Learn about the state’s beef industry and the newest developments in agricultural technology during the 25th annual West Virginia Beef Expo at the West Virginia University Jackson’s Mill State 4-H Conference Center April 9-11 in Weston.

The West Virginia Beef Expo showcases the collaborative, statewide efforts of individuals and organizations involved in the West Virginia agriculture industry. The three-day event will feature cattle auctions, a commercial trade show featuring beef cattle handling and farm equipment, youth competitions and more.

“The event provides a unique opportunity for beef cattle farmers from across the state to gather and see the latest developments in the beef cattle industry,” said Bruce Loyd, WVU Extension Service agriculture and natural resource agent for Lewis County. “Between the exhibits, banquet, shows, demonstrations and the cattle sales, our 25th annual expo is going to offer something for every member of the family.”

Programming begins at 6 p.m. on Thursday (April 9) with the opening ceremonies and crowning of the 2015 Beef Queen.

On Friday, events kick off at 8 a.m. with the opening of the trade show. Other highlights of the day include the Stockman’s Judging Contest, featuring more than 300 youth competitors from across the state, the Beef Ambassador Contest and the Youth Beef Cook-Off.

The trade show continues on Saturday, followed by the individual sales of seven cattle breeds. More than 200 seed stock of the West Virginia Angus, Polled Hereford, Simmental, Limousin, Charolais Red Angus and Gelbvieh breeds will be auctioned off to the highest bidder.

For the last quarter century, the West Virginia Beef Expo has provided marketing and educational opportunities to the state’s commercial cattlemen in the interest of promoting the beef cattle industry and growing the state’s overall farm economy.

The expo is a collaborative event between the West Virginia University Extension Service, WVU Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design, the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, the West Virginia Cattlemen’s Association and West Virginia’s breed organizations.

For more information on the expo, including the complete schedule of events, visit their website at www.anr.ext.wvu.edu/events/wvbeefexpo.

-WVU-

bu/04/07/15

CONTACT: Cassie Waugh, WVU Extension Service
304.293.8735, Cassie.Waugh@mail.wvu.edu

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