DEPARTMENTS
BEEF
(USPS
Magazine Publishing Office 2306 Bluff Creek Drive, #100, Columbia, MO 65201 Phone: 573-499-9162 • Fax: 573-499-9167
Andy Atzenweiler: Editor/Production/Ad Sales P.O. Box 480977 • Kansas City, Missouri 64148 816-210-7713 • E-mail: mobeef@sbcglobal.net
Missouri Cattlemen’s Association
MCA Website: www.mocattle.com
Mike Deering, Executive Vice President - Ext 230 Mike@mocattle.com
Courtney Collins, Manager of Membership– Ext 231 Courtney@mocattle.com
Aly Francis, Manager of Strategic Solutions – Ext 235 Aly@mocattle.com
Lisa Stockhorst, Administrative Assistant – Ext 234 Lisa@mocattle.com
Missouri’s Cattlemen Foundation www.mocattlemenfoundation.org
Missouri’s CattleWomen http://mocattle.com/missouricattlewomen.aspx
2024 MCA Officers
Chuck Miller, President
573-881-3589 • 393 Spring Garden Road, Olean, MO 65064
Jeff Reed, President-Elect 903-279-8360 • P.O. Box 35, Williamsville, MO 63967
Anita Vanderwert, Vice President 573-808-3000 • 4902 Conchero Ct., Columbia, MO 65203
Marvin Dieckman, Treasurer 660-596-4163 • 28998 Hwy JJ, Cole Camp, MO 65325
Charlie Besher, Secretary 573-866-2846 • RR 5, Box 2402, Patton, MO 63662
2024 MC A Regional Vice Presidents
Region 1: Ethan McNeill, 325 McMurry St. Paris, MO 65275 636-544-9943
Region 2: Blake McDonald, 250 Clonts Rd. Sullivan, MO 63080 • 573-205-7914
Region 3: Blake Crow, 1910 W. Broadway St., West Plains, MO 65775 • 417-293-9525
Region 4: Deb Thummel, 12601 Hwy. 46 Sheridan, MO 64486 • 660-541-2606
Region 5: Alex Haun, 1031 SW 600 Rd Holden, MO 64040 • 816-345-0005
Region 6: Warren Love, 8381 NE Hwy ZZ Osceola, MO 64776 • 417-830-1950
Region 7: Josh Worthington, 401 N. Dade 231 Dadeville, MO 65635 • 417-844-2601
Missouri Cattlemen’s Youth Expo
The Missouri Cattlemen’s Youth Expo was held June 6-9 in Sedalia at the Missouri State Fairgrounds. This expo featured the 41st Annual MCA All-Breeds Junior Show. We are thankful for the overwhelming support both events received and look forward to sharing updates for each event in the August 2024 magazine!
Missouri State Fair Beef House – August 8-18
We are just a few short weeks away from the 2024 Missouri State Fair and another big year for the Beef House. Our volunteers help ensure the success year after year on the fairgrounds and we could not do it without you! Beef House cleaning days are Friday, August 2, at 9 a.m. and Monday, August 19, at 9 a.m. Reminders will be sent out to all members with their respective county affiliate scheduled time to volunteer at the Beef House. To view the tentative Beef House schedule and for more information see PAGE 17.
MJCA Youth Industry Tour
We are looking forward to the 2024 Youth Industry Tour. This year’s trip will take us to Southwest Missouri to Region’s 6 and 7 of Missouri Cattlemen’s Association. We have exciting tour stops planned at local businesses and cattle operations, featuring unique agricultural industry opportunities in the area. Participants must be a freshman in high school to 21 years of age to attend. Space is limited to the first 50 applicants and spots are filling up fast. Registration is now open online. More information can be found on mocattle.com or by flipping to PAGE 53.
MCF Cattlemen’s Classic Golf Tournament
Summer is here, and events are in full swing, but don’t forget to mark your calendars for events scheduled this fall! The 29th Annual Missouri’s Cattlemen Foundation Cattlemen’s Classic Golf Tournament will be held on Thursday, September 12, in Fulton at the Tanglewood Golf Course. The tournament will be a four-person scramble with a shotgun start. Prizes will be awarded to the top teams in both the “Cattlemen” and “Open” classes. 2023 saw a fantastic turnout for MCF supporters and we look forward to the same success in 2024. To join in on the fun and help raise money for a good cause, look for the registration form in this month’s magazine or visit the MCA website. For more details, see PAGE 51.
Show-Me-Select Heifer Replacement
We are partnering with Show-Me-Select again this year for an exclusive new member promotion drawing. New members of Missouri Cattlemen’s Association will be entered to win a drawing for a $2,000 credit to a Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer sale. To be considered a new member, you must not have been an MCA member within the last 12 months. Credit must be redeemed in the same calendar year at any of the spring or fall sales. Learn more on PAGE 56.
Joshlynn Mefford, Clarence, MO
Kirby Latimer, Hunnewell, MO
Carson Gingerich, Leonard, MO
Aliza Yoder, Leonard, MO
Andi Belt, Leonard, MO
Caroline Linberger, Shelbyville, MO
Elizabeth Myers, Shelbyville, MO
Meg Shively, Shelbyville, MO
Ava Williams, Shelbyville, MO
Sam Schalk, Van Buren, MO
Abigayle Lett, Odessa, MO
Laina Bell, Bucklin, MO
Charles Geniso, Joplin, MO
Rick & Charla Geller, Dry Branch Cattle Co, Newton, MO
Michelle Huddleston, Jane, MO
Aarold Melton, Pineville, MO
Levi Trenton Evans, Seneca, MO
Linda Sanders, Stark City, MO
Suzanna Wolfe, Wolfe Auction & Realty, LLC, Fulton, MO
Trista Trivette, Holliday, MO
Danielle Freels, Madison, MO
Seth Hasekamp, Madison, MO
Johnnie Thomas, Madison, MO
Gage Benskin, Paris, MO
Miranda Billings, Paris, MO
Maura Crusha, Paris, MO
Riley McKinney, Paris, MO
Mike Siemens, Bolivar, MO
Alan Garton, Conway, MO
Peter Dodd, Theodosia, MO
See the MCA Membership Form on page 61.
President’s Perspective
with Chuck Miller
Hayseed Thoughts
“Miller, you’re just a hayseed!” Words spoken from my favorite college professor and longtime friend Dr. Jerry Lipsey. Occasionally, he would put an adjective or two in that phrase or use my given name “Charles.” In college, my world was pretty small, and I always looked for excuses to go home. I was very averse to changing my ways. My world got bigger and I began coming out of my shell through traveling home with classmates for a weekend or spending time on livestock judging trips with Dr. Lipsey and our judging team graduate assistants. Eventually, my attitude changed and there was no holding me to my initial outlook on life, which was to stay put and accept how life was for a simple ol’ hayseed. My world was bigger now and I was better equipped to shape my own future. As it turned out I had the opportunity to shape the futures of thousands of students through my career as an agricultural educator.
The future of our industry is changing very quickly and as Southwest Cattleman’s Affiliate President Nathan Isakson, penned recently, change may never be this slow again. What do we do to position ourselves to grow with these changes? Does it define us or do we define the changes? As we get older, we learn to alter what we’ve done in the past in order to build a better future. Within the last month, I spent time with the class of 2024 Missouri Cattlemen’s Leadership college, witnessed hundreds of exhibitors and their families’ showing livestock around the state, and continue to watch my own children grow up way too fast. We are in great hands moving forward. As mentors, we can appreciate that we have enlarged the world for these young cattle
MCA President
producers, who are the future of our industry, and they can cope and grow with changes in the beef industry of the future.
