, daughter of PVF DLX King Pin 0058, which was first the champion Angus female. Layton Mrnak of Bowman, N.D., exhibited the champion market animal, a steer weighing 1,315 pounds on show day. Dylon Cargo of Arnegard, N.D., exhibited the reserve champion market animal, a steer weighing 1,380 pounds on show day. Kyle Best of Watford City, N.D., exhibited the champion cow-calf pair, DCS Luna 3L, with a Feb. 24, 2025, bull calf, BEST Norsk 501, at her side.
Other heifer breed champions included the following:
Champion Chi-influence Female: Lilly Johnson of Froid, Mont.;
Champion Commercial Female: Carson Sys of Douglas, N.D.;
Champion Hereford Female: Kaleb Neshem of Berthold, N.D.;
Champion Lim-Flex Female: Elizabeth Hanson of Velva, N.D.;
Champion Red Angus: Adalyn Bullinger of Powers Lake, N.D.;
Champion Shorthorn Plus Female: Samantha Lyons of Lisbon, N.D.;
Champion Simmental Female: Zane Lodoen of Westhope, N.D.; and
Champion Sim-Influence Female: Zane Lodoen of Westhope, N.D.
In the showmanship competitions, Bennett Mrnak of Bowman, N.D., won the pee wee showmanship; Kadence Spickler of Glenfield, N.D. won the junior showmanship division; and Zane Lodoen of Westhope, N.D., won the senior division. Reserve champion showmen were Eli Petersen of Bowbells, N.D.; Ashtyn Erickson of Plaza, N.D.; and Anna Petersen of Bowbells, N.D., in the pee wee, junior and senior divisions, respectively.
Riley Lafrentz judged the show. Lafrentz is a native of Bienfait, Saskatchewan, Canada. He and his family own and operate Wheatland Cattle Company, a Simmental and Angus operation. He graduated from Kansas State University and was a member of their Livestock Judging Team. He was a recipient of the All-American Livestock Judging Award. Lafrentz has judged in Australia, Canada and the United States.
Another NDJBE highlight included the Hardest Worker Award, which was presented to the Elizabeth Hanson of Velva, N.D. Bergen Bullinger of Dickinson, N.D., won another prestigious award, the NDSA Member Award, and $100 cash in the drawing. All NDSA-member exhibitors were eligible for the latter prize.
The NDJBE Planning Committee was composed of Haley Anderson of Lisbon, N.D.; Trey Klain of Ruso, N.D.; Cord LaPlant of Binford, N.D.; Jayd Novak of Minot, N.D.; and Hope Willson of Wimbeldon, N.D.
“The Junior Beef Expo is a great expel of how the NDSA supports the next generation of beef producers,” said Klain. “It is a fun, educational event where young people can get hands-on experience and build their skills.”
Next year’s show is scheduled for June 25-26, 2026.
ND Stockmen’s news release
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