By Scout Nelson
The 31st annual North Dakota Junior Beef Expo (NDJBE) brought together nearly 60 youth exhibitors and their families at the McKenzie County Ag Expo in Watford City, North Dakota, on June 27-28, 2026. Organized by the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association (NDSA), the event helped young people build knowledge, leadership, and practical skills while encouraging greater involvement in the beef industry.
NDJBE Chairman Kiley Kvamme said, “The Junior Beef Expo was started to provide an opportunity for youth to gain interest and involvement in the beef industry. Beyond the competition, the event provides valuable opportunities for exhibitors to learn, connect with fellow cattle enthusiasts and develop lifelong skills.”
The event began with a beef trivia scavenger hunt that combined education with friendly competition. The winning team included Hudson, Hayes and Hoyt Dukart of Richardton and Asher and Bergen Bullinger of Dickinson.
The cattle show featured 52 heifers from 10 breeds and 17 market animals, followed by peewee, junior, and senior showmanship competitions. Evelina Jacobson exhibited the supreme champion female, while Drew Erickson earned reserve champion female honors. Nora Weidert won the champion market animal with a 1,410-pound steer, and Vance Mrnak showed the reserve champion market animal, a 1,245-pound heifer.
Breed champions were also recognized in the Charolais, Chi-Influence, Hereford, Limousin, Maine, Red Angus, Sim-Influence, and Commercial divisions. Showmanship winners included Ainsley Johnson in peewee, Vance Mrnak in junior, and Ashton Smeltzer in senior competition.
The show was judged by John Hogberg, who owns Bar-H Land & Cattle and previously competed on Oklahoma State University’s 2020-2021 National Champion Livestock Judging Team.
Additional honors include the Hardest Worker Award presented to Dakota Hystad and the NDSA Member Award with a $100 cash prize awarded to Carson Sys.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-pamwalker68
Categories: North Dakota, Livestock, Beef Cattle