Mike Deering and I traveled to the NCBA Summer Business Meeting earlier this month. It was very eye opening for this Dent County hayseed; meeting folks from all over the country, working with and through them to better prepare us all to meet the coming changes. The policies developed and discussed are critical to our future success as an association. Furthermore, the Governance Task Force Committee led by MCA President-Elect Jeff Reed, is proposing structural changes to our association. Changes which will better enable our association to bring forth more effective and lasting policies. Be on the lookout for these proposed changes in the very near future.
As I grow older and reflect, Dr. Lipsey will always be correct. I am a hayseed and I will proudly never forget from where I came or how I got to where I am today. I am thankful to the many folks who shaped me to be the man I am today. To Dr. Lipsey I say, “Yes sir I am a hayseed, but I’m a smart hayseed.” I think Dr. Lipsey knew this all along.
Until next month, stay safe and eat beef!
Straight Talk
with Mike Deering
Change and Tradition
“They have built an event that is absolutely an event not only on the political calendar but also an event on the Missouri social calendar every year,” said Scott Faughn of The Missouri Times.
Scott was referring to the 21st Annual Cattlemen’s Steak Fry that occurred on June 8. While in its 21st year, the leaders of this association transformed the event into what it is today just 11 years ago. It was previously a small gathering hosted at the MCA Beef House to honor past presidents and raise a handful of dollars for the MCA Political Action Committee. It is now arguably one of the largest political gatherings in the state attracting hundreds of people and raising over $80,000.
My first year at MCA, I had a vision to put this event on steroids because I knew how critical funds are to ensure we elect people who understand and value Missouri agriculture. My awakening came on my very first policy committee conference call where they were deciding which candidates get hundred-dollar checks. They could only choose 10 because of a shortage of funds. I hung up from that call realizing we aren’t the political juggernaut we need to be if we are serious about advancing this industry.
The first year, we met our goal of raising $10,000 and by year two we were raising $30,000 and it has gone up ever since. While still small potatoes, these funds allow us to have an impact in key races. This coupled with our unparalleled legislative success has made an endorsement from this association respected and sought after by candidates. This success all goes back to the grassroots. Cowboys at the Capitol has allowed us to build relationships with elected leaders from all areas of this state and from both parties. These relationships have allowed your association to be a force to be reckoned with politically speaking.
“I tell other groups that if they are serious about moving their priorities forward and finding success in Jefferson City, look at
Executive Vice President
the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association and its Cowboys at the Capitol program,” said Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe at the 2024 Missouri Cattle Industry Convention Banquet.
While we can be proud of this massive transformation, we’ve held onto traditions as well. The meal is still a delicious steak dinner prepared by wonderful volunteers from multiple affiliates and our unwavering Beef House Committee. The revenue is only possible because of our county affiliates who go above and beyond in providing auction items for the event. That hasn’t changed.
I am most proud of the fact that we haven’t lost the original purpose of this event. We still honor our past presidents and the leadership they have given to this organization. Without them, the growth we are seeing across all facets of this organization would not be possible.
We started the past president’s pie auction in 2013 to put a bright light on these leaders. It has also become a fun competition between the past presidents to see whose pie will garner the most dollars. Jimmie Long, 2011 Past President, won that friendly competition with his apple pie selling for $1,150. 2012 Past President Lonny Duckworth and 2021 Past President Patty Wood were right behind him with their pies selling for $1,000 each. This year, the desserts averaged a record-breaking $757.
This is truly an event that showcases the fact change and tradition can live together in harmony.
Regional Range Report
by Josh Worthington, MCA Region 7 Vice President
Enjoy the Good, Prepare for Better
Region 7 has been a blaze with some of the largest and best feeder calf sales, not only in Missouri, but throughout the county. This, coupled with most areas in the region receiving much more rain compared to the previous two years, has created exciting times and strong markets. The cow-calf segment continues to be poised to remain in the driver seat with excellent returns per cow.
As of May 1, 2024, there are 1% less cattle and calves on feed than May 1, 2023. USDA reports 1% fewer replacement heifers being retained in 2024 for the cow herd verses 2023. Projections indicate a reduced cow herd going into 2025 driven in part by lackluster heifer retention. These are just some of the data points indicating a strong market continuing in the years ahead. So, what do we as cattle producers and as an association with a strong market and perhaps an even stronger one on the horizon?
Evaluate, plan and prepare. Stagnation is never a good thing. It’s easy to get comfortable in our industry when things are going well. When in fact it’s the time to evaluate current practices, create plans to make our industry better and then prepare to execute those plans. Our plans can and should include preparing for when times maybe aren’t as robust. We need to be prepared to take advantage of a market that perhaps gets even better. This might include capital improvements, rejuvenating an aging cow herd with better genetics, or creating processes to make ourselves more efficient. The point is to avoid the sage advice from G. Michael Hopf “Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times. Good times create weak men. And, weak men create hard times”.
I would suggest that if we choose to do the hard and difficult things during the good times, we create an environment where we remain strong and continue to
Region 1 VP - Ethan McNeill
Region 2
- Blake McDonald
Region 3 VP - Blake Crow
create even better times. This is the challenge for us as individual producers and for our association. Have the difficult conversations, evaluate the status quo, challenge the norm, and don’t be satisfied with the easy. In the long run we make ourselves better and we prepare ourselves for the future of our businesses and our industry.
Your Missouri Cattlemen’s Association is working to do just that, and you can play a part. Attend your local affiliate meetings, participate in state and regional events, and reach out to your Region Vice President. Discuss the things that not only serve you as a member well, but the things the association should look at to provide an even better and more diversified service to the membership. Collectively this association can do great things for cattle producers in Missouri. The key is to play your role in making sure the association represents you and your interests. I would venture to guess you see ways the association serves you very well as well as areas where the association should look to improve. Share those thoughts. Don’t let your association ride on the great times but help us prepare for even better times.
Region 5 VP - Alex Haun
Region 6 VP - Warren Love
Region 7 VP - Josh Worthington
Region 4 VP - Deb Thummel At-Large Rep. - Jack Davis
What’s Cookin’ at the
Missouri Beef House
By the MCA Beef House Committee
Volunteer Jobs
The meat is ordered, the house has been cleaned, now all we need is YOU! Our Missouri Beef House will be open during the Missouri State Fair from August 8-18, 2024, in Sedalia. So why do we need you?
While we do have a small group of paid staff to carry on the day-to-day operation during the fair, we have numerous jobs that you can do to make our operation run smooth and efficient and honestly we cannot do without. Whether you are experienced or new, we will instruct you and be there for you with a smile. We have all the aprons, hats, gloves, spatulas, spoons, etc...we just need you. The basic list includes:
Greeter: Stand outside our front door to welcome guests and direct them to the serving line.
Runner: Takes order ticket from order taker to behind counter to caller & keep silverware filled.
BBQ/Burger/Beef Dog/Bun Station: Place meat on bun for orders called for these items. Gloves are required for this job.
Drink Machine: Scoop ice in cups and fill to order with Pepsi product. Gloves are required.
Front Grill Burgers: Cook our delicious beef burgers
Front Line Server: Place fries or baked potato or toast on plate. This requires a good listening left ear to hear caller request and will be standing close to hot grills. Gloves are required.
Steak Stick Station: Place rare, medium-rare, medium, medium-well, well-done steak sticks on plate/bun to assist steak grillers as to what has been ordered. Gloves are required.
Salad Server & Condiment Table: Keep prepared bowls of salad on salad buffet and check/fill items on condiment table. Gloves are required.
Salad Prep: Cut tomato slices and fill salad bowls with lettuce. Gloves are required.
Toast Station: Place bread in toaster and then butter one side. Gloves are required.
French Fries Station: Place frozen fries in fryers. Person will be standing close to hot fryer, grills and ovens.
