By Trescha Mitchell

FFA Advisor

Frazee-Vergas FFA Chapter member Brady Mitchell, of Detroit Lakes, was this year’s recipient of the 2026 heifer through the North American South Devon Association Youth Experience Program. 

Mitchell was presented the heifer at the 2026 National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colo. This heifer was donated by Walnut Grove Farm & CS Livestock/The Steinlicht Family from Valley Falls, Kansas, who have actively supported not only the South Devon breed but the junior program as well.

The North American South Devon Junior Association (NASDJA) offers many opportunities for youth interested in the beef cattle industry and the South Devon breed. The NASDJA is committed to assisting youth in cooperation with the adults working with them in acquiring life skills. The NASDJA enables youth to have fun, network with new people, learn new life skills, build self-confidence, learn responsibility, and set and achieve goals.

The recipient of this year’s heifer is described as “exemplifying what it means to be hard-working and dedicated. His commitment to excellence is evident in every project he undertakes, consistently going above and beyond to achieve the highest standards.” 

It is also stated that the recipient holds “admirable traits in their passion for their work.” Another states that this recipient “goes above and beyond to set high standard goals for themselves and works to accomplish their goals.” 

One opportunity that juniors have is to apply for the North American South Devon Association Youth Experience Program. Juniors can apply through an application process, and the recipient is responsible for raising, breeding, and maintaining complete records on the care of the animal, while providing monthly updates to the donor(s) and to NASDA. 

The recipient must also communicate in writing quarterly reports with the heifer donor and the Chairman of the NASDA Junior Heifer Program on the progress of their project. Participating in shows and events with the heifer is also a requirement of the program. Some of these include the National South Devon Show in Denver, Colo., NASDA Junior Nationals, Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, Iowa, and the Minnesota Beef Expo in St. Paul, Minn.

In addition to receiving a heifer, Brady exhibited cattle at the National Western Stock Show in Denver and placed well in his classes. 

• Open Class Show: Poundmaker- Spring Heifer Calf- second place

• Open Class Show: Poundmaker- Early Summer Yearling- third place

• Open Class Show: Champion Cow/Calf Pair

• Open Class Show: Reserve Champion Spring Bull Calf

• Junior Show: Poundmaker-Reserve Champion Junior Heifer Calf

• Junior Show: Poundmaker-Champion Summer Yearling Heifer

• Junior Show: Senior Showmanship- eighth place