Penola cousins Mia and Ruby Gartner, Addison and Sophie Wilson have been hard at work preparing their cattle for the annual heifer expo which is to be held at the Adelaide showgrounds in July.

They have participated at the expo on several occasions and have brought home awards for their efforts.

The girls started preparing their animals at the start of this year, picking their heifers over the holiday period and breaking them in with the help of their uncles.

The youngsters have spent many hours washing, blow drying and grooming the cattle to get them ready.

They participated in two rural shows, Tyrendarra and Mundulla earlier this year to give the heifers a preview of what is to come.

The heifer expo consists of a two-day educational program and then a day of showing cattle, with the handlers judged on the last day of the expo.

The first expo was held in 1985 and was the initiative of a dedicated group of beef cattle producers.

This year there are 200 entrants ranging in age from eight to 24 years.

Through a unique program that combines traditional practices with modern ones, the extensive program is designed to inspire, educate and connect future leaders in the beef industry.

The aim of the program is to encourage young people to develop their knowledge and experience as well as provide life changing opportunities.

The major award at the expo is a beef industry scholarship which is awarded to the senior champion herdsperson.