Dishwasher: Wash pots, pans, spatulas, carving knives, etc. This person will throw away customers tableware. Garbage Patrol & Ice Man: Monitor all trash cans and pull full sacks to our dumpster in back as well as keep an eye on ice at drink stations. Washing hands required!
Bus Tables Inside/Outside: Need at least 2-3 or more people. Depending on how many your group brings we will also need someone to take trays from customers, wipe tables and refill tea/coffee/water.
Beef House Express: Need at least 2+ people depending on how many your group brings to serve drinks, beef/cheese burger, BBQ, or beef dog in our sandwich shop which is behind the Beef House. No cooking is required.
We will have a sign up to volunteer for these various jobs during orientation which will be held under the Beef House patio cover approximately 30 minutes before your shift is to start. We’ll meet and greet you soon!
Don’t forget to like us on Facebook @ www.facebook. com/MoCattle During the fair, we will be posting pics about everything that goes on at the Beef House for Summer’s Best Story at the Missouri State Fair.
Thought for the month: Little Boy Blue go shut the gate, the sheep’s in the meadow, the cows on the plate!
2024 Missouri Beef House County Volunteer (tentative) Work Schedule
August 8-18
Please
Your BEEF CHECKOFF NEWS
State and National Assets –Working Together
to Stretch Your Dollar
At the Missouri Beef Industry Council, our small but mighty team of three is always on the lookout for ways to stretch our resources. Finding new ways to do more with producer Beef Checkoff funds is a driving force in utilizing national assets from both the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and Federation of State Beef Councils. Our partnerships allow us to effectively promote the nutritional benefits of beef to consumers and also provide information to producers about where Checkoff dollars are being used.
The Cattlemen’s Beef Board’s national team plays a crucial role in enhancing producer communication efforts in Missouri. “The Drive” is a quarterly publication from the Cattlemen’s Beef Board sent out nationwide. This complimentary editorial contains information on research, Beef Quality Assurance program, exciting and tasty recipes, and many other producer-facing topics. Each publication is unique being an added benefit provided to MBIC that it can be customized to include state specific materials. As representatives of Missouri ranchers and cattlemen, we include an insert in each publication to bring you the latest news about beef in Missouri, making it a mustread resource.
Consumer dashboards, a revolutionary tool shaping the future of the beef industry provided by the Federation of State Beef Councils. These dashboards are generated quarterly and include participating states and a national overlay. A standardized questionnaire is shared online with consumers to gain insights on topics including consumption of proteins, attitudes toward future purchases, and overall protein satisfaction. A final report provided to the state’s beef council gives a snapshot of how consumers within a state compared to the national sample in areas such as consumption, perceptions, and consideration factors. This innovative resource provides MBIC with a clear outline of what will help drive consumers to the beef section at the grocery store, sparking new ideas and strategies.
In efforts to remain relative in a digital world, MBIC has joined forces with staff at the Federation of Beef Councils to share in the national “Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner” campaign. The goal is to reach and engage with consumers in Missouri through digital advertising. The campaign features video ads on Connected TV, with ad placements across popular sports channels like ESPN, Fubo, and Fox Sports; in addition to entertainment channels such as A&E, CBS, Hulu, Peacock, and the Food Network. This summer’s grilling campaign showcases beef as a delicious, safe, and nutritious protein option, is projected to receive over 75,000 video views, with complementary audio advertisements present on streaming platforms such Spotify and Pandora.
We are continuously looking for new and interactive ways to engage with consumers. MBIC recently wrapped up a partnership with ABC17 to add a lil’ extra sizzle to May as Beef Month. ABC17 which includes ABC17, FOX22, METV, and MYZOU TV channels hosted a grilling contest enticing Missouri consumers to send in a picture of their grill loaded with their favorite beef cuts. The campaign generated approximately 81,000 impressions and resulted in a collection of delicious beef recipes from Missouri consumers. MBIC will continue to take part in monthly homepage takeovers on the station’s website, providing the opportunity for countless beef consumers to connect with versatile beef recipes and the Missouri beef brand.
About the Beef Checkoff
The Beef Checkoff Program is administered by the Cattlemen’s Beef Board, with oversight provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Beef Checkoff Program was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill and assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. States may retain up to 50 cents of the dollar and forward the other 50 cents per head to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board, which administers the national checkoff program.
MBIC is responsible for overseeing the 50 cents per head that is retained by the state. The council has a board of 13 producers from across the state that review funding requests and select projects to receive funding.
The board ensures those approved for funding use them for the intended purpose of either beef promotion, education or research. The board makes these decisions by following the vision, mission, and priorities of the council.
OUR VISION
• A strong and viable beef industry in Missouri.
OUR MISSION
• Drive the demand for beef.
OUR PRIORITY
• Promote and strengthen beef’s value proposition.
• Protect and grow consumer trust in beef and beef production.
• Protect and enhance the business climate for beef.
• Drive growth in beef exports.
COUNTY NEWS
See What’s Happening in Your County
Lafayette County Cattlemen
May being month was a busy time for Lafayette County Cattlemen.
The 30th Annual Lafayette County Law Enforcement Day was held May 13 in Higginsville as a celebration of completion of the D.A.R.E. Program for the 5th grade of Lafayette County schools. Lafayette County Cattlemen are happy to support this event by providing all beef hot dogs for the lunch.
All BEEF hot dogs were served to the 425 students and sponsors attended Law Enforcement Day at the Higginsville Park.
May 18 found LCCA at the I-70 Speedway where race goers received beef sticks. Members of LCCA had the opportunity to visit with members prior to the race.
Donations of 100 pound of ground beef each were given to the Higginsville and Odessa food pantries
From May 30 to June 1 LCCA members including Barbara Copenhaver, Carolyn Boland, Marlene Edwards, and Marsha Corbin attended the American National CattleWomen’s Regions III and VII meeting held in St. Joseph.
Seven LCCA scholarships were awarded to high school seniors and were presented at their respective schools. They will be recognized at the LCCA summer meeting to be held July 16 at the Waverly Community Building in Waverly Memorial Park. A drone demonstration will be given on the ballfield beginning at 6:00 p.m. by Agri Spray Drones of Boonville. A carry-in dinner will be held at 7:00 p.m., with LCCA providing BBQ beef, table service and drinks. All members and interested cattle producers are invited to attend.
Stanton Thompson of Higginsville Food Pantry with LCCA President Darrell Neuner and the ground beef donation.
Dallas County
The Dallas County Cattlemen’s Association recently awarded three outstanding students scholarships to further their higher education. Each will receive $1,000 scholarships for the fall school semester.
Madison Callicott is a recent graduate of Buffalo High School. She plans to attend Missouri State University in Springfield to major in animal science with a pre-vet focus.
Olivia Johnson graduated from Halfway High School and also plans to attend Missouri State University. She has aspirations to obtain a doctor of veterinary medicine degree.
Skyline High School graduate Lily Poynter will attend Mission University, formerly known as Baptist Bible College, in Springfield. She would like to become an agricultural educator and FFA advisor. Her secondary education degree with a concentration in agriculture will allow her to pursue this dream.
May is Beef Month made DCCA busy with various promotional activities. Feature articles about beef appeared in the Buffalo Reflex newspaper. The paper also printed a recipe featuring beef each Wednesday during May. Thank you to everyone who contributed recipes.
DCCA also set up an exhibit at Cash Saver grocery store in Buffalo. Nearly 1,000 patrons of the store
signed up to win $20 gift cards to buy beef. Names of the twenty lucky winners were drawn at the June board meeting. Thank you to MBIC for awarding us a grant to make this possible.
DCCA members Lynette Miller and Pam Naylor set up a booth outside Cash Saver one Saturday and gave away beef sticks, recipes, kid’s coloring books, and numerous other beef promotional items.
