By LAURIE KIEFABER

Indiana Correspondent

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Want to watch some fierce cattle-show competition, see some farm equipment demonstrations or buy a little bling? Go to the 32nd Hoosier Beef Congress (HBC), Nov. 30-Dec. 2 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

Early registration is over for the congress or assembly of Hoosier youngsters at the junior cattle show, but exhibitors can still register at the event. The costs are the same, stalling is next Wednesday and cattle must be in the barn by the following day.

"We have over 900 junior exhibitors registered to show 1,250 head of cattle, with a weekend crowd of usually 4,000 to 5,000 people," said Joe Moore, executive vice president of the Indiana Beef Cattle Assoc. – Indiana Beef Council.

The level of competition is a little higher here because of the potential gains. "People who are really into breed stock and showing want that competition," Moore said. "To win is a really big deal. There's financial benefit beyond winning a trophy or banner. If you sell eggs or sperm (from the winning animal) they're worth a lot more if you win Grand Champion heifer or steer ...

"We try to make the event the best it can possibly be for all of the junior exhibitors. We have a lot of volunteers, and couldn't do it without them."

Those who can't attend the shows can watch them streamed live by Walton Webcasting. "We have people from other states watch their grandkids show on the Internet," Moore said. "It's like watching television." Previous years' shows are archived, as well.

Judges for this year's junior show are Brent Murphy, Wade Rogers and Dave Allen, according to the HBC website. Murphy, a heifer judge from Houstonia, Mo., owns and operates Murphy Cattle Co.’s 200 head of cattle with his wife and two sons. He bought his first heifer at 12 and judges junior cattle shows in several states.

Rogers of Searsboro, Iowa, also is a heifer judge. He and his family run a 100-club cow-calf operation and sell about 150 calves per year, as well as selling and promoting semen from industry-leading bulls.

Allen of Schulenburg, Texas, is a steer judge who owns and operates Bar A Cattle Co. and Genesource with his wife and children. He has judged shows across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Besides the junior cattle show, there are showmanship and fitting contests (with different judges), judging and coloring contests, a Saturday morning cattle sale, silent auction, three food tents and a trade show that wraps around all four show rings.

"If you've never been to the trade show, there's farm stuff, cattle, clothing and bling – lots of bling!" Moore enthused. "It's kind of an early Christmas show with crafts, cowboy and cowgirl wear, plus seed and supply companies, equipment ... Vendors put together stores in (the expo hall). Everything is inside."

Some specific 2018 vendors will include Judy's Designs/Cowgirl Glitz (purveyors of bling), Glascock Equipment, Valentine Feed and Supply, Jaylor Fabricating, Weldy Enterprises and MH EBY.

"Cowpokes Work & Western does embroidery," Moore said. "You can buy clothes and have them embroidered with your farm name. It's all computer-generated – just bring in a flash drive (with your logo)."

Admission to the shows is free, but there is a $5 parking fee per car. The entire weekend begins with showmanship contests at 4 p.m. on Nov. 30, with the HBC ending around 4 p.m. on Dec. 2. For the schedule and more information, visit www.hoosierbeefcongress.com or call the HBC office at 317-293-2333.

The Indiana Beef Cattle Assoc. is an affiliate of the National Cattlemen's Beef Assoc. and bills itself as the state's member group and issues manager for all segments of the beef cattle industry, including cattle breeders, producers and feeders. It is the grassroots policy development organization for the beef business.