Brought to you By:
The Missouri Cattlemen’s Association Convention Committee deserves recognition for planning engaging sessions, securing dynamic speakers and delivering a fun and meaningful conference that will help set the pace for 2026.
Thank you to all committee members & Staff
MCA President - Jeff Reed
MCW President - Jennifer Poor
Chair - Charlie Besher
Vice Chair - Anita Vanderwert
Seedstock Council - Rose Massengill
Allied Industry - Jake Alden
At-Large - Darla Eggers
Staff Advisor - Miranda Howard
Cow/Calf Council - Lynette Miller
Stocker/Feeder Council - Jimmie Long
Allied Industry - Chris Schoen
At-Large - Nancy Twenter
Advisor - Josh Worthington
MBIC - Vance Keaton
Property Map
Hotel Map
ANCHOR BUILDING - WINDGATE HALL
WINDGAATE HALL: Located on the 5th floor of Anchor Building. From the Paradise Ballroom Foyer on the 6th floor, either take the parking garage elevator or the stairs down one floor to Windgate Hall.
BEACON BUILDING MEETING ROOMS
COMPASS ROSE BALLROOM: On the 7th floor of Anchor Building (floor above the Main Lobby), go down the Boardwalk, past all of the shops, down three flights of stairs to the Beacon Building Landing. At the Landing, take the short flight of carpeted stairs going up. The Compass Rose Ballroom is on the left.
ISLAND: On the 7th floor of Anchor Building (floor above the Main Lobby), go down the Boardwalk, past all of the shops, down the three flights of stairs to the Beacon Building Landing. At the Landing, take the short flight of plank steps down, go past the entrance of Fin City Bowling. Proceed down the ramp, turn right and go straight ahead into Island.
ESCAPE: On the 7th floor of Anchor Building (floor above the Main Lobby), go down the Boardwalk, past Margaritaville Store. Escape is on the right side of the hallway, across from Wood’n Ya Wanit.
CORAL REEF: On the 7th floor of Anchor Building (floor above the Main Lobby), go down the Boardwalk, past Wood’n Ya Wanit. Coral Reef is on the left.
PORT: On the 7th floor of Anchor Building (floor above the Main Lobby), go down the Boardwalk, past all of the shops and down one flight of stairs. Port is on the right.
STARBOARD: On the 7th floor of Anchor Building (floor above the Main Lobby), go down the Boardwalk, past all of the shops, down one flight of stairs. Starboard is on the left.
CEDAR COVE: On the 7th floor of Anchor Building (floor above the Main Lobby), go down the Boardwalk, past all of the shops, down two flights of stairs. Cedar Cove is on the left.
BEACON BUILDING MEETING ROOMS
Having Trouble with Stairs?
Take the connecting corridor from Anchor Building to Beacon Building: From Anchor Building, go to the double elevators where the guest rooms are located. Ride to level 4. Go through the guest room hallway, exiting at the far end. Turn left and follow the hallway to Beacon Building. If you are in a mobility assistance device and are unable to maneuver any amount of stairs, please contact Guest Services at Extension 5 or call (573) 348-8623 for assistance.
Welcome from the MCA President
Jeff Reed
Missouri Cattleman’s Association President
On behalf of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, welcome to the 58th Annual Missouri Cattle Industry Convention & Trade Show! We’re glad you’re here. For nearly six decades, this event has brought our association together to connect, collaborate, set policy and stay informed on the latest advancements shaping our industry.
This is your association. Your insight and involvement guide every step we take. Your participation is what keeps MCA strong. I encourage you to take full advantage of the sessions, engage in conversations, ask questions and make your voice heard. And of course, enjoy the time spent with friends, family and cattlemen from across Missouri.
Our theme this year, “Forging the Future,” speaks to the resilience and determination that define our industry. Together, we look forward with purpose-ready tackle challenges, embrace opportunity, and strengthen the future of Missouri’s cattle community.
Thank you for being here, and thank you for being a part of MCA. Let’s make this a memorable and impactful convention.
A Note from the MCW President
Jennifer Poor
Missouri CattleWomen’s President
On behalf of the Missouri CattleWomen’s Association, welcome to the 58th Annual Missouri Cattle Industry Convention & Trade Show. This year has brought plenty of challenges, but once again our industry has proven its strength by standing unitedlocally, statewide and nationally.
I’m proud of the work we’ve done together to educate consumers, advocate for beef, and support programs like the Missouri State Fair Beef House, Beef Showcase, Beef Ambassador program and Cowboys at the Capitol. Your passion and teamwork are what keep these efforts thriving.
That same spirit is at the heart of this convention. The MCA staff and convention committee have worked hard to create an event full of learning, connection, and fun. Be sure to stop by the MCW booth on the trade show floor-we’d love to see you! Together, we are Forging the Future, and I’m grateful to be part of it with you.