Our Dallas County Fair will be held for three days later in June. Our grill will be fired up cooking our famous rib-eyes. Many people tell us they come to the fair each year just to eat a delicious rib-eye sandwich.
We cattlemen in Dallas County have been busy trying to bale hay between rain showers and flooding, but we won’t complain. We’ve been blessed with plenty of moisture and hope it continues throughout the summer.
Contact: Mike Williams Higginsville, MO 816-797-5450 mwauctions@ctcis.net
Newton and McDonald County Cattlemen
The May meeting of the Newton and McDonald County Cattlemen’s was held May 21, 2024, at the Newton County Fairgrounds. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Brian Hall with the Pledge of Allegiance. Ronnie Tosh offered the prayer for our meal at Domino’s Pizza with 80 members and guests were in attendance.
The meal was sponsored by Arvest Bank, and served by members of the McDonald County 4-H. Macy Reece and Rex Keaton thanked us for cattlemen’s efforts to the 4-H program and thanked us for letting them serve the meal.
Terra Oxendine Commercial Lender for Arvest Bank introduced herself and Bruce Mahr, Jared Lynn, Tom Sears and Chad Bruckner. Chad discussed estate planning and how it can affect our families upon our passing if there is not a plan in place. He explained how Arvest offers their services for free for both customers and noncustomers to help in planning for the future of your estate. Chad explained what kinds of laws that they can help with. And how if you do not have a plan in place and you pass away after 2025 the current laws state your heirs will have to pay 40% in taxes if the estate goes through probate.
The business portion of the meeting started with Jerry Davis going through the treasurer’s report and verifying the balances currently in the bank.
Brian Hall discussed MCA Cowboys at the Capitol and how that helped persuade state lawmaker’s to move forward with the sludge bill. Lawmakers directly responsible for the bill included Ben Baker, Jill Carter, and Dirk Deaton. The bill passed the senate 155-1 and is currently awaiting the Governor’s signature.
The Newton County Fair will be held July 10-13. The Cattlemen’s will be sponsoring belt buckles. The cattlemen will also be on hand Saturday, July 13, to serve watermelon during the premium sale. The
McDonald County Fair will be held July 18-20 with the Cattlemen’s also sponsoring belt buckles.
Newton and McDonald County Cattlemen’s will be at the Beef House to help serve on August 18.
The next meeting will be held September 10. A field day at 808 Ranch is in the works for October. The 808 Ranch is a large Angus Operation that uses Walmart Genetics.
We had several guests who were running for local county offices in attendance including Gina Rodriguez who is running for Treasures, Charles Genisio, running for Judge, Rick Geller Newton running for County Sheriff, and Samuel Townsend McDonald County Sheriff.
Skylar Moore was our speaker from the Joplin Stockyard. He discussed cattle prices and how they are currently at an all time high. Expressed concerns about being able to sustain the current prices that are being offered at the market. He expects demand will be high for the next few years. He also talked a little about current imports and exports within the market along with how tariffs could affect the prices. He responded to questions about the LRP program that helps ensure producers get current market value for their beef. He also answered questions about the EID tags are currently only mandatory in dairy cattle and if they would be required in beef cattle. He discussed how it would take a long time to put into place as they would need to have an extensive database to include all cattle inventory. He gave us the dates for several upcoming special sales at the Joplin Stockyards if you are needing to supplement your herd.
The meeting ended with members and guests putting up their chairs and cleaning up the building.
Skylar Moore and Tim Durman
Tom Lynn, Lucas Thogmartin, and Terra Oxendine.
Missouri Angus Breeders
22227 Saline 127 Hwy
Malta Bend, Mo 65359
641-4522
573-302-7011
Fax: 573-348-8325 E-mail: meadangus@yahoo.com Website: www.meadfarms.com
Polk County Cattlemen
Polk County Cattlemen were well represented at the 21st Annual Steak Fry on June 8. This was held in the Agricultural Building in Sedalia at the Missouri State Fairgrounds. This event honors past MCA Presidents and raises money for the Missouri Cattlemen’s Political Action Committee. The evening started off with a dessert auction including past president Keith Stevens bringing two gooseberry pies to bring a little fun to the auction competition. The silent auction had some fun items to bid on for those in attendance. Polk County donated two guns that brought $700. We enjoyed a delicious steak meal provided by the Missouri Beef House. It was an enlightening experience to hear from the candidates that support our organization. It is important to have our elected officials understand and care about our farm families and our way of life. For them to advocate for Missouri farmers and ranchers in the political realm is key to MCA’s success. Being able to converse with them and see them speak passionately about how agriculture is integral to our state was unique. Governor Mike Parson spoke about his time in office and how he is looking forward to getting back to the farm. We also heard a few words from Mike Kehoe, Lincoln Hough, Andrew Bailey and Vivek Malek. As folks were leaving the venue Mike Kehoe had his bus there and gave people the option to sign it. It was fun to see all the names on the bus.
Polk County held their monthly meeting on June 13 at the CMH Community Room at Lime Bank. Our sponsor for the evening was Hometown Crop Solutions. Gavon, Gator, Hutchinson was an informative and entertaining speaker. He taught us about the value and dynamics of Livestock Risk Protection. This is designed to insure against declining market prices. There is a variety of coverage levels and insurance periods that correspond with the time frame their cattle would normally be marketed. A note to remember is a policy application must be submitted prior to obtaining coverage. Gavon briefly touched on multiperil crop insurance and crop hail insurance. For more information call Gavon at 417-876-7477 or look at www.hometowncrop.com. Gavon graciously donated a Ruger Super Wrangler 22 long rifle / 22 mag with interchangeable cylinders and custom grips engraved with the Missouri Cattleman’s Association logo. This is a unique piece, and we are truly thankful to have it.
Rick Davis, the emergency management director for Polk County, was in attendance to highlight a need for our county and its people. There is a goal to raise funds to buy AEDs to put in all 30 of the deputy’s vehicles. The Sheriffs are traditionally the first responders on scene. The devices are bought at a discount from a Missouri company. There is no doubt being equipped
with these machines and the knowledge to use them would save lives. Dr. John Best reiterated time is of the essence in these situations. He has seen firsthand the benefit defibrillators provide. One’s chance at survival can triple when an AED is used.
There are many opportunities to join in and support the Polk County Cattleman’s Association. We invite you to see what it is all about. Our next meeting is July 11, we hope to see you there.
St. Clair County cattlemen
St. Clair County cattlemen divided and conquered on Saturday, June. 8. Some of the cattlemen attended the Appleton City Fair on Saturday, June 8. The cattlemen served ribeye steak sandwiches and successfully sold out. Some of the cattlemen attended the Missouri Cattlemen’s Steak Fry where the St. Clair County cattlemen donated an item to the silent auction to help raise funds for MCA’s Political Action Committee. Thanks to all who came out to support the cattlemen!
Southwest Missouri Cattlemen
“Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few,” Matthew 9:37.
It’s been a jam-packed spring and early summer in our region. Plentiful rain, first cutting, fescue seed, wheat, plenty of grazing, and a nice summer rally in cattle prices.
A few brief notes - our fall tour is approaching, next month’s article will outline a few details of our Dade County Excursion, but is pending confirmation. This fall, we’ll need you to nominate our first NCBA attendee, in honor of Jim McCann. We also may have the opportunity to grill steak sandwiches at the SW Research Center’s Field Day as a small fundraiser for the Eldon Cole Memorial Building Endowment; more details to come.
The 21st Annual Cattlemen’s Steak Fry was a nice evening and well attended by members from across the state, the Henry rifle we donated to the PAC auction sold for $1,400! Our friends at Hunt’s Hardware in Miller always set us up well for these kinds of eventsThank you!
