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Created: 28 December 2011

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FAMILY FRIEND — NRHEG 9th-grader Amy Beckstrom was awarded one of 11 heifers at this year’s Minnesota Youth Beef Experience Program. (Star Eagle photo by Rachel Rietsema)

NRHEG student awarded heifer at St. Paul Beef Expo

By RACHEL RIETSEMA

Staff Writer

Every Monday through Friday, Amy Beckstrand’s alarm clock rears its startling alert at 5 a.m.

And although not one human is stirring in the house, somehow Beckstrand effortlessly lifts her eyelids and is already mentally prepared for the day ahead. Quickly, she changes clothes, grabs a pair of work boots and heads outside to the adjacent building of yesteryear.

Once inside the rustic barn, this ninth-grade NRHEG student grabs the necessary sustenance for Maci, her very own heifer she won at last October’s St. Paul Beef Expo.

“There were a total of 11 winners in this year’s Minnesota Youth Beef Experience Program,” Beckstrand said. “I acquired Maci on behalf of the Shorthorn Association. They started this program for kids to have the chance to be involved in the beef industry.”

Her mother Maryjo added, “The program has been around since 2004, and she’s the first one we’re aware of in Waseca County who has won this. I just think it’s a terrific accomplishment.”

This auspicious occasion didn’t arise without a wee bit of effort though. Two weeks prior, she completed an application process largely comprised of an essay portion. 

“I explained why I felt I should be awarded the heifer,” Beckstrand said. “I gave two reasons. First of all, we can’t really afford to buy heifers. Then, I was hoping to win the heifer so I could mentor younger kids and help them be more involved in the beef industry too.”

Beckstrand continued, “This was the second time I applied. I only received the good news a week before the expo, so I was really excited.”

As one of the 100 Minnesota applicants aged 12-16, she also had to provide two reference letters to accompany the application. She inquired of her 4-H program coordinator Amy Nelson and longtime neighbor Brenda Gerdts to help out with fulfilling this portion.

“I also had a say in the breed,” Beckstrand said “My first choice was a commercial heifer, and my second choice was short horn.”

Awarded a short horn purebred, she couldn’t be more grateful and excited. Typically, heifers at Maci’s age (1 year) cost anywhere between $1,400-40,000.

“They are really expensive,” Beckstrand said. “She is worth about $1600.”