Midwest Heritage is proud to announce the continued commitment to developing the next generation of farmers with its 11th Annual Youth Heifer Program, now enhanced with new financial tools designed to set students up for long-term success.

The program will award up to five 7th and 8th grade students from Adair, Lucas, Madison, Ringgold, and Wayne Counties with three bred heifers each, jump-starting their journey in the beef cattle industry. The program spans five years, during which participants are responsible for the daily care, recordkeeping, and breeding of their herd. At the end of the program, recipients are only required repay the market value of the original three heifers and any outstanding balance on their line of credit (if utilized), ideally retaining a growing herd of their own.

“I would encourage anyone to apply for this program. Not only have I benefited financially, but also my knowledge of the beef industry has grown so much. It helped me realize my passion for learning more about beef by-products.” – M. Ford, 2022 Recipient

New for this year, each recipient will also receive a Farm Operating Account through Midwest Heritage and the option of a $1,000 line of credit, giving them valuable experience managing farm finances responsibly while building their herd.

Applicants must submit a completed application by October 17, 2025.

“The youth heifer program is more than just a program or a giveaway. It’s a launch pad, allowing these younger kids to step into a business that they may not have been able to otherwise.” – Nick Heffron, Ag Lender

The Midwest Heritage Youth Heifer Program is designed to help students establish a foundation herd while developing real-world experience in livestock management and personal financial responsibility — all with the goal of achieving financial self-sufficiency by the program’s conclusion.

Interested students can find more information and apply at: https://www.midwestheritage.com/about/community-support/youth-heifer-program/