Angus breeders since 1964, Curtis and Ann Long, Butler, MO, continue to back their breed and the kids that show them. For the 13th                   consecutive year, Briarwood Angus Farms challenged FFA and 4-H youth to breed, feed and lead Angus to the winner's circle at the 2011 Missouri State Fair Carcass Contest. Cash awards and show halters went to six top individuals.

Tanner Drechsel, Boonville, exhibited the FFA Grand Champion Angus Market Steer with Abby Sudbrock of Centralia FFA taking Reserve in the FFA division.

In the 4-H category Tevin Taylor of Bates County was named Grand Champion and Nicolas Rhodes of Linn County took home the Reserve Champion Live Angus Carcass Steer title.

Kendra Pryor, Pleasant Hill FFA won Grand Champion Angus Carcass and Hannah Moyer, Lamar FFA received Reserve Grand Champion for her Angus carcass.

Briarwood Angus Farms strives to encourage the next generation of Angus breeders to focus on the end product. Dr. Long and the entire crew at Briarwood stand behind their motto "Your Carcass Connection" because they believe in a steadfast commitment to the longstanding reputation of Angus genetics. BWF carcasses average 15” REA and 90% Choice as a result of intensive selection for feed efficient and productive stock. Many young producers annually attend Briarwood Farms spring Open House Private Treaty Sale to build their own Angus herds with such proven genetics.

Each year, more and more young winners of the MSF Angus Carcass Contest benefit from the generosity of Dr. Curtis and Ann Long. And the Angus industry benefits as well knowing that young, progressive producers are taking Angus the right direction.

The 2011 winners will be acknowledged at the Annual Missouri Angus Futurity Banquet where they will receive their prize money during an awards presentation. For more information about the annual State Fair Contest, visit http://www.mostatefair.com or http://briarwoodangusfarms.com or contact Briarwood Farms at 660-679-3459. Pre-register for next year's contest and be sure to check entry requirements in advance. And to learn more about the Missouri Junior Angus program, go to http://missouriangus.org/juniors.html .