WEST DES MOINES, IOWA (October 23, 2023) — Midwest Heritage, a subsidiary of Hy-Vee, Inc., announces the recipients of their award-winning Youth Heifer Program to help youth get a start in the cattle industry.

Each year, 7th and 8th graders from five Iowa counties apply to be their county’s representative in the Youth Heifer Program and receive three bred heifers. This year’s recipients are Chloe Ohms (Adair), Trace Storm (Lucas), Nicholas Brakhane (Madison), Jaylynn Doolittle (Ringgold), and Madisyn & Summer Milby (Warren).

Chloe Ohms (Adair County)

Chloe Ohms is a 7^th grader from Adair County. Over the past four years, Chloe has been an active member of the Summit Super Stars 4-H Club, where she has showcased her leadership skills. Serving as the club’s Historian for the past two years, Chloe has demonstrated her ability to organize, document and preserve the club’s history for generations to come. Chloe is also involved in the Adair County Fair where she has exhibited swine and cattle. Chloe aspires to deepen her understanding of the cattle business, honing her skills in herd development and the selection of optimal genetics through the Youth Heifer Program. Her long-term aspirations are to establish her own herd and produce high-quality calves that can be proudly exhibited at the county fairs. She is excited to gain more hands-on experience to get more involved in the cattle industry and expand her knowledge.

Trace Storm (Lucas County)

Trace Storm is a 7^th grader from Lucas County. He has been an active member of the 4-H Club for four years, with a commitment to service. This year he extended his involvement by joining FFA, taking a role in the school play, contributing to student council and being an active band member. Trace has extensive farming experience, starting his own herd by raising a bucket calf at the age of five, driven by his desire to show at the fair. He is eager to learn vital skills in budgeting, expense tracking, profitability and making his cattle operation more efficient through the Youth Heifer Program.

Nicholas Brakhane (Madison County)

Nicholas Brakhane is a 7^th grader from Madison County. He is involved in several activities including the Madison County Sharp Shooters, 4-H Club, Youth Beef Team and Winterset FFA. His dream is to manage his own group of heifers and develop a deep understanding of the strategy behind running a cattle operation. Since a young age he has been nurturing bottle calves and learning the ropes of caring for these young animals. He contributes to his family’s farming operations by participating in the fall calving process, checking cows and tagging new calves. His hands-on experience has prepared him to participate in the Youth Heifer Program.

Jaylynn Doolittle (Ringgold County)

Jaylynn Doolittle is an 8^th grader from Ringgold County. She participates in Helping Enrich the Lives of People (HELP), the Twin River Tornadoes 4-H Club, Diagonal Youth Fellowship, honor band, choir and many school sports. On top of her numerous extracurricular activities, Jaylynn has a special connection to her family’s farm. Growing up on a farm has given her a deep understanding of the agricultural way of life, especially in cattle farming. She has been around cattle as long as she can remember, which has provided her with valuable life lessons about hard work, responsibility and managing a farm. She is excited to be a part of the Youth Heifer Program to learn the responsibility of having her own herd and how to manage a successful operation.

Madisyn and Summer Milby (Warren County)

Madisyn and Summer Milby, residents of Warren County, are sisters who are involved in a multitude of activities. These include 4-H Club, many school sports, chorus and work for a local dog business. These two sisters have a commitment to agriculture and aspire to have their own farms one day. Looking ahead, the twins plan to join FFA in high school and build upon their existing involvement in 4-H Club. Their agricultural aspirations are inspired by their family’s commitment to preserving their homestead and taking care of an array of livestock. They have a strong desire to work with animals and want to learn every aspect of livestock management. The Youth Heifer Program will allow them this opportunity to learn more about raising heifers and managing livestock.

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The goal of the Midwest Heritage Youth Heifer Program is to help young future farmers gain interest and knowledge of the beef cattle industry. Midwest Heritage awards the recipients three bred heifers to help start their herd. During the five-year program, recipients are responsible for the management and daily care of their herd. At the conclusion of the five years, recipients are responsible for paying back the initial market value of the three bred heifers. Learn more about the program!

MIDWEST HERITAGE, a Hy-Vee company, is a full-service banking, insurance and investments center offering a comprehensive array of financial products and services. Midwest Heritage is headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa, with branches in Chariton, Iowa, five Hy-Vee store locations in central Iowa and one Hy-Vee store location in Overland Park, Kansas. Midwest Heritage has in excess of $425 million in assets. The organization offers the personal service of a community bank with the convenience of a larger bank and is a five-star rated bank by both Bauer Financial Service and Bankrate.com. FDIC Insured, Equal Housing Lender. Visit us at www.midwestheritage.com.