2025 Youth Heifer Program Recipients

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. This year’s recipients are Kenzie Lilly (Adair), Cambell Richman (Lucas), Lucas Radke (Madison), Kerigann Henson (Ringgold), and Harper Wallace (Warren).

Kenzie Lilly (Adair County)

Kenzie Lilly is an 8th grader from Adair County. Kenzie has been an active member of the Summerset Citizen 4-H Club where she has shown her leadership skills by being an officer and participating in livestock and static exhibits. In addition to 4-H, she is active in school sports, band, TAG program, AG4All and a member of the Faith Formation class at St. John’s Catholic Church. Kenzie aspires to deepen her knowledge of the beef industry. She has helped her dad and grandpa with their commercial herd, caring for bottle calves, and through the program is excited to start her own cow/calf herd. She plans to keep heifers so her herd can grow and save money for college through profits from the herd.

Cambell Richman (Lucas County)

Cambell Richman is a 7^th grader from Lucas County. Cambell is involved in 4-H, FFA, volleyball, band, and a member of First Baptist Church. Growing up on a Black Agnus cow/calf farm, she is excited to bring in her own herd. She has been able to learn from her dad through helping with calving, caring for bottle calves, vaccinating, and treating problems within the herd. Cambell is excited to start her herd, eager to learn vital skills in budgeting, expense tracking, profitability and making her cattle operation more efficient through the Youth Heifer Program. She would like to take animals from the herd to show at the fair in the home raised class.

Lucas Radke (Madison County)

Lucas Radke is an 8^th grader from Madison County. He is involved in several activities including the Madison County 4-H, Youth Beef Team, Van Meter FFA and school sports. In January of 2024, he was named the Madison County Cattlemen Youth of the Year! He currently contributes to his family’s farming operations and his hands-on experience has prepared him to participate in the Youth Heifer Program. His goal is to manage his own group of heifers and be a successful 6th generation cattleman. He is excited to learn about genetics to raise the best beef for the consumer.

 Kerigann Henson (Ringgold County)

Kerigann Henson is an 7^th grader from Ringgold County. She is involved in several activities including the Ringgold County 4-H, the archery team, and Murray Saddle Club. She has been selected as the 2024 Ringgold County Rodeo Princess. On top of her numerous extracurricular activities, Kerigann 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 with their cow/calf herd and feedlot. Through this program she plans to gain independence in decision making, educate herself or others and advocate for the beef industry.

Harper Wallace (Warren County)

Harper Wallace is a 7th grader from Warren County. She is involved in FCCLA, FFA, 4-H, school sports, music, and President of Student Council. Harper is the 3rd sibling in her family to be a recipient of the Youth Heifer Program. Through her family’s hard work with their cow/calf herd, she has been hands-on in every aspect of the operation. Harper is excited to expand her current herd and plans to show and sell her own cattle. It will be rewarding to keep profits from the sale of her cattle.