The opening verse above references a spiritual harvest, and I’m sure you noticed that it parallels nicely with the tasks that we’re involved in this time of year. As mentioned many times, the workers in agriculture truly are few.
I recently heard Kevin Ochsner quote Ben Franklin on the podcast called “Practically Ranching.” He said, “We must, indeed, all hang together or, most assuredly, we shall all hang separately.”
We may not always agree 100% of the time, but rest assured, we’re better together. As you cross paths with folks this summer, consider encouraging them to join MCA and connect with our affiliate! Until next time, Nathan Isakson,
Some St. Clair County Cattlemen attended the Appleton City Fair on Saturday, June 8 and served Ribeye Steak Sandwiches.
Appleton City Fair.
Vernon County
Beef month has been fun in Vernon County. We were awarded a beef education grant from the Missouri Beef Industry Council. Their office sent us lots of fun beef items to share in our community. We started the month off with a coloring contest for area second graders. One winner from each class received a certificate for a hamburger meal at our annual Bushwhacker Days food booth in June on the Nevada square. Other participants received an activity/coloring booklet or a cheeseburger keychain. Thank you to all the teachers and students that participated!
Beef aprons, flexible cutting boards, grilling and nutrition pamphlets, recipe cards and pot holders were delivered to family and consumer science programs at Northeast Vernon County, Sheldon, Bronaugh and Nevada High Schools and to the culinary arts program at Nevada Regional Technical Center. Thank you to the Vernon County Cattlemen members that helped deliver these gifts to the schools.
Educational beef coloring/activity booklets were shared with Gobblers Roost Restaurant. Kathy Abele said the booklets have really been enjoyed by their younger customers. Gobblers Roost is a very busy restaurant and a great supporter of the Vernon County Cattlemen and the beef industry.
KNEM/KNMO Radio in Nevada conducted weekly advertisements and giveaways to help us promote beef month in Vernon County. Winners picked up their prizes at the radio station. Thank you to Mike Harbit and Jae Miller and staff for conducting these giveaways for us. Thanks to Mary Scotten, Jessica Sloniker, Tommy Wait, Blake Robertson and Jodee Mashek for recording the advertisements and to EJ Day at KNEM/KNMO for perfecting the advertisements for broadcasting. Prizes awarded to radio winners included multifunction 4-in-1 BBQ spatulas, insulated shopping bags, stainless steel tumblers, aprons, pot holders, hats, flexible cutting boards, gift cards to Vernon County Meats, Backroads Market & Deli, and Chadwick’s Meat Market. Certificates were also given for steak sandwich meals at the Vernon County Cattlemen Bushwhacker Days food booth in June on the Nevada square.
An advertisement was placed in the Nevada News. Our Vernon County Cattlemen Facebook page was also busy this month with posts and giveaways. Similar promotional beef prizes, along with a gift certificate to Percy’s Place were awarded, and a gift certificate to the Gobblers Roost as our grand finale.
Hopefully Vernon County residents have been made more aware of the importance of the beef industry to Vernon County, as well as the nutritional value of beef and its economic impact to our community.
Stephen William Edwards
Stephen William Edwards, 65, passed away on June 7, 2024. He was born in Boonville, Missouri, on January 25, 1959, the son of Harold and Mary Roberta (Schmidt) Edwards. Steve was united in marriage to the former Deborah DeGraff on November 28, 1992 in Creve Coeur, MO.
A dedicated family man, Steve’s legacy is carried on by his loving wife Deb and his children, Aaron Edwards of Salisbury, MO, Cole Edwards of Savoy, IL, and Megan Edwards of Columbia, MO. Steve is affectionately remembered by his siblings, Jim (Bev) Edwards of Keytesville, MO, Mary (Mike) Martin of Curryville, MO, and Jane (Darren) Harris of New Franklin, MO and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother-in-law, Darrell DeGraff, and his parents-in-law, Lew and Betty DeGraff.
Steve was a graduate of Keytesville High School, class of 1977. He furthered his education at the University of Missouri-Columbia, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science in 1981. Steve returned to the farm and spent the rest of his life doing what he loved farming and raising cattle.
Steve was a lifelong member of the Keytesville United Methodist Church and attended Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Salisbury. He was a proud member of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity and the University of Missouri Meats Judging and Livestock Judging Teams.
Additionally, Steve was committed to the future of agriculture and education. He was a member of the Salisbury FFA Alumni and Supporters, the Chariton County Farm Bureau, the Missouri Corn Growers Association, past member of the Salisbury R-IV School Board and was serving as the vice president of the Board of Directors for the Salisbury Rural Fire Department.
Those who knew Steve understood his love for farming, a tradition that defined his life alongside raising and showing beef cattle. He also supported his children in all of their endeavors, especially showing livestock, a passion the family shared. Steve enjoyed watching MU basketball and football games in person and on television.
Steve leaves a legacy of hard work, integrity and generosity and he will be greatly missed by his friends and family.
Funeral services were Thursday, June 13, 2024, at 10 am at the Summerville Funeral Home in Salisbury,
MO. Burial followed in the Keytesville City Cemetery in Keytesville, MO. Memorials are suggested to the Chariton County Youth Fair or the Salisbury FFA Alumni and Supporters.
Kenneth “Kenny” Joseph Elbert
Kenneth Joseph Elbert of Pierce City passed away at home with his family present on June 9, 2024. Kenneth was born on April 13, 1945, to Joseph and Bertha (Eck) Elbert. Kenneth was a member of the American Angus Association for 63 years raising registered Angus cattle.
He was a lifelong member of St. Agnes Catholic Church. Kenneth was married to Cheryl (Frey) Elbert for 49 years; their wedding date being April 19, 1975, and she survives. Also, surviving are sons, David (Sarah) Elbert of Pierce City, Matthew (Jill) Elbert of Oronogo, and daughter, Jennifer (Gideon) Ocheltree of Pierce City; six grandchildren; and a sister, Rosemary Boes of Neosho.
Preceding him in death are a son, Joe Elbert and an infant grandson, Colin Elbert.
Visitation was held at Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City on Wednesday, June 12, followed with Rosary.
Funeral Mass was Thursday, June 13, at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Sarcoxie. Burial at St. Agnes Cemetery.
Every Monday: Slaughter Cattle 12:00 p.m.
Selling All Classes of Cattle 12:30 p.m.
1st Thursday Nite of Each Month: 6:00 p.m. Bred Cows and Breeding Bull Sale
Jack Harrison 573-999-7197 (owner)
John P Harrison ............... 573-220-1482
Claude Niemeyer 573-470-1017
Roger Temmen 573-680-4538
Justin Oberling .................. 217-440-7724
Glenn Stegman 573-619-8495
3. Selling meat bundles also requires state or federal inspection, and bundles are often offered alongside freezer beef or individual cuts. Meat bundles may be more attractive to consumers who are intimidated by the process of purchasing an animal share or are not able to store large amounts of beef. Producers can use meat bundles as an option for customers wanting to purchase meat in bulk, and it allows slower-moving cuts to be combined with popular cuts. Regardless of business model, direct-to-consumer beef sales require investing more time and effort in marketing compared to commercial cattle operations, which market through livestock auctions, Hefley said.
“A successful direct-to-consumer beef business requires operators to be both a marketer and a livestock producer. Those interested in working directly with consumers should seriously consider their ability to dedicate time and effort to make their business successful.” Like any other practice, he said, it is not a fit for every operation.
Although the potential profitability with direct-toconsumer beef sales is often higher, producers can quickly find themselves writing their bottom line in red ink if they are not able to effectively market and move their product.
