The three-day event will include education seminars, a trade show, and the sale of bulls, open heifers, bred heifers, cow-calf pairs, as well as select embryo and semen lots, offered by the best of Minnesota's seedstock breeders across several breeds.

"Minnesota currently does not have an event like this - one that showcases Minnesota's beef industry and offers a way to merchandize bulls and females from several breeds all in one three-day event," said James Scharpe, executive secretary/treasurer for the Minnesota Angus Association.

"The Minnesota Beef Showcase will be mutually beneficial for both seedstock breeders and commercial cow-calf producers in Minnesota and surrounding states."

Cow-calf producers will benefit from the Minnesota Beef Showcase by having a larger offering of genetics at one location in a one day sale format. All sales will be held on Saturday afternoon on March 31. Cattle will be available for viewing starting the morning of Friday, March 30.

"Whether using a single-breed or a multi-breed program, cow-calf producers will have a greater selection of genetics to choose from for their next herd sires or replacement females through the Minnesota Beef Showcase," added Scharpe.

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For state associations, this event provides the opportunity to jointly host the sale and agribition while sharing costs and advertising. Furthermore, the location of Fergus Falls is in the heart of cow-calf country in the upper Midwest as a 200 mile radius covers most of Minnesota, and the eastern halves of both North Dakota and South Dakota.

"We look forward to working with other breed associations on the Minnesota Beef Showcase. The cattle offering, education seminars and trade show will help enhance the beef industry in the upper Midwest," noted Jason Russell,

Minnesota Gelbvieh Association. "A sale of this type will bring recognition to all breeds while increasing the marketability of bulls and females for Minnesota breeders."

For additional information about the Minnesota Beef Showcase Sale and Agribition or to be placed on the mailing list, contact James Scharpe, scharpe8@frontiernet.net or 507-380-3431. Seedstock breeders looking for consignment information may also contact Scharpe or your state breed association representatives.