Essentials
Registration Hours
Wednesday - 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Thursday - 6:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Friday - 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Convention Hotel
Margaritaville Lake Resort
494 Tan Tara Estate Drive Osage Beach, MO 65065 (573) 348-3131
Meeting Admittance
Name badges are required for admittance to all MCA meetings, events and the trade show. Individuals who do not have a name badge will not be permitted into the meeting rooms.
Silent Auction
The silent auction, which benefits Missouri’s Cattlemen Foundation and MCA’s Political Action Committee, is on display in Parasol Ballroom Foyer starting Wednesday evening and closing Friday evening.
Guests
If you need extra meal tickets for guests, please visit the registration desk.
Special Assistance
If you need special assistance, please inform the staff at the registration desk so arrangements can be made.
Miscellaneous
All or a portion of your convention expenses may be tax deductible. Please consult with your accountant or attorney.
Wednesday Schedule
Registration
Parasol Ballroom Foyer
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Live Auction Table & Silent Auction
Registration Area
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
MBIC Board Meeting
Parasol II
8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Animal Care, Health & Wellbeing
Council Meeting
Leeward 76/77
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Tax & Credit Council Meeting
Parasol I
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Ag & Food Policy Council Meeting
Windward 70/71
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Cattle Marketing Council Meeting
Windward 72/73
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Property Rights, Federal Lands and Environmental Management Council Meeting
Leeward 74/75
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Council Lunch
Parasol II Foyer
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
MCA Board Meeting
Paradise A 12 p.m. - 2 p.m.
MCW Board Meeting
Windgate 60/61
1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Policy Meeting
Paradise A
2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Association Honors Reception
Windgate Hall
5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Get to Know Your Resources: Meet and GreetHalter Virtual Fencing, Monarch Drones, Enriched Ag, Mizzou and MCA Grazing Coordinaters
Windgate 64
5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Trade Show Kickoff & Happy Hour
Windgate Hall
6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
MCLC Reception
Windgate Hall - Merck Booth 58 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Reception & Dance
Parasol I & II
8 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Thursday Schedule
Registration Hours
Parasol Ballroom Foyer
6:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Breakfast and Kick Off Speaker: Family Business and Generations - Tom Field
Windgate Hall
7 a.m. - 8 a.m.
Cattlemen Welcome
Windgate Hall
8 a.m. - 8:15 a.m.
Live Auction Table & Silent Auction
Registration Area
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Tradeshow Opens
Windgate Hall
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Cattlemen’s Education Series Session One:
Virtual Fencing Panel - Kaitlyn Dolzer, Christopher Hudson, Dan Bonacker, Tim Algur & Erin Kiley
Nautical Wheeler
8:15 a.m. - 9 a.m.
9:15 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Merck Sensehub System - Cody Doubet Leeward 74/75
8:15 a.m. - 9 a.m.
9:15 a.m. - 10 a.m.
New World Screwworm - Dr. Linda Lackman
Parasol II
8:15 a.m. - 9 a.m.
9:15 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Cattlemen’s Education Series Session Two:
Yield Grade Changes - John Stika
Nautical Wheeler
10:15 a.m. - 11 a.m.
11:15 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Diversify Your Operation - Bruce Mershon, Bill McLaren, Joe & Angela Brattin Leeward 74/75
10:15 a.m. - 11 a.m.
11:15 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Risk Management - Gavon “Gator” Hutchison Parasol II
9:15 a.m. - 10 a.m. 11:15 a.m. - 12 p.m.
CattleWomen Lunch & Annual Meeting Parasol I
12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Lunch: Checkoff in Action with the Culinary Center - Steve J. Wald & Noah Hawkins Windgate Hall
12 p.m. - 1:40 p.m.
Annual Meeting
Paradise A
2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Midwest Dairy Ice Cream Social
Windgate hall
2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Poster Research Contest
Windgate Hall
2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Hands On Session-Prime Perspective: Rethink the Beef Chuck Roll - Steve J. Wald & Noah Hawkins
Windgate Hall
3 p.m. - 5 p.m.
NRCS Hospitality Room
Windgate 63/64
5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Northwest Alumni & Friends Reception
License to Chill (Bar)
5 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Friday Schedule
Registration Hours
Parasol Ballroom Foyer
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Live Auction Table & Silent Auction
Registration Area
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Exhibits Open
Windgate Hall
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
FFA Beef Speaking Contest
Windward 72/73
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
MU CAFNR Alumni Social Hour
License to Chill (Bar)
4 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Social Hour & Seedstock Auction
Paradise B/C
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Cattlemen’s Banquet Dinner
Paradise B/C
6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
MCA & MCW Presidents Reception
Suite 1703
9 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Minerals matter
Selecting the right mineral supplement is crucial for maintaining health, growth and reproductive efficiency in grazing cattle. That’s why your herd needs Ricochet™ FesQ Max minerals.
