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MO Simmental Association launches Heifer Xtravaganza

The inaugural Missouri Simmental Association VITAFERM Heifer Xtravaganza will be held in the Coliseum on Saturday, August 10, 2024, immediately following the Missouri State Fair Open Simmental Heifer show.

The Missouri Simmental Association Heifer Xtravaganza is an opportunity to recognize the hard-working Missouri Junior Simmental Association members and the breeders in the state who have invested in developing some of the best genotypes and phenotypes in the nation.

Missouri has a rich history with the Simmental cattle breed.  There are several family farms in the state with 4-digit American Simmental Association (ASA) registration numbers, dating back to the early 1970’s when the Simmental cattle breed was introduced into the United States.

Simmental influenced cattle are ideally suited to aid Missouri farm families in their pursuit of long-term sustainable profits. Today, there are many family farms that have been using Simmental genetics for decades to increase soundness and docility in their herds, while others are just getting their start in the beef cattle business with a few Simmental cows.

ASA has the second largest number of animal records reported annually in the nation. Simmental and percentage Simmental cattle are not only gaining popularity in the state’s cattle herds but are more popular than ever at jackpot shows and county fairs statewide.

Thanks to generous sponsors VITAFERM, Missouri Electric Cooperatives, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, Vytelle, Prairie Home Co-op, White Wing Simmentals, Paradeis Cattle Co., Milligan Farms, Steve Kusgen, Kanoy Farms, and Rocking P Ranch, $6,000 in premiums will be awarded. Junior exhibitors of champion heifers in both Purebred and Percentage divisions will take home $1,000 as will the consigning breeders who sold them the heifers. Reserve champion Junior exhibitors will be awarded $500 as will the consigning breeders from whom they purchased their heifers.