Spreading the Love of Beef in Missouri

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“When you have a new event, you not only have that burden of putting it together, but you’re also selling it and trying to get others enthused about it,” Bunch reflected of the challenges to MBD. “I think the sheer man hours that it took and the unending list of details was one of the greatest obstacles. But at the same time, that’s one of the best parts about it because it does involve so many people — those that are directly involved in the industry and those indirectly involved.”

MBD wouldn’t have been a possibility without sponsors who saw the board’s dream and vision and got behind it. They were fortunate to have tremendous support from local sale barns, banks, real estate companies, clothing stores and many more.

“When you looked in the crowd [at the banquet] you had the governor, the director of agriculture, several politicians, and the owners of at least five different sale barns, and they were all just enjoying the company of other cattle people and helping support the industry,” Henenberg said.

What People Were Saying

“We packed so much into that first year,” Bunch said. “MBD has something for everybody.”

The response from the community was overwhelmingly positive. The board quickly realized they needed to extend the event to allow participants to enjoy more of the activities and reach more people with the benefits of beef for their health and the environment.

“It also brought a lot of attention to the local businesses outside of the beef industry,” Stevens said.

People of all ages, careers, and passions joined in the entertainment. Cattle producers who were pioneers in the community were honored, and upcoming leaders spent time in conversation with their mentors and peers. Families spent nights dancing and listening to live music, and speakers like Temple Grandin taught on animal health and wellbeing. The rural town of Bolivar was transformed.

“It was a wonderful feeling sitting at the Boots & Bling Banquet and just seeing an indoor arena with a dirt floor turned into such a beautiful event, honoring the cattlemen and raising money for the next generation of cattlemen and women,” Bunch reflected. “It was a true combination of past, present and future there.”

On the Horizon

The community’s reaction to the event in 2022 demonstrated the importance of recognizing the beef industry which is vital to Bolivar and Polk County. After exceeding success, the board is eager to host the 2023 Missouri Beef Days.

“We hope that all our visitors leave with a better understanding of the beef industry and an appreciation of our beef producers and processors while enjoying the hospitality of our little town in the Ozarks,” Henenberg said.

If you happen to make it to Missouri Beef Days this year, be sure to be on the lookout for the wooden cows! For more information visit missouribeefdays.com.