WEST DES MOINES, IOWA (November 19, 2021) — 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 five recipients are Blake Edwards (Adair County), Shantel Larrington (Lucas County), Marissa Ford (Madison County), Kiara Wallace (Warren County) and Harbor Loynachan (Wayne County).

Blake Edwards is a 7th grader who resides in Adair County. Blake spends his time volunteering at various agricultural events through his involvement in the Summerset Citizens 4-H Club and Ag 4 All Club. In addition to his involvement in clubs, Blake is a Junior Pork Producer. He also participates in basketball, baseball, wrestling and choir. Blake has always enjoyed being involved in agriculture and has experience through helping out at his family’s cow/calf operation. Through the Youth Heifer Program, Blake hopes to learn more about the beef industry, grow his financial literacy skills and improve the genetics of his herd through artificial inseminate

Shantel Larrington is an 8th grader residing in Lucas County, and has been heavily involved in 4-H for the past five years. She has also been president of her FFA chapter for the past two years. In addition, Shantel participates in volleyball, has a seat on her student council and has been a part of Girl Scouts for six years. She has been involved in agriculture for about seven years through helping her sister raise a bucket calf. The Youth Heifer Program will help her work towards her future goals, which include starting an operation of her own, owning her own farm and owning her own animals.

Marissa Ford is an 8th grader who resides in Madison County. Marissa has grown up around agriculture her whole life. She is actively involved in the SW Jr. Stockmen 4-H Club where she has held many positions, including serving as president for the last two years. In addition to 4-H, Marissa spends her time participating in gymnastics. With the help of Midwest Heritage’s Youth Heifer Program, she hopes to begin her own herd of cattle, build her record-keeping skills and save money for college.

Kiara Wallace is an 8th grader who resides in Warren County, and has always had a passion for animal science. She is currently involved in FFA and has four years of experience in her junior high school’s 4-H Chapter. Kiara also participates in volleyball, basketball, softball, competitive tumbling and track & field. Kiara is excited for the Youth Heifer Program to give her experience in agriculture, and meet her goal of raising her own herd of cattle. After the program ends, Kiara is considering a degree in veterinary medicine.

Harbor Loynachan is an 8th grader who resides in Wayne County. Harbor is heavily involved in her FFA Chapter, where she serves on the FFA Livestock Judging Team. She also participates in 4-H, student council and volleyball. Harbor has experience showing cattle and hopes the Youth Heifer Program will give her the skills she needs to start her own herd. In addition, she plans to be an advocate for the program in her community.