University of Missouri Extension has resources to help producers starting or scaling up their direct-to-consumer beef sales, including a primer on direct marketing for local beef (https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/ g204) and an enterprise budget (https://extension. missouri.edu/publications/g684) for estimating costs and returns associated with on-farm beef finishing.
Producers are encouraged to work with their local MU Extension agricultural business specialist as they evaluate the opportunity of direct-to-consumer sales.
SimAngus Bred Heifers & Bulls For Sale
New Round of Cover Crop Incentive Funds Available Through University of Missouri
Source: University of Missouri Extension
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri Center for Regenerative Agriculture has begun a second round of funding for fall cover crop planting in Missouri. About $2 million in funding is available for Missouri producers interested in using cover crops on their farmland.
The application period for incentive payments is currently underway and will be open through July 31 or whenever funding runs out, says Bethany Bedeker, cover crop outreach manager with the MU Center for Regenerative Agriculture.
Specific opportunities for this enrollment period include $30 per acre to plant cereal rye in front of soybeans, $40 per acre to plant a mix of three cover crops in front of corn or other non-legume crops, $15 per acre to delay
spring cover crop termination until after May 1, and $20 per acre for grazing cover crops.
Applications for incentive funds will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis for those who meet eligibility requirements, says Bedeker. After available funds are fully allocated for this season, remaining qualified applicants will be placed on a waiting list.
Applicants must have operational control of the relevant field in Missouri and have a USDA Farm Service Agency farm number. For details and online application form, visit the project website at https://cra.missouri.edu/ crcl_covercrops. For questions, email mocrcl@missouri. edu.
Missouri Beef House Schedule
USMEF Members Examine Consumer Trends, Promotion of Underutilized Cuts
Source: U.S. Meat Export Federation
The U.S. Meat Export Federation wrapped up its Spring Conference Friday with a closing general session focused on red meat industry efforts to build demand in international markets for beef and pork cuts that have limited domestic use. USMEF Director of Trade Analysis Jessica Spreitzer moderated a panel of USMEF representatives working in Mexico, South America, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, who highlighted marketing efforts showcasing the attributes of underutilized U.S. cuts.
Spreitzer discussed USMEF strategies to develop demand for cuts specifically from the pork loin and beef round primals, pointing to estimates that loin exports now account for about 20% of U.S. production, up from roughly 10% five years ago. On export demand for underutilized beef cuts, she noted that export markets account for 42% of the total U.S. production of the gooseneck round, 30% of the chuck shoulder clod and 18% of top inside round.
“The export side adds pricing competition, potential customers and ultimately brings added value to these underutilized cuts,” said Spreitzer.
Lorenzo Elizalde, USMEF’s director of trade and marketing in Mexico, highlighted USMEF’s mobile training program, which utilizes a variety of U.S. meat promotional vehicles to educate importers and
distributors, and their customers, on underutilized cuts. Elizalde described how USMEF is also utilizing these vehicles for month-long promotional campaigns for specific cuts such as U.S. pork loin, beef knuckle and outside round. The U.S. meat trucks also park outside major supermarket outlets, sampling and promoting the cuts that are displayed inside the stores.
USMEF Latin America Director Homero Recio focused his comments on merchandising of underutilized cuts in Colombia, Peru and Chile, and how USMEF is working to promote new uses for U.S. pork and beef in these markets. Recio highlighted a USMEF research effort in Chile designed to promote rotisserie pork, using loin ribend. In Colombia, where beef liver is popular, USMEF is promoting new dishes such as beef liver brochettes with pineapple.
“For U.S. pork as an example, we’re working to move the trade beyond simply offering ‘pork chops’ to packaging and merchandising U.S. pork ribeyes and cowboy steaks,” said Recio. “We’re also encouraging the trade and their customers to utilize pork in new products such as pulled pork in a waffle cone and Boston butt in a ground pork burger.”
Japan Marketing Manager Taichi Uemura explained that the majority of Japan’s chilled pork imports are loins, mostly sold thinly sliced at retail for use in popular Japanese dishes. Uemara described USMEF’s new roast pork initiative in which USMEF is working to expand consumers’ usage of the U.S. loin. Explaining that many Japanese households do not have ovens, he said the new marketing program works to teach consumers how to create a roast pork dish using U.S. pork loin slices.
Taiwan’s beef import market is traditionally competitive and pricesensitive, and USMEF has been aggressively promoting a range of alternative U.S. beef cuts for about 10
years. Alex Sun, USMEF’s senior marketing manager, said the strategic focus for the foodservice sector in 2024 is on the outside round flat and the top round. Sun explained that importers are typically not familiar with the versatility of these cuts, so USMEF conducts educational seminars showing them how to fabricate them for foodservice. The importers’ foodservice customers are then presented with ideas for new dishes utilizing the cuts.
Elly Sung, senior marketing manager in Korea, reported that USMEF is working to expand U.S. pork’s usage by comparing its quality and versatility alongside domestic product for importers, distributors and their customers. USMEF is also promoting usage of U.S. pork with home meal replacement and restaurant meal replacement companies, pointing out a recent product development success in which U.S. pork is utilized in a crispy, cheesy pork cutlet that is gaining popularity with Korean consumers.
Insights from consumer experts, at home and overseas
Thursday’s general session featured U.S. consumer insights from Anne-Marie Roerink, meat consumer expert and author of the Power of Meat report. Joining her for a panel discussion were USMEF Vice President
of Economic Analysis Erin Borror and USMEF representatives from Japan, Central America and South Korea who shared market observations and described how consumer trends guide market development strategies and tactics.
A common theme through Roerink’s presentation and the ensuing panel discussion was how consumer behaviors, domestic and international, have changed due to inflation and the sharp rise in food prices since 2019. At the end of the day, said Roerink, people are simply adjusting their household budgets and trying to do more with less.
“We see some massive differences in where people are getting their meal inspiration ideas. Gen Z, it’s all about the visual and it’s all about the digital – Tik Tok, YouTube and Instagram,” said Roerink. “Then you look at some of the older generations and you’ll see it’s all about routine. So the big question is, how can we make meat a routine in those younger generations as well?”
Lucia Ruano, USMEF representative in Central America and the Dominican Republic, brought up a recent survey in Guatemala showing that family, friends and social media are the top three influences in
Continued on page 46
consumers’ food purchasing decisions. Ruano described how USMEF utilizes social media in the region to establish itself as a trusted resource for consumers on nutrition, food handling and safety, sustainability and how to properly prepare pork and beef to get the best eating experience.
Taz Hijikata, USMEF’s senior director of consumer affairs in Japan, discussed the country’s overall awareness about protein’s importance, especially in the aging population but also among younger generations. USMEF targets Japanese consumers through social media, often with content from influencers that includes messaging about how U.S. beef and pork can meet their daily protein needs.
Jihae Yang, who is based in Korea and serves as USMEF’s vice president of the Asia Pacific, said it is critical for the red meat industry to monitor and understand the evolving purchasing behavior of younger generations and to evolve along with them.
“Across all markets, younger consumers are looking for convenience, nutrition, quality and to reduce food waste and save money,” Yang said. “And there are foodies who are also looking for professional information about cooking. We are increasingly using social media influencers, which is a cost-effective way for us to reach younger audiences with relevant information and the right messaging about U.S. beef and pork.”
Thursday’s program also included meetings of USMEF’s standing committees, examining issues of specific interest to the pork, beef, feedgrains and oilseeds and exporter sectors. Highlights from the opening day of the conference are available in this USMEF press release.
USMEF members will next meet at the organization’s Strategic Planning Conference, which is set for Nov. 6-8 in Tucson, Ariz.
April Pork Exports Largest in Nearly Three Years - Beef Exports Also Trend Higher
Source: U.S. Meat Export Federation
April exports of U.S. pork reached the highest volume and value since May 2021, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation. It was also a robust month for U.S. beef exports, which were the largest in 10 months and valued at just under $900 million.