Designed to help alleviate fescue toxicity, Ricochet FesQ Max supplies essential minerals along with MFA Shield Technology® to promote animal health, immunity and performance.
Contact your local MFA for details or call 573-876-5244.
Missouri Cattlemen’s Association
Member Benefits Package
Discounts
$100 OFF
any in-stock tire
15% OFF off service bigotires.com
*Not valid with any other offers. Redeemable at MFA Petroleum-owned locations.
15% OFF all Jiffy Lube services at all locations across the US
*download the welcome letter located on mocattle. com under member benefits and visit your local jiffy lube and show them the letter to recieve your discount.
10% OFF total purchase in store
*Show your membership card to recieve discount
* Online Store Code: MOCATTLE
Services
10% OFF lifetime discount cattle record and management software cattlemax.com
5% DISCOUNT
Contact your local agent and tell them you are a Missouri Cattlemen’s Member.
DISCOUNT
Save up to $2,500 on your purchase of new qualifying CAT machines and $250 on your choice of select CAT Work
Weekly electronic news source for the latest information sent straight to your inbox
NCBA Benefits
DISCOUNT
MCA members save on hotel rates with code 328903
Central Missouri Feed & Supply
10% OFF any purchase of electric fence systems Clark, MO 573-881-1798
Monthly subscription to the source of Missouri’s cattle industry news
50% OFF on 50+ unit orders of select Calving Ease Cattle Vision Bulls.
Contact us at 573-641-5270 for details
Legislative Action Advancing policy and legislation beneficial to Missouri cattlemen
Keynote Speaker - Tom Field
Tom Field, PhD, serves the people of Nebraska as the Director of the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program and holder of the Engler Chair in Entrepreneurship at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. An enthusiastic advocate for free enterprise, the potential of young people and opportunities in both agriculture and rural communities, Tom is an internationally recognized educator and innovator who has the ability to connect the dots between people, industries and ideas.
A fifth generation cattleman who is partnership in a family cow-calf business in western Colorado, he also authors the column “Out of the Box’, consults and advises a number of enterprises and organizations, and is a sought after speaker who challenges and inspires audiences to lead their organizations to excellence by asking the right questions, seeking solutions beyond conventional wisdom, and unleashing the power of focused creativity He and his wife Laura and their family live near Raymond, NE.
Tom is a native Coloradoan and earned his bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees at Colorado State University.
Virtual Fencing
Christopher Hudson
Christopher Hudson is a lifelong cattleman from Middletown, Missouri, where he owns and operates Triple C Cattle Company, a family-driven Registered Angus operation marketing bulls and females to producers across the Midwest. His work centers on responsible herd development, balanced genetics, and practical, sustainable management practices.
In addition to his cattle operation, Christopher owns Hudson Ag Service, providing mineral, seed, ag plastics, cover crops, and consulting services. He is active in agricultural leadership, serving on the boards of the Pike/ Lincoln County Cattlemen’s Association and the Pike County Farm Bureau. Christopher and his wife, Rachel, are also raising their two daughters, Tinsley and Catie Sue, on their family farm.
Daniel Bonacker
Daniel Bonacker is owner/operator of Big River Grain & Cattle, LLC in Cedar Hill, Missouri. His operation consists of regeneratively raised corn, soybeans and rye; registered Charolais herd; commercial herd; custom grazing and custom harvesting. In recent years his grazing practices have intensified from a basic rotational grazing system to an adaptive grazing system focusing on long rest periods and the expression of native warm season grasses and forbs. Daniel has also worked to combine the two enterprises of cattle and row crop to integrate the livestock into the crop fields grazing both winter annual and summer annual cover crops.
Tim Algur
Tim Algur runs a small cow–calf operation in Saline County, Missouri, where he backgrounds his calves and finishes them for direct-to-consumer beef sales as wholes and halves, with a focus on the grass-finished market. Since implementing rotational grazing in 2018, Tim has worked toward improving forage utilization, building soil health, and creating a more resilient grazing system. His operation reflects a regenerative approach to cattle management that supports both high-quality beef production and long-term land stewardship.
Virtual Fencing
Erin Kiley
Erin Kiley manages a commercial cow-calf and pasture-finished beef operation in Northwest Arkansas. In addition, she and her husband own and operate a composite grass genetics seedstock operation in central Missouri. She has a M.S. degree focused on adaptive grazing systems and 15 years of diverse experience working on ranches across the United States and in sustainable farmland investment, integrated agronomic + livestock operations, ag tech, and pasture-finished beef businesses. Erin is the sixth generation to help steward a Century Farm in Knox County, Missouri, where her family has farmed since 1874.
Merck Sensehub System
Cody Doubet
Cody grew up on a seedstock operation spanning Colorado and Montana, where his family also farmed wheat and alfalfa. He was highly active in 4-H, showing and exhibiting livestock at the local, state, and national levels. During his time in 4-H, Cody developed a strong passion for livestock judging, which he continued to pursue at the junior college level.
