By MEGGIE I. FOSTER
Assistant Editor INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Every December, cattle breeders from across the state gather in Indianapolis for the state’s largest and, quite possibly, the most popular beef exhibition of the year: The Hoosier Beef Congress (HBC).
From Dec. 5-7, beef exhibitors from across Indiana rolled in with more than 1,500 beef cows, calves and steers for “the place to showcase cattle in Indiana,” according to Julia Wickard, executive director of the Indiana Beef Cattle Assoc. (IBCA).
Wickard said the HBC is considered one of the most competitive beef shows in the Midwest and features an extensive trade show, the All Star Steer and Heifer Sale, purebred sales, a junior judging contest, silent auction and 12 breed and crossbred shows. Purebred shows include Chianina, Charolais, Limousin, Angus, Hereford, Shorthorn, Simmental, Red Poll, Maine Anjou, Gelbveih and Salers.
“We estimate this show draws nearly 7,000 to 8,000 people in every year,” said Wickard. “And people come for all sorts of reasons; some come for the sales, while others are exhibitors or just enjoy the company of fellow beef producers.”
While the breed shows often serve as the center attraction, she emphasized the role of youth development in the success of the annual show.
“It’s definitely more of a leadership development event for youth interested in various sectors of the beef industry,” she added. “The show has changed a lot over the last 22 years, in a good way.”
In fact, Wickard said the HBC has added several new components for the youngsters who attend the annual show.
“This is our first year for our rookie program, where first-year exhibitors can become oriented to the show,” she added. “This is the largest beef show in the Midwest, so we’ve got to be sure not to overwhelm our youth. We’re all friends here, we want them to know they’re welcome and give them all the tips for success here at the show.”
The rookie program includes a prime tie stall in Rookie Row, located in the main cattle barn, a rookie pin they wear throughout the weekend, a series of orientation sessions and recognition under the “big lights on Sunday with a personalized certificate and trophy.”
“This is more of a networking opportunity for youth and gives them a chance to make friends that will last a lifetime,” she added.
“We think it’s a great program for our kids,” said Shane Blue, of Greenfield, who attended with his wife, Kim, and children Connor Cross, 11, Carlyn, 3, and Camryn, 4 months. The Blues, who have exhibited with their children at the HBC for the last three years, recently lost their son Cory Cross, 5, to cancer. Cory was also an active participant in the beef show circuit.
“Our kids love running around with their friends at this show, we think it’s a great show for kids,” said Blue.
In addition to the rookie program, “we also have a new coloring contest for children under the age of eight,” said Wickard. “It’s all about creativity, being colorful and it’s just a lot of fun for the kids who aren’t quite old enough to take calves into the ring.”
Tru-Test Scale giveaway As a special highlight for the 2008 show, Wickard mentioned that this year the IBCA partnered with Tru-Test to offer IBCA members a chance to win a free Tru-Test Scale platform, head and load bars, as long a they renewed their IBCA membership.
“We’ll give this away on Sunday, as well as announce next year’s Membership Incentive Program, which is a 2009 Kawasaki mule all-utility vehicle, sponsored by Bane Equipment,” she said.
Wickard, a beef producer from Greenfield, credits the success of the annual event to the volunteer work and team effort among IBCA members.
“In the beef industry, we pride ourselves on our volunteers, more than 100 volunteers are here because of their passion and pride for the beef industry,” Wickard said with a smile. “You can’t beat that. They put in a tremendous amount of time and effort to make this the show we look forward to all year long.
“This is truly a project that takes a lot of energy from a lot of people. We do what we do because we all love the beef industry – what it stands for and what it represents in Indiana.”
For more information, visit www.hoosierbeefcongress.com |
