Polk County Cattlemen

To start out our holiday festivities for the month, we participated in the Bolivar Christmas Parade on December 3. We had two entries this year with the theme A Merry and Bright Christmas. The event was held at night so the bright, twinkling lights were on full display. The only thing brighter was the smiles on the faces as we handed out candy. We had 15 members present to help pass out the treats as we walked the parade route. Our very own Poco was there to wave to the onlookers and help spread the Christmas cheer.

We had our Annual Meeting/Christmas Celebration on December 8, at 6:30 p.m. Some hardworking elves decked the halls at the CMH Community Room in Bolivar. We took care of some business by approving the nominations for the 2023 Board of Directors. We viewed a video that told the story of all the memories we have made this past year. We have had some amazing opportunities and enjoyed supporting our friends and community along the way. Then we were served a delicious dinner of prime rib, loaded mashed potatoes, green beans, corn and rolls. We completed dinner with a wonderful dessert. To show appreciation to all our volunteers this year, we had a special drawing for prizes. Your name was entered each time you helped at an event. There were lots of lucky winners, and we just wanted a fun way to thank all of those that gave their time, talents, and energy to make it a great year. The fun didn’t stop there as we welcomed comedian Bryce Stanley to share some laughs with us. He told jokes about his upbringing in Bolivar, and a unique history lesson as well. This was a relaxing evening to celebrate and enjoy.

The act of giving is important all year long but especially right now during the holiday season. We are proud to be involved in Share Your Christmas. Life is astonishing when determined people work together for the greater good. We had a member donate his spot at the processor, and we all know how hard those appointments are to come by. We had three animals graciously donated that we are so thankful for. It makes you feel good as a cattleman or cattlewoman to know that ground beef will be going to families that truly need it. Over 400 families received gift bags and food baskets this year. Thanks to all that made it possible to donate several hundred pounds of ground beef to add to the baskets. Distribution was December 14 and 15 at the Assembly of God Activities Building in Bolivar.

We are looking forward to our 2023 Polk County Beef Queen, Jaka Sharp, representing us at the Missouri Cattle Industry Convention on January 6-8. This will be held in Osage Beach, Missouri, at Margaritaville Lake

Resort. Her duties there will begin with an interview and include a speech she has prepared. The coronation of the Missouri Beef Queen will be on Saturday, January 7. We look forward to all the experiences this coming year has to offer Jaka. There will be opportunities to learn and grow as she promotes our association.