Cody attended Blinn College in Brenham, Texas, where he competed on the livestock judging team and earned Top 10 individual honors at three of four national contests. He later transferred to Colorado State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and compete on another highly successful livestock judging team. While at CSU, Cody again achieved Top 10 finishes at three national contests and also had the opportunity to serve as an assistant livestock judging coach while completing his degree.
Following graduation, Cody began his professional career with Merck Animal Health as a Territory Sales Manager in southwest Nebraska, working closely with feedyards, cow-calf operators, and large animal veterinarians. After five years in Nebraska, he moved to the great state of Missouri to serve as Associate Director of Cattle Sales for the Central Region for Merck Animal Health. Cody and his wife now live in Chillicothe, Missouri.
New World Screwworm
Dr. Linda Lackman
Dr. Linda Lackman graduated from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in 2001 and started her career at Paris Veterinary Clinic. Dr. Lackman moved to central Missouri in 2003 and joined Osage Veterinary Clinic before accepting a position at Markway Veterinary Services, where she continued practicing mixed animal medicine. On May 2020, she accepted a position at USDA APHIS VS as the MO Emergency Coordinator with a focus on emergency response for livestock and poultry disease. Above all, Dr. Lackman cherishes her faith and spending time with her family.
Yield Grade Changes
John Stika
John Stika (Ph.D.), President of Certified Angus Beef, elevates the brand’s relevance for partners worldwide by strengthening customer relationships, providing cutting-edge solutions and growing momentum from ranch to table.
“The brand’s mission is to put high-quality product on people’s plates around the world. It’s a great mission, and thus makes for a great place to work when you believe so strongly in why it exists.”
Risk Management
Gavon (Gator) Hutchison
Gavon is a lifelong Missouri resident, having lived in Vernon and St. Clair counties. He graduated from Shell City High School in 1995. Prior to joining Hometown Crop Solutions in September 2019, Gavon worked as a crop insurance agent with Farm Risk Management Specialists, beginning in July 2016. Before transitioning into sales, he gained valuable experience as a crop insurance adjuster, working with several leading companies in the insurance industry.
Outside of his professional role, Gavon enjoys traveling with his family and remains actively involved in managing his own cattle operation, as well as marketing cattle for other producers. His lifelong experience in livestock marketing and production agriculture makes him a strong asset to the team. Having seen every aspect of the production livestock industry, Gavon brings vital expertise to help clients, particularly with LRP and PRF.
Gavon currently resides in Harwood, Missouri, with his wife, Tammy, and is the proud father of one son, Landon.
Diversify your operation
Bruce Mershon
Mershon Cattle is built upon four generations of agriculture tradition. Our mission is to raise and produce exceptional beef cattle that ultimately provide consumers with a nutritious and delicious food source while working to preserve and improve our land and resources.
Bill McLaren
Bill and Linda McLaren own Crooked Creek Beef and are University of Missouri graduates with lifelong careers in agriculture. Bill has served in multiple industry leadership roles, and the couple was recently named Franklin County’s Farm Family of the Year. They are dedicated to humane animal care and family-based farming, supported by Farm Manager Cody Meyer and their daughters and sons-in-law.
Joe & Angela Brattin
Joe and Angela operate a multi-generational cow-calf and backgrounding operation in Newton and Barry counties, working alongside their children (Riley & Sarah), Angela’s brother, and her father. The family is active in the Southwest Missouri Cattlemen’s Association and are also proud that Sarah & Angela are MCLC graduates. They use Performance Beef analytics to manage cattle health, feed, inventory and finances across the operation.
Prime PerSpective: Rethink the Beef Chuck Roll
Join Steve Wald and Noah Hawkins from the Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner. Culinary Team for an interactive, hands-on session that takes a closer look at beef from a culinary perspective. Attendees will walk through the beef carcass, watch a cutting demonstration of the Chuck Roll, and learn about creative, modern uses for the cut beyond the traditional pot roast. The session will also explore beef taste and flavor, with guided tasting activities that introduce umami - the fifth taste - and how it enhances the overall beef-eating experience.
Checkoff in Action with the Culinary Center
During this luncheon keynote, attendees will hear from Steve Wald and Noah Hawkins of the Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner. Culinary Team as they share how culinary innovation helps strengthen beef demand. The presentation will highlight how the team works on behalf of beef producers to connect with consumers and industry professionals through education, creativity, and on-trend culinary approaches. Guests can expect insights into how evolving flavors, techniques, and ideas in the kitchen play an important role in keeping beef top-of-mind with today’s consumers.
