FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Manitoba Youth Win Purebred Heifers Through Grant Moffat Herdbuilder Program

Nicholas Bray, a 16-year-old producer from Eddystone; Rachael Verwey, a 13-year-old producer from Portage la Prairie and Laura Tolton, a 14-year-old producer from Carberry, were the 2009 recipients of the Grant Moffat Herdbuilder Awards.

On August 18, 2006, Grant Moffat of Forrest, Manitoba went missing at the age of 55.

The Grant Moffat fund was set up with generous donations from cattleman, friends and relatives across the Canada to offer a reward for tips leading to his whereabouts. After a year, a committee handling the funds made the decision to channel the money to Manitoba Youth for the purpose of starting their own purebred cattle herds.

Grant Moffat, Holmsyde Charolais, Forrest, Manitoba, was a Charolais breeder, photographer, writer, youth enthusiast, judge, sales manager, fitter, editor and accountant. He was a special person that everyone could learn something from.

Grant spent many hours helping youth start in the livestock business. The Grand Moffat Herdbuilder award was set up to continue this initiative. Youth submit written applications and the committee reviews them to select the Juniors they feel will benefit the most from this award. Annually over 20 and up to 40 applicants have been received. For the past three years, up to $2,000 has been awarded to each of three Junior members to purchase a purebred female to start their herd. To date 9 juniors from across the province have benefited from the program.

Nicholas Bray selected a Black Angus heifer, Rachael Verwey selected a Charolais heifer and Laura Tolton purchased a Black Angus heifer. These heifers were selected at fall, purebred sales in Manitoba.

This program has benefit many youth in Manitoba.