Midwest Heritage, a subsidiary of Hy-Vee, Inc., announces the recipients of a new program to help youth get a start in the cattle industry.

Sixteen individuals submitted applications. Four were selected and will each be awarded three bred heifers. The recipients are: Paige Heesch (Seymour), Noah Offenburger (Chariton), Jenna Tlach (Prole) and Benjamin Moffitt (Indianola).

The goal of the Midwest Heritage Youth Heifer Program is to help future young farmers gain interest and knowledge of the beef cattle industry. Winners were chosen based on merit, future goals and their ability to care for the heifers. These individuals are 7th or 8th graders from Lucas, Wayne, Warren or Madison County, Iowa. The program will span five years. Each participant will maintain accurate records of income and expenditures during the five years and will submit these records plus a brief summary of activities annually. At the conclusion of the five years, recipients are responsible for paying back the market value of the three bred heifers.

“We are pleased by the response we received from youth who are interested in expanding their knowledge of agriculture,” said Tony Kaska, Midwest Heritage CEO & President. “This is the beginning of establishing a foundation herd and gaining financial self-sufficiency for these motivated individuals who were chosen to participate in the Youth Heifer Program.”