Steve J. Wald
Steve Wald is the Executive Chef and culinary lead for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, overseeing product development, recipe innovation, culinary partnerships, and industry education. With over 25 years at NCBA, he previously directed product innovation, retail, and veal programs. Before NCBA, Steve worked in business development and food industry consulting roles with Management Resources of America, Lotte USA, and SuperValu.
A Quincy, Illinois native, Steve holds a B.S. in Marketing from Illinois State University and has lived in Colorado since 1999. He is a member of IACP, IDDBA, AMSA, and PDMA. A passionate cook, he loves barbecue, pizza, prime rib, and searching for great burgers. Steve also enjoys hunting, fishing, camping, model railroading, and cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals. He lives in Parker, Colorado with his wife Shannon and their son, Sawyer.
Noah Hawkins
Noah Hawkins is Associate Director of Culinary Innovation for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, where he leads trend research, cut and product development, culinary analysis, and supports recipe and content creation. With over 30 years in the food service industry, Noah’s experience spans restaurants, hotels, and corporate dining. A Johnson & Wales graduate and Colorado native, he enjoys golfing, Premier League soccer, smoking beef, and spending time with his wife Heather and their daughter Izabella.
His favorite quote: “That rug really tied the room together.”
Brought to you by the Missouri Beef Industry Council and Your Beef Checkoff
Audrey Brumm - Buchanan Tom Broderick Scholarship
Brooke Brumm - Buchanan Giddens Group Scholarship
Caroline Brumm - Buchanan Joe Lyle Scholarship
Gracen Colvin - Morgan Bob Richter Foundation Scholarship
Elliott Cooley - Benton Polk County Cattlemen’s Scholarship
Austin Doerhoff - Cole Kunkel Farms Red Angus Scholarship
Jorja Ebert - Ray Bob Vandiver Scholarship
Kate Fischer - Andrew Andrew-Buchanan Scholarship
Rhett Forkner - Vernon Polk County Cattlemen’s Scholarship
Beau Ann Graves - Livingston Lewis & Marion County Scholarship
Isaac Haile - Moniteau Bob Richter Foundation Scholarship
Scholarships
Daisie Huth - Cooper Lewis & Marion County Scholarship
Emma Hancock - Polk Dustin Hardecke Scholarship
Henry Hauser - Sullivan Computer Angus Scholarship
William Hazelrigg - Boone Larry Atzenweiler Memorial Scholarship
Selby Hulse - Ralls Bob Richter & Wayne Brashear Scholarship
Marshall Kable - Audrain Eugene Ryan Scholarship
Claire McIntyre - Polk Polk County Cattlemen’s Scholarship
Kenzie Milligan - Harrison Jeff & Andrea Reed Scholarship
Corbin Neil - Vernon Polk County Cattlemen’s Scholarship
Haden Oliver - Moniteau Southwest Missouri Cattlemen’s Scholarship
Emma Opie - Miller Eldon Cole Memorial Scholarship
Megan Riegel - Clay Bob Richter Foundation Scholarship
Isabela Rojas - Linn Iman & Harrimann Scholarship
Gage Swindler - Caldwell Lewis & Marion County Scholarship
Janie Triplett - Marion Bob & Georgia Richter Scholarship
Jordan Tucker - Dallas Polk County Cattlemen’s Scholarship
Grayson Turnmire - Macon Ned Daggs Scholarship
Kristin Waters - Carroll Kent Corbin Memorial Scholarship
Lane Willard - Marion Janet Sapp Scholarship
J. “Grady” Woodcock - Macon Ken & McKenzie Disselhorst Scholarship
Carman Woodworth - Livingston Larry Ehlert Scholarship
Aubrey Youse - Monroe Boone County Scholarship
County Leadership Conference
March 3rd - 4th, 2026
Missouri Cattle Industry Headquarters
Columbia, MO
MCA’s annual County Leadership Conference will be held March 3rd-4th at the Missouri Cattle Industry Headquarters in Columbia. Each county may send one producer to attend this Missouri Cattlemen’s Association conference. Attendance is limited to the first 25 registered. This year’s County Leadership Conference is packed full of sessions on how to better your county’s organization and be successful in the industry. Sessions will include useful information and provide tools to enhance your county affiliate. We’ll cover everything from media training to policy and legislative initiatives, how to run an effective meeting and more.
COME LEARN WHAT MCA REALLY HAS TO OFFER YOU AND YOUR COUNTY.
Registration Information due March 1st, 2026 Registration can also be found at mocattle.org
NCBA President - Buck wehrbein
Buck Wehrbein grew up in eastern Nebraska on a farm raising cattle, hogs and chickens. Wehrbein has managed custom feedlots in Nebraska and Texas since 1984 while feeding his own cattle since 1980. He worked outside Amarillo on a custom feedlot for many years before moving back to Nebraska.
Wehrbein has been active in the beef industry and served as both chairman and treasurer for the Nebraska Beef Council. He also served on the Beef Promotion Operating Committee. He participated in Young Cattlemen’s Conference in 1993.
