It’s more important than ever to invest in our youth, our communities, and the future of the beef cattle industry. That’s why Midwest Heritage is proud to be in the 11^th year of our Youth Heifer Program, and we look forward to continuing it for many years to come.

To date, the program has supported 54 recipients from Adair, Fremont, Lucas, Madison, Ringgold, Warren, and Wayne counties by providing 162 bred heifers and more than $383,000 in financial support.

The Youth Heifer Program is designed to spark interest in agriculture while teaching young farmers valuable herd management and financial skills. Each year, up to five hard working 7^th and 8^th graders receive three bred heifers, a farm operating account, and an optional $1,000 line of credit at 0% interest. Participants manage and care for their herds throughout the five-year program, and at its conclusion, repay the initial market value of the heifers along with any outstanding line-of-credit balance.

Financial education is a key component of the program. Throughout the five years, and beyond, our lenders work closely with participants to help them build confidence, responsibility, and long-term financial wellness.

On Wednesday, December 3, Midwest Heritage hosted a banquet to celebrate the 2026 recipients and their families. Each recipient was presented with a personalized plaque, ear tags, and a Youth Heifer Program hat. Members of the local Cattlemen’s organization grilled steaks for the event, while Cattlemen’s CEO Bryan Whaley spoke about the importance of mentorship and sustaining interest in the beef industry.

On Saturday, January 3, recipients picked up their heifers from the Hunter Brothers farm in Derby, IA and officially set up their accounts with Midwest Heritage. Despite the cold temperatures, our lenders and team were proud to be there to support the kids as they began their journey. Participants also received a Youth Heifer Program sweatshirt and cattle sorting stick.

We are incredibly proud of the dedication and determination shown by our Youth Heifer Program participants over the years. We wish the 2026 recipients the best of luck as they begin building their herds and look forward to seeing the continued impact of this program in the future.

2026 Youth Heifer Program Recipients:

Bailey Breheny: 8th grader from Adair County. She is an active member of the Adair County Hot Shots 4-H Club with whom she has volunteered at the local animal shelters, annual food drive for the local food pantry, and fair board workdays. She has shown several animals and static exhibits at the fair as well. Bailey aspires to deepen her knowledge of the beef industry. She has helped her dad and cared for many bottle calves, and through the program is excited to learn to budget and spend wisely.

Ava McDonough: 7th grader from Lucas County. She is involved in many activities including 4-H, dance, church choir, FFA, student council, archery, cheerleading, and singing at various community events. Through 4-H she has learned to care for her livestock and keep records as she has had the responsibility of day-to-day care of her projects. She would like to show her own cow/calf pair at the fair. She is excited about the opportunity to learn more and grow her herd by keeping back heifer calves and selling the steers.

Jaxen Goodwin: 8th grader from Madison County. He is currently involved in band, baseball, golf, FFA, & 4-H. He has enjoyed showing swine projects at the county fair and helping his sister with her cattle projects. Jaxen is excited to participate in the program to get his foot in the door of the beef industry by starting his own herd.

Hayes Drake: 7th grader from Ringgold County. He participates in several activities including archery, basketball, & school plays. He is also a member of the Twin River Tornados 4-H Club and a member of the Blockton Christian Church. In addition, Hayes enjoys running a local lawn mowing business with his older brother. Hayes likes to help put mineral out for the cows, fix fence, & harrow and mow pastures. Through the program he would like to learn budgeting and take more responsibility for his own animals.

Thatcher Goben: 8th grader from Wayne County. He is involved in football, basketball, baseball, FFA, & 4-H. Thatcher enjoys helping with his grandparents’ herd, whether it be haying or sorting & working cattle through the chute. He would like to challenge himself with the Youth Heifer Program and take more responsibility. His goals for the program are to produce a good source of food and be profitable.