Record shipments to Mexico bolster April pork exports
Fueled by a record performance in leading market Mexico and broad-based growth in several other regions, pork exports totaled 277,910 metric tons in April, up 14% from a year ago and the fifth largest on record. Export value climbed 18% to $778.8 million, the third highest on record. For January through April, exports increased 8% to 1.04 million mt, valued at $2.89 billion which is up 10% from last year’s record pace.
“While Mexico was definitely the pacesetter in a tremendous month for pork exports, it was only part of the story,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “Demand continued to build in South Korea, Central America, Colombia, Australia and the ASEAN, and we saw very encouraging growth in Japan. It was also great to see export value per head above the $70 mark for the second consecutive month.”
Pork export value in April equated to $72.46 per head slaughtered, up 7% from a year ago and the third highest on record. The January-April average was $66.28, also up 7% from a year ago.
Western Hemisphere and Middle Eastern markets drive April beef exports
April beef exports totaled 111,580 mt, up slightly from a year ago and the largest since June 2023. Export value increased 5% to $898.7 million, also the highest since June. Shipments to Mexico reached the highest value in
more than three years, while exports also trended higher year-over-year to several other Western Hemisphere markets and to Japan and the Middle East. Through the first four months of 2024, beef export value increased 5% year-over-year to $3.38 billion, despite a 3% decline in volume (423,445 mt).
“Mexico also continued to shine on the beef side, along with the Caribbean, Central America and the Middle East,” Halstrom said. “These markets benefit from foodservice demand and currency advantages compared to the main Asian markets. The headwinds in Asia remain formidable, but the tourism boom in Japan has helped solidify demand and exports have stabilized this year, despite the continued weakness in the yen and strong competition from Australia. Robust retail and e-commerce demand has helped U.S. chilled beef continue to dominate in Korea and Taiwan.”
Through April, U.S. beef accounted for 69% of Korea’s chilled imports and 72% for Taiwan.
April lamb exports above last year, but lowest of 2024 April exports of U.S. lamb totaled 224 mt, up 33% from a year ago but the lowest since December. Export value was up 21% to $1.25 million. January-April exports increased 1% from a year ago to 1,043 mt, while value climbed an impressive 19% to $5.9 million. Growth was driven primarily by the Caribbean and Mexico, but shipments also increased year-over-year to Canada, the Philippines and Taiwan.
A detailed summary of the January-April export results for U.S. beef, pork and lamb, including market-specific highlights, is available from the USMEF website.
2024 Livestock Marketeers HOF
The Livestock Marketeers recently held their 59th Annual Hall of Fame banquet. This year’s event was held at the American Shorthorn Association in Platte Woods, Missouri. The 2024 inductees were Darryl Rahn, Virginia, Ill and Roger Jacobs, Billings, Mt.
Darryl Rahn was born and raised on a farm in Lanark, Illinois, before attending Illinois State University. Darryl, along with his brother-in-law Don Cagwin, managed the Questing Hills operation before they began their sale management careers by hosting the first ever National Maine Anjou Sale in Louisville, Ky. Mr. Rahn’s career spans cattle breeding, insurance sales, sale management, ad sales and print media design as well as breed association work. Darryl and his wife Carole had two children, Andy and Angela, after they married.
After graduating from North Dakota State Roger Jacobs took a job with the American Angus Association in 1977 and from 1981 to 1983 he served as the Angus Journal Fieldman for the Western U.S. and Western Canada. After his tenure with Angus, Roger began his career as a purebred livestock auctioneer. Roger has served as the voice of many of the most successful purebred herds in the nation. Col. Jacobs not only helps conduct
the auction on sale day, but he also serves as a trusted advisor to his clients throughout the year. Roger and Sandy were married in 1979 and have been blessed with three daughters and eight grandchildren.
The Livestock Marketeers is a non-profit organization dedicated to the history and advancement of the Livestock Marketing profession. The Livestock Marketeers Banquet is held each summer in Kansas City in conjunction with the Marketeers Classic Golf Tournament. All proceeds from the event go to help fund the Livestock Marketeers Scholarship that is being awarded for the first time this year.
Brockhaus Fence
Mike VanMaanen Elected President of LMA
Source: Livestock Marketing Association
OVERLAND PARK, KANSAS - Mike VanMaanen married into a family of Livestock Marketing Association members in the 1980s, but never dreamed he’d one day lead the organization. Even though he immediately recognized the benefits of membership, he thought he was too busy to get involved or since his niche market wasn’t nationally known, he didn’t have a place. Soon enough, VanMaanen learned he was wrong on both accounts, and May 17, he was elected president.
VanMaanen, who grew up on a corn, soybean and hog farm in Iowa. He attended Missouri Western State University where he graduated with degrees in agricultural economics and agronomy. It was there he met Lori Angell, a third-generation livestock marketer. The two married soon after graduation and joined her family’s auction market business in Columbia, Missouri, and bought into it in 1990. In 2000, the couple along with two of her cousins, took over Eastern Missouri Commission Co., in Bowling Green. Last year, they became sole owners.
The World Livestock Auctioneer Championship was VanMaanen’s gateway to Livestock Marketing
Association leadership, first serving as a judge in the Parsons, Kansas, qualifier in the fall of 2009 and at the finals in Oklahoma City the following summer. He joined the association’s government and industry affairs committee in 2014 and the board of directors in 2016. During his tenure on the board, he also chaired the membership services committee for two years. He said his time on the board has had many highlights, and he looks forward to what’s to come.
“I’ve had the opportunity to testify in front of the House Committee on Transportation, I worked alongside many others to get Dealer Statutory Trust signed into law and was a part of the producer profitability initiative we launched last fall,” VanMaanen said. “I’m extremely proud of the work LMA has done and look forward to continuing it.”
VanMaanen will take over the reins from Mark Barnett during the association’s annual convention in June. First up on his agenda is having deep discussions with members and staff about how to protect the livestock auction market sector.
“We’re going to take a look at what it takes not only for the larger markets to survive, but what it takes for those small markets that are so important in their rural communities, to keep them alive and going,” VanMaanen said.
But the conversation won’t just be about markets. He said Livestock Marketing Association members will continue to push their producer profitability initiative, aimed at bringing the entire industry together for a common goal.
“By supporting America’s farmers and ranchers, we are supporting the future of livestock marketing, too,” VanMaanen said. “We know producer profitability is industry sustainability.”
The incoming president said he hopes all members will take the opportunity to get more involved this year, whether that means attending the convention, participating in the D.C. Fly-In, joining a committee — or even just staying in touch with their region executive officer.
“I think when people start getting involved, they find it really rewarding,” he said. “And you don’t have to be a big operator — I’m a good example of that. You just have to want to pitch in and do some work to improve your livelihood. If you can stay active and participate in conversations, we’d love to have you.”
Roots and Wings
I love music. I love all kinds of it – Sinatra, Sam Cooke, George Straight, REM, Adele, and more. I’ve traveled to see Jason Isbell at the Red Rocks Amphitheater, Vance Joy at the Ryman Auditorium, and John Hiatt at some venue in Maine. To say my taste is diverse is an understatement.
Cooper, on the other hand, is far more predictable. He likes Jamey Johnson. He follows this man around the country and never waivers. He may listen to a few other artists, but Jamey is his guy. Jamey is not my guy, so Cooper and I don’t listen to music much when we travel together.
Last month, I flew solo to the 21st Annual Cattlemen’s Steak Fry in Sedalia as Cooper had a date conflict. It is one of my favorite events of the year. It occurs after the legislative session dust has settled and everyone (mainly me) is in a much better mood than when we leave the capitol city in May.