Wehrbein and his wife Sandy have been married 50 years and have three children (two living), seven grandchildren (six living), and seven great-grandchildren (six living).
ANcw Region III DirectorDonnia Besher, Missouri
My name is Donnia M. Besher. I grew up on a farm in Perry county Missouri near Yount, Missouri, not far from the Bollinger County line. I graduated from Perryville High School in 1979. I am married to Charlie Besher and we currently reside on our farm in Patton, Missouri, along Hwy 72 near Meadow Heights school. I have 5 boys that live in Sedgewickville, Missouri.
We have our farm in Patton that we work daily at a cow/calf operation of Registered Herefords. We also own part of my family farm in Perry county. I have owned and operated Bollinger County Abstract and Title in Marble Hill since 1998. I currently serve on as a board director for Missouri Heritage Mutual Insurance Company. I am a member of Missouri Cattlewomen and Missouri Cattlemen Associations. I was President for Missouri Cattlewomen in 2021.
In our spare time, we enjoy camping and spending time with our families, the boys and 13 grandchildren. I am excited to have the opportunity to serve as your Region III Director.
This year’s Cattlemen’s Education Series sessions are aimed at bringing you the latest and greatest direct from industry experts in everything from utilizing data on your operation to concentrated discussions about the future of our industry.
36. Eagle Aerial Solutions / Nutriplant / APSA
37. Eagle Aerial Solutions / Nutriplant / APSA
38. Parkhurst Manufacturing
Trade show
39. Parkhurst Manufacturing
40. Central Confinement Systems
1. Equipment Share
2. Equipment Share
3. Equipment Share
4. MFA Inc.
5. Bobcat
6. Bobcat
7. Missouri Beef Days
8. Acrisure - Gibson Insurance
9. BTC Bank
10. Enriched Ag
11. Hayden Outdoors Real Estate
12. Halter
13. LifeGen Law Group
14. Edward Jones
15. MBIC
16. MBIC
17. NRCS/Regional Grazing Coordinators
18. FSA/NRCS
19. Soil & Water Conservation Program
20. Missouri CattleWomen
21. Lucas Cattle Company
22. Powder River
23. Bayer
24. Hamilton Outpost
25. Missouri Farmers Care
26. NCBA
27. FCS
28. Joplin Regional Stockyards
29. Jorgensen Land & Cattle
30. Dusk to Dawn Branding
30-A. Preformance Livestock Analytics
31. Heartland Livestock Photography
31-A. Herdwatch
32. Cattle Visions
33. William H. Darr College of Agriculture MSU
34. 121 Farmhouse Kitchen
35. 121 Farmhouse Kitchen
36. Eagle Aerial Solutions/Nutriplant/APSA 80
37. Eagle Aerial Solutions/Nutriplant/APSA 80
38. Parkhurst Manufacturing
39. Parkhurst Manufacturing
40. Central Confinement Systems
41. Applied Biotechnologies, Inc.
42. Mace Insurance Agency Inc.
43. Monarch Drone
44. Monarch Drone
45. Black Vulture/Wildlife Services
46. S & N Partners
47. Kimball Sales Company
48. Green's Welding & Sales
49. FuturesOne
50. Creative Signs by R & H
51. Missouri Dept of Ag
52. State Line Construction
53. FERA Diagnostics & Biologicals
54. Missouri Feral Hog Elimination Partnership
55. Missouri Feral Hog Elimination Partnership
56. MU Extension
57. Missouri Shorthorn Association
58. Merck Animal Health
59. Neogen
60. The Midwest Cattleman
61. The Midwest Cattleman
62. Missouri Native Grasslands Collaborative
63. Energy Curve Technology
64. Energy Curve Technology
65. Superior Steel Sales
66. Producer Livestock Market Association
67. Brownfield Ag News
68. Bishop Reproductive Services
69. Bishop Reproductive Services
70. Laird Manufacturing
71. Missouri Livestock Symposium
72. Missouri Forage and Grassland Council
73. Andras Stock Farm
74. Biozyme
75. Biozyme
76. U.S. Premium Beef
77. Hometown Crop Solutions
78. Yarbrough Sale Co./Cowboy Pipe and Tube
79. Yarbrough Sale Co./Cowboy Pipe and Tube
80. Missouri Organic Association
81. Heritage Tractor
82. Heritage Tractor
83. Noble Research
84. Wieser Concrete
85. The Netsack
86. Addison Biological Lab
87. Freedom Buildings
88. American Angus
89. Farm Risk Advisor
90. Purple Wave
78. Yarbrough Sale Co. / Cowboy Pipe and Tube
89. Purple Wave
79. Yarbrough Sale Co. / Cowboy Pipe and Tube
80.
