<b>By MEGGIE I. FOSTER<br>
Assistant Editor</b> </p><p>

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Warm winter chatter coupled with stiff competition make up the lively atmosphere at the 21st annual Hoosier Beef Congress (HBC), hosted in early December at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.</p><p>
From Dec. 1-2, junior beef exhibitors from across the state rolled in with nearly 1,500 beef cows, calves and steers for “the place to showcase cattle in Indiana,” according to Julia Wickard, executive director of the Indiana Beef Cattle Assoc., (IBCA) who also owns and operates an Angus brood cow herd with her family in Greenfield, Ind.</p><p>
Dubbed one of the most competitive beef cattle shows in the state, the Congress also featured an extensive trade show, a “Country Christmas” shopping area, silent auction, Wilson Trailer Sales giveaway, the All Star Steer and Heifer Sale, purebred sales, a junior judging contest and 12 breed and crossbred shows.</p><p>
Breed shows including Chianina, Charolais, Limousin, Angus, Hereford, Shorthorn, Simmental, Red Poll, Maine Anjou, Gelbveih, Salers and Crossbred parade the best of each in the center show arena in the Cattle Barn.</p><p>
Serving as the center attraction for hundreds of cattle enthusiasts and exhibitors, the large show arena, divided into four smaller arenas to accommodate all breeds was decorated up just right in Christmas spirit as the holiday nears close in the Midwest.
“We estimate this show draws nearly 7,000 to 8,000 people in every year,” said Wickard.</p><p>
“And people come for all sorts of reasons, some come for the sales, while others are exhibitors or just enjoy the company of fellow beef producers.”</p><p>
While the breed shows often serve as the center attraction, Wickard emphasizes the role youth development plays in the success of the annual show. </p><p>
“It’s definitely more of a leadership development event for youth interested in various sectors of the beef industry,” she added. “The show has changed a lot over the last 21 years, in a good way, and we can’t wait to host 50 more.”</p><p>
12-year old Adrianne Trennepohl, of Henry County, Ind. who exhibited three heifers this year at HBC said she enjoys competing in showmanship and spending time with friends who also show beef cattle.</p><p>
“I just love showing and winning, obviously, but you kinda learn to lose once and a while and take what you get,” she explained. “A lot of times it just depends on the judge, this one takes a long time and it makes our heifers tired, so they don’t want to lead as well.”</p><p>
Trennepohl’s white Shorthorn heifer she calls “Snowflake” won her age class and her other winning heifer “Debra” placed sixth in her age class, she added.</p><p>
“It’s especially fun this year because my little sister just started showing, so it’s a family event and we all have a lot of fun together,” she giggled.</p><p>
“In addition to a tremendous leadership development event for youth, the Hoosier Beef Congress is also a great time for family and friends to get together one last time before the holidays,” Wickard added.</p><p>
Trailer giveaway</p><p>

As a special highlight for the 2007 show, Wickard mentioned that this year the IBCA partnered with Wilson Trailer Sales of Indiana to offer association members a chance to win a free one-year lease of a 24-foot aluminum livestock trailer as long a they renewed their IBCA membership. “Someone is going to pull out of here tomorrow with a brand new trailer,” she said.</p><p>
She credits the success of the annual event to the volunteer work and team effort among IBCA members. </p><p>
“In the beef industry, we pride ourselves on our volunteers, 45 volunteers are here because of their passion and pride for the beef industry,” said Wickard as she smiled. “You can’t beat that.”</p><p>
“Last year was our 20th year, it was a big year for us, but our goal is to continue that success, take recommendations and make it even better,” she said, adding that the 2007 trade show exhibitors were up 10 from last year. “I think we’ve done that and will continue do our best to improve for next year.</p><p>
“This is truly a project that takes a lot of energy from a lot of people. We do what we do because we all love the beef industry – what it stands for and what it represents in Indiana.”