This year was no exception. The event was incredible. The building overflowed with MCA members, statewide leaders, legislators, lobbyists, and aspiring candidates hoping to enter the Jefferson City fray next year. People mixed and mingled, ate and drank while raising money for Missouri Cattlemen’s Association Political Action Committee to support various candidates running for office.
The event, and those who participate in it, are critical to what we do for MCA. The money raised has a direct impact on our ability to engage on your behalf and support candidates who will fight for you. My favorite part about the event is it brings people together from across the state and helps bridge partisan gaps.
House Democrats visited with their Republican colleagues. Republicans visited with one another without the vitriol that persisted throughout legislative session. Candidates running against one another milled about introducing themselves to attendees. Everyone co-existed and the evening transpired exactly how it should.
When I got into my car after the wildly successful evening, my ever-changing radio began playing the Wallflowers song “Roots
and Wings.” The song immediately cemented my thoughts about MCA and the event I just left. In its odd way, the song is about having recognition of where you come from and appreciation for where you’re going.
It is the MCA sentiment that I hold most dear. The association consistently supports personal and professional growth while honoring its roots and history. I’ve witnessed it via the youth programs sponsored by MCA and the scholarships provided by its foundation.
I also witnessed it that evening as various candidates worked to advance to higher office. MCA’s Board of Directors has endorsed several candidates and elected to remain neutral in other races. The decisions oftentimes are difficult. MCA engages when it can support agricultural champions or association friends. We engage when it will make a difference.
Not everyone sings from the same page when making these tough decisions. Criteria can change from time to time depending on the person, race, or situation. Sometimes we get it right and sometimes we get it wrong. The one things that remains constant is MCA values people and to paraphrase the Wallflowers, we respect those who have roots for grounding and wings to fly.
Nancy and Cooper
SALE CALENDAR
July 2 T he Big Bang Sale @ KS Crossing Casino, Pittsburg, KS
July 8 Yearling Special Sale @ JRS, Carthage, MO
Aug. 16-17 E xpress Ranches Big Event Sale
Yu kon, OK
Aug. 17 S eedstock Plus Online Sale
Sept. 16 S oaring Eagle of the Ozarks Bull Sale
Oklahoma City, OK
Sept. 20-21 South Poll 16th Annual Field Day, W indy Acres Farm, Appomattox, VA
Sept. 23 Gardiner Angus Ranch Fall Bull Sale
A shland, KS
Sept. 27 K L3 Female Sale, Poplar Bluff, MO
Sept. 28 Heart of the Ozarks Angus Association Bull & Female Sale, West Plains, MO
Sept. 28 Terry Little’s TL Angus, Monticello, MO
Oct. 4 Bi rk Genetics, Jackson, MO
Oct. 5 JAC’s Ranch, Bentonville, AR
Oct. 7 E xpress Ranches Fall Bull Sale, Yu kon, OK
Oct. 8
Oct. 11
Cantrell Creek Angus, Marshfield, MO
Sm ith Valley Angus Sale, Salem, MO
Oct. 12 East Central Missouri Angus Ass’n Sale, Cuba, MO
Oct. 13 Weiker Angus Sale, Fayette, MO
Oct. 16
Peterson Prime Angus, New Boston, MO
Oct. 19 G erloff Angus Bull Fest, Bland, MO
Oct. 19 3C Cattle Sale, Carrollton, MO
Oct. 19 F ink Beef Genetics Bull Sale, R andolph, KS
Oct. 19 Shaver Angus Bull Sale, Norwood, MO
Oct. 19 S eedstock Plus Sale, JRS, Carthage, MO
Oct. 21 H inkle’s Prime Cut Angus Fall Sale, Nevada, MO
Oct. 25 Hartley Creek Ranch, Vinita, OK
Oct. 26 Mead Farms Sale, Versailles, MO
Oct. 26 L acy’s Red Angus and MC Livestock A nnual Production Sale, Drexel, MO
Oct. 27 L adies of Autumn Sale at the Wall Street Cattle Co., Lebanon, MO
Oct. 28 Buck Ridge Cattle Co., Seymour, MO
Nov. 1-2 G enePlus Brangus and Ultrablack Bull a nd Female Sale at Chimney Rock, Concord, AR
Nov. 2
Henke AngusSale, Salisbury, MO
Nov. 2 Ward Bros.Sale, Plattsburg, MO
Nov. 2 S eedstock Plus Sale, Osceola, MO
Nov. 23 Sydenstricker Genetics 46th Annual P roduction Sale, Mexico, MO
Wade Leist Wins World Livestock Auctioneer Championship
Source: Livestock Marketing Association
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA— When Wade Leist first came back to the family’s stockyards from auctioneer school in 2004, his dad didn’t exactly turn the auctions over to him — and he says that’s a good thing. Instead, the elder Leist started his son out selling a few baby calves here and there, and spending plenty of time working in the back.
The tactic paid off, as 20 years later, Leist came out on top in the World Livestock Auctioneer Championship, hosted by Livestock Marketing Association. It was the ninth time to compete for the auctioneer who regularly sells at Mitchell Livestock Marketing, Mitchell, South Dakota, United Producers Inc., St. Louis, Michigan, and his family’s Northern Michigan Livestock, Gaylord, Michigan.
The bid-caller earned his spot in the contest by winning the Torrington, Wyoming, qualifier last fall. He and 29 other semi-finalists battled it out in Oklahoma City June 12-15, participating in an interview competition and then selling on the block at the Oklahoma National Stockyards.
As the new champion, Leist will spend the next year traveling the country, sharing his auctioneering skills with other livestock auction markets and acting as a spokesperson on behalf of the association and the livestock marketing industry. It’s something he looks forward to — and a responsibility he doesn’t take lightly.
Buffalo Livestock Market
1 mile west on Hwy 32 • Buffalo, MO 65622 Barn: 417-345-8122
Sale Every Saturday 12:00 Noon
• Selling 1200 to 1700 head Farm Fresh Cattle weekly
• Special Stock Cow and Bull Sale 3rd Tuesday night of each month at 6:30 p.m.
• Pre-Vac Feeder Calf Sales 2nd Saturday of every month in conjunction with Regular Sale (Pfizer Pre-Vac, BLM BPre-Vac, Bayer Program, Mo Quality Assurance. LMA-Vac and MFA Health Track)
Order Buying Service Available Owners… Lyle Caselman Leon Caselman 417-345-7876 H 417-345-4514 H 417-533-2944 cell 417-588-6185 cell
“I can’t wait to go to work,” he said. “Both for the people who have supported me along the way, but also those who have never heard of me and are just excited to have the champion come sell.
“Auction market owners care for and work hard for their producer customers. That they would invite me to come and represent them means a tremendous amount to me.”
Dakota Davis of Waukomis, Oklahoma, was named reserve champion, and Dean Edge of Rimbey, Alberta, Canada, was runner-up. Jace Thompson of Billings, Montana, was the high score rookie and Barrett Simon of Rosalia, Kansas, had the top interview score. Rounding out the top 10 were: Justin Dodson from Welch, Oklahoma; Eric Drees from Caldwell, Idaho; Brennin Jack from Virden, Manitoba, Canada; Sixto Paiz from Portales, New Mexico; and Zach Zumstein from Marsing, Idaho.
A one-hour highlight show from the 2024 competition will air on RFD-TV July 8. The 2025 World Livestock Auctioneer Championship will be held June 4-7 in Dunlap, Iowa.
MBC Classified
The MBC Classified column appears monthly. Classified advertising is only 50¢ per word. Send your check with your ad to Missouri Beef Cattleman, P.O. Box 480977, Kansas City, MO 64148. Deadline 15th of month before an issue.
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