81. Heritage Tractor
82. Heritage Tractor
83. Noble Research
84. Wieser Concrete
85. The NetSack
90. Worley Equipment
Trade show
91. Worley Equipment
92. Worley Equipment
93. Worley Equipment
93-A. Amendment 1
94. Brauner Concrete Products
95. Crown Power & Equipment
86. Addison Biological Lab
87. Freedom Buildings
88. American Angus
89. Farm Risk Advisor
90. Purple Wave
91. Worley Equipment
92. Worley Equipment
93. Worley Equipment
94. Brauner Concrete Products
95. Crown Power
96. Crown Power
97. ADM
98. Bradshaw Ranch
99. Kids Corner
100. Kids Corner
96. Crown Power & Equipment
97. ADM
98. Bradshaw Ranch
99. Missouri Charolais Association
100. American National Insurance
101. River Valley Ag Exchange
102. River Valley Ag Exchange
Beef Ambassador - Claire Walker
Claire Walker is from Chillicothe, Missouri, where she grew up on her family’s century Simmental cattle farm. Being raised in agriculture, especially around beef production, shaped her values and work ethic, and reinforced the responsibility producers have to care for their livestock, their land, and the people they feed.
She attends the University of Missouri, majoring in Agricultural Business with minors in Animal Science and International Agriculture. On campus, Claire is highly involved in leadership and advocacy organizations. She currently serves as President of Sigma Alpha, the professional agriculture sorority, and Treasurer of Collegiate Farm Bureau. She was also honored to represent farmers and ranchers as the 2025 Missouri Farm Bureau Ambassador.
Before college, Claire was active in both FFA and 4-H, experiences that strengthened her passion for agriculture, leadership, and the beef industry. Whether working with students, visiting with consumers, or helping at home on the farm, she is proud to share the story of agriculture and the cattle families and beef producers who care deeply for their animals, their land, and their communities.
Special Music - Creekside Revival
Authentic and impactful, this mid-Missouri–based country band creates music for good-hearted folks. Rooted in honest storytelling and a true country sound, their songs reflect real life, strong values, and the kind of music that feels like home.
Why ShouldYou Join MCA:
Missouri Cattlemens Association ’ is a not-for-profit, grassroots, member-driven organization focused on advancing Missouri’s beef industry.
• MCA is the only organization in the state solely representing cattle producers.
• MCA offers media training and leadership development opportunities to help take your operation to the next level.
• MCA protects your business by working to advance beneficial legislation and killing any overreaching regulations that prevent you from doing your job.
www.mocattle.org and click on
Advertising Opportunities:
Contact MCA's Manager of Communications and Marketing for details about a number of great advertising opportunities in our award winning magazine, Missouri Beef Cattleman, or other options like direct mailing and newsletters.
Sally Schmidt Manager of Communications and Marketing 573-289-9112 sally@mocattle.com
mobeef@sbcglobal.net
Market Partners
Callaway Livestock
Eastern Mo Commission Co.
F&T Livestock
Four State Stockyards
Joplin Regional Stockyards
Jones Brothers Livestock
Kirksville Livestock Market
Kingsville Livestock
Lolli Livestock Market
Missouri LMA
SEMO Livestock Market
South Central Regional Stockyards
Unionville Livestock Market
Wheeler Livestock
Your
Animal Performance & Traceability Make
Photo by Allie M., Nevada, Mo.
Industry Awards
Cattleman of the Year
1965 Ted Anderson, Montreal
1966 Harold Roth, Harrisonville
1967 Flint McRoberts, Columbia
1968 Virgil Shirley, Hardin
1969 Dorsey Bass, Columbia
1970 Joe Ewing, Humansville
1971 Forest Noel, Lebanon
1972 Open
1973 Marshall McGregor, Richland
1974 Bill Sidwell, Queen City
1975 Waldo Wheeler, Windsor
1976 Junior Simpson, Salem
1977 Bill Sayre, St. Catherine
1978 C.W. Caldwell, Mexico
