March 19, 2024

Smith announced as 2015 Iowa Foundation Heifer Program winner

The Iowa Foundation Heifer Program, a joint effort of the Iowa Cattlemen’s Foundation and the Iowa Beef Breeds Council, gave seventh graders throughout Iowa the chance to win three purebred heifers to start or increase their own herd of cattle in January.

Jenna Smith, of Newton, was chosen as the 2015 Iowa Foundation Heifer Program winner. Her breed of choice was the Hereford.

Smith is the daughter of Marc and Brenda Smith, owners of Smith Black Herefords. Jenna, along with her brother, Jacob, are active members of the family business.

The goal of the program is to help strengthen and ensure that the beef industry remains strong in Iowa’s future.

Those entering fill out applications describing their history in the beef industry, showing that they are interested in herd development and that they are willing to accept all responsibility for the care of the heifers they win.

“This program is a good way to keep the beef industry strong in Iowa,” Worth County veterinarian Mike Dierenfeld Dierenfeld said. “By the time they graduate, they should have a strong herd of their own.”

Also on hand were local cattle producer Alan Johnson, Iowa Beef Breeds Council President Dennis Larson and Allyson Krull.