The Miniature Hereford breeders will return to the Iowa State Fair for the 2009 livestock competition. The Miniature Herefords will be on display Wednesday, August 19 through Saturday, August 23 in the new Stalling Barn.

Kicking off the event for the first time this year is the Celebrity Baby Bull Class at 1 p.m. Friday, August 21 in the East Arena. The Baby Bull Class will showcase the animals as celebrities lead them through the arena. Celebrities attending the event include:

Sophia Ahmad, Des Moines Register Entertainment Reporter
Frank Brownell, Brownells Inc. CEO
Lynn Clayton, Operations Manager at Atlantic Bottling Co. (Coca-Cola)
Greg Edwards, President/CEO Greater Des Moines Convention & Visitors Bureau
Gary Ehlers, Endres Processing
Reid Forgrave, Des Moines Register Features Reporter
Tim Gassman, President Milhiser Smith Agency, Inc
Tom Hay, Hydro-Klean Inc.
Ronald McDonald, Ronald McDonald House Charities
Erica Reimers, Sullivan Show Supply
Ken Root, Broadcaster for The Big Show, WHO Radio AM 1040
Dr. Daniel Schroeder, Mercy Hospital
Gary Van Aernam, President State Fair Board
 
Following the Baby Bull Class will be the Junior Show, which showcases 3-18 year olds in the Miniature Hereford World competition. This class is for showmen and women ages 3-18. Following the Junior Show will be the Open Show, which will have 12 classes.

The breeding of Miniature Herefords began over 250 years ago. Miniature Herefords are full-blood Herefords; they are simply not as tall as normal cattle. For a bovine to be classified as ‘miniature,’ they are scored by the size of their frame with most measuring 38-43 inches tall at the hip.
For more information on Miniature Hereford cattle, visit www.mhbaonline.org.

The Greater Des Moines Convention & Visitors Bureau is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote Greater Des Moines as a fun, vibrant and affordable destination statewide, nationally and internationally. Our focus increases visitors to our community through meetings, conventions, sports events, leisure travel, and group tours, thereby contributing to the local economy.