1979 Joe Lee Davidson, Rocky Comfort
1980 Alan King, Fulton
1981 Bob Harriman, Malta Bend
1982 Bob Bricker, Garden City
1983 John & Betty Rotert, Montrose
1984 Harold Harvey, Malta Bend
1985 Eugene Ryan, Foristell
1986 Eugene Williams, Verona
1987 Harold Hurd, Knob Noster
1988 Tom Broderick, Plattsburg
1989 John Buck, Versailles
1990 Glen Klippenstein, Maysville
1991 Scott Kennedy, Deerfield
1992 Bob Vandiver, Camden
1993 Bob Green, Sedalia
1994 Ed Kruse, Bourbon
1995 Mike Kasten, Millersville
1996 Sheri Spader, Rosendale
1988 Tom Broderick, Plattsburg
1989 John Buck, Versailles
1990 Glen Klippenstein, Maysville
1991 Scott Kennedy, Deerfield
1992 Bob Vandiver, Camden
1993 Bob Green, Sedalia
1994 Ed Kruse, Bourbon
1995 Mike Kasten, Millersville
1996 Sheri Spader, Rosendale
1997 Bob Richter, LaGrange
1998 I.C. Keeney, Shirley Wilmesher
1999 Mike John, Huntsville
2000 Chuck Massengill,California
2001 Gary Ryan, Fulton
2002 Robert Gregory, Houstonia
2004 Larry Moore, Osceola
2005 Jeff Windett, Columbia
2006 Howard Hardecke, Springfield
2007 Pat & Patty Wood, LaMonte
2008 Merrel Breyer, Richland
2009 Jimmie Long, Cole Camp
2010 Forrest Lucas, Cross Timbers
2011 Ben Fizette, Mark Harmon, Jim McCann, Southwest Cattlemens
2012 David Dick, Sedalia
2013 Paul Gibbs, Boonville
2014 Jackie Moore, Mount Vernon
2015 Greg Buckman, Hallsville
2016 Mike Parson, Bolivar
2017 Ben Eggers, Mexico
2018 Carl Elliott, Holden
2019 Butch Meier, Jackson
2020 Bobby Simpson, Salem
2021 Marilyn O’Bannon, Madison
2022 Teresa Carlson, Mexico
2023 Keith Stevens, Bolivar
2024 Bruce Mershon, Buckner
Industry Awards
Cattlewoman of the Year
1977 Mary Simpson, Salem
1978 Helen Haws, Carthage
1979 Virginia Johnson, Jasper
1980 Conda Sayre, St. Catherine
1981 Ruth Wright, Greenwood
1982 Pat Harriman, Malta Bend
1983 Norma Harmon, Clinton
1984 Ylene Williams, Verona
1985 Anna Mary Harvey, Malta Bend
1986 Winifred Graff, Rosendale
1987 Pauline Adams, Falcon
1988 Anita Ryan, Fulton
1989 Sue Divine, Hartville
1990 Sheri Spader, Rosendale
1991 Loretta Broderick, Plattsburg
1992 Janet Sapp, Ashland
1993 Nadine Henry, Purdin
1994 Mary Kay Lyle, Savannah
1995 Helen Kreisler, Salem
1996 Norma Jean Townley, Chamois
1997 Sue Allen, Sumner
1998 Lynda Blades, Holliday
1999 Dortha Hargadine, Shawnee Mission, KS
2000 Jean Green, Sedalia
2001 Rosalie Smith, Sedalia
2002 Kay Vandiver, Camden
2003 Darla Eggers, Mexico
2004 Georgia Richter, LaGrange
2005 Jeannie Beltz, Willow Springs
2006 Dawn Thurnau, Ashland
2007 Mary Wheeler, Bolivar
2008 Marsha Corbin, Dover
2009 Marlene Edwards, Corder
2010 Sue Day, Pilot Grove
2011 Kasey Hunt, Hallsville
2012 Pam Naylor, Buffalo
2013 Brenda Black, Deepwater
2014 Janet Crow, West Plains
2015 Whitney Kinne, Columbia
2016 Patty Wood, LaMonte
2017 Marylin Lesmeister, Montrose
2018 Lynette Miller, Elkville
2019 Donnia Besher, Patton
2020 Darla Haines, Mexico
2021 Deb Thummel, Sheridan
2022 Scynthia Schnake, Stotts City
2023 Jennifer Poor, Pomona
2024 Beverly Stevens, Bolivar
1979 Fred Miller
1980 Smith Scott, Palmyra
1981 Dennis Sullivan, Silex
1982 Cordell Tindall, Boonville
1983 Miller Carpenter, Rothville
1984 J.P. Hampton, Brunswick
1985 Oliver Marshall, Marshall
1986 Damon Shannon, Amsterdam
1987 Tom Carter, Hartville
1988 Murrell Mitchener
1989 Forest Noel, Lebanon
1990 J.W. Welch, Jr.
1991 Gilmore Wilmesher, Union
1992 C.W. Caldwell, Mexico
1993 John McCarthy, Napoleon
1994 Brady McCall, Vienna
1995 Marshall McGregor, Richland
Industry Awards
Pioneer Award
1996 Bill Sidwell, Queen City
1997 Junior Simpson, Salem
1998 Harold Harvey, Malta Bend
1999 Tom Sites, Blackwater
2000 John Rotert, Montrose
2001 Fred Blades, Holliday
2002 Allen Henry, Purdin
2003 Bob Richter, LaGrange
2004 Doc Smith, Green Castle
2005 Tom & Rosalee Smith, Sedalia
2006 Eldon Cole, Mt. Vernon
2007 O.D. Cope, Aurora
2008 Joe Lyle, Savannah
2009 Don Bledsoe & Roy
Houston, Olean
2010 Dr. Taylor Woods, California
2011 George Barnitz