February 23 to March 4, 2023 Let the Good Times Grow!
DONATE!
February 23 to March 4, 2023 Let the Good Times Grow!
DONATE!

Beef Heifer

Show / Contest Coordinator

Stephanie Edwards, 352-843-0615

More about the Beef Heifer Contest

The Beef Heifer project is designed to provide experience in selecting, growing, developing, breeding, and managing breeding animals. This project normally begins with choosing a heifer calf nine months old or less, and feeding, developing, and maintaining ownership of the animal. Many young people go on to start a cattle herd of their own. This is a long-term project, and there may not be any income for the young person’s efforts for several years. Record keeping is an important part of the Beef Heifer Project and the cattle business. Important records include birth date and weight and weaning date and weight. Records are kept on the weight gain of the heifer and type and amount of feed fed. Vaccinations and other herd health practices are noted and fertility and calving information are recorded. As with all the animal projects in the SEYF, a completed record book must be turned in for an exhibitor to show his or her animal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter this show? $10 entry fee

Is my child eligible? Any student 8 years of age and up, who is a member of a 4H club or FFA chapter, who lives in Marion County or attends a Marion County school may participate

Are there any special documents needed to enter? YES! Please see all links listed under the “Resources” to make sure all rules are followed. Please read all of the rules thoroughly!

2023 Winners

  • Heavy-weight Grand Champion HeiferRoberto  Zubieta, North Marion High FFA
  • Light-weight Grand Champion HeiferZac Blackburn, Wild N Country 4H
  • Grand Champion Cow – Ada Perryman, Town & Country 4H
  • Champion Homegrown HeiferCameron Simpson, Town & Country 4H
  • Champion Homegrown CowAda Perryman, Town & Country 4H
  • Showmanship
    • Junior – Zac Blackburn, Wild N Country 4H
    • Intermediate – Emma Duhs, Kendrick 4H
    • SeniorSydney Proctor, BHS FFA
  • Record Book
    • JuniorAddalyn Upton, Majestic Oaks 4H
    • IntermediateBrooke Sakuta, Caprine 4H
    • Senior – Lane Taylor, Town & Country 4H
  • Skill-A-Thon                                                                                              
    • JuniorSam Love, Belleview Bald Eagles 4H
    • IntermediateAda Perryman, Town & Country 4H
    • SeniorAbree Perryman, Town & Country 4H
  • Herdsman Award
    • Ada Perryman, Town & Country 4H
  • Premier Exhibitor
    • Sydney Proctor, Belleview High FFA
  • Bertie Hill Award
    • Breely Yeomans, Kendrick 4H

Scholarships / Special Awards

Bess Miller Award

Hoping to encourage girls showing an interest in the field of agriculture, the Marion County Cattlewomen annually approves the following proclamation. The result? A deserving young woman is rewarded with a beautiful silver tray in honor of her outstanding efforts.  Thank you Marion County Cattlewomen for carrying on the vision that Bess Miller left us.  WHEREAS, Mrs. Bess Miller served as a working member of the Marion County Cowbelles for many years and was a beloved member of this organization, WHEREAS, Mrs. Bess Miller also served and was an active member of the Florida State Cattlewomen organization and, WHEREAS, Mrs. Bess Miller was long interested in the work of young people in our county in the field of agriculture, BE IT THEN RESOLVED that the annual award the outstanding 4-H girl from Marion County be henceforth known as the Bess Miller Outstanding Achievement Award.  In order to be chosen for the Bess Miller Award, the winner must first be a member of a 4-H Club and a resident of Marion County. She must be showing a steer in the current fair and must display a love for livestock and a desire to “make the best better.” She must display a working knowledge of approved animal husbandry practices and show a diligent effort in her steer project including sound management practices and good record keeping. The award committee will also examine her overall 4-H accomplishments. It is easy to see why the winner of the Bess Miller Award can truly display her silver tray with pride.

Bertie Hill Award

Leadership. Women that lead as well as they serve are hard to come by, but this award was named for such an individual. Bertie Hill is one of the most active and outstanding members of the Marion County Cattlewomen. In hope of encouraging these same attributes in the girls participating in beef projects, the Bertie Hill Award
was established. Each year a silver tray is given to recognize a deserving girl.  In order to qualify for the Bertie Hill Award, a girl must be enrolled in the Beef Heifer Project as either an FFA or 4-H member. She must display excellent leadership qualities and an overall interest in the beef industry. The award committee
will also examine her overall accomplishments as well as the amount of her participation in the Beef Heifer Project.

Carey Robbins Award

The Carey Robbins Trophy sponsored by the Ocala Lions Club, has been given annually at the  Southeastern Youth Fair since its inception in 1983. This award was initiated to honor an outstanding FFA member who shows expertise in the Steer and Beef Program.  Members of the Ocala Lions Club knew Carey Robbins to be a longtime friend of agriculture and youth in Marion County. Carey died suddenly in 1975. He was, at that time, a director of the Southeastern Youth Fair, Florida Cattlemen’s Association, State Forestry Association, and the Florida Farm Bureau. He was past president of the Marion County Cattlemen’s Association and served as Assistant County Extension Agent for Marion County between 1948 and 1953.  Carey was a man who worked hard in all that he did whether it was family, work, or church activities. He involved himself in many youth activities and felt the main emphasis of 4-H and FFA to produce “Blue Ribbon Young’uns.”  He felt the experience gained in doing fair projects outweighed any monetary profit gained in the project. The projects were only good in so much as they developed the person involved. We thank the Lions Club for carrying on this important emphasis through the Carey Robbins Award.

Marion County Cattlewomen’s Scholarship

High Point Award

  • Award is determined based on place in Showmanship, Record Books, and Skillathon score.

Herdsman Award

  • Contestants are selected on their knowledge of the beef cattle industry, leadership, showmanship and record keeping of their beef projects.

Cattlewomen Alumni Showmanship

  • This is a fun competition that any alumnus can participate in on the day of the Beef Heifer Show. It is a fun fundraiser for the Marion County Cattlewomen. The money raised goes to scholarships for our youth.

 

Thank You Beef Heifer Sponsors

Ag-Pro
Amy Perryman Livestock Ultra Sounding
BHS Alumni
Blackstone Livestock Co.
Cheryl Friedman & Becca Falke
CreativeFotos ByTracy
Crooked Arrow Brangus
Crystal Waldron
Dr. & Mrs. Bill Freel
Edwards Cattle Company
FC Cattle
Fenco Farms
Glyn-Dale Builders
Integrity Site Development Inc
Jack & Ginny Williams/Coon Hollow Farm
LeFils Farms
M & M Cattle
Marilyn Grant
Marion County Cattlewomen
Mid-Florida Fence
Nails by Jessica at Polished
Next Generation Ranch
Next Level RV – Sean & Diana Dunston
Ocala Sign & Apparel
Roberts Real Estate – Sylvia Leitner
Robie Cattle Ranch, LLC
Russ & Priscilla Randall
Sacred Silence Farm
Southern Charm Aesthetics
Southern Pro Fence & Gate
Sunny Hill Cattle
The Hensley Family
Valerie Dailey – Showcase Properties

Sponsorship Opportunities

You Can Help

SEYF is a non-profit, and is reliant on help from the community in the form of donations of money, services and time.  Click below to get involved and help us help the youth of Marion County.