Some kids showing cattle at the Minnesota State Fair got into the business with the help of the Minnesota Youth Beef Experience Program.

The program is a project of the Minnesota Beef Expo, which is an offshoot of the Fair. In seven years the program has given 85 heifers to kids who want to get into the cattle-breeding business.

Mary Moenning of Hayfield, Minn., is showing a Simmental heifer that she got through the program. And her friend Jackie Thayer of Kassom, Minn., is showing the calf of an Angus heifer she received two years ago.

Thayer's parents work in town but they live on a hobby farm with some horses. She got involved with cattle through an uncle and wanted to start raising her own. Moenning comes from a family that raises cattle for slaughter but has not been involved much in breeding.

"One heifer can make a huge difference, just depending on her genetics," said Moenning. "It increases numbers but it also increases quality in your herd."

The program makes sure that everyone who receives a heifer also has a mentor to help them succeed in the business. Moenning and Thayer both say they plan to build their herds and show and sell cattle as long as they can.

"This is the most amazing program I've ever been involved in," Thayer said. "The people you meet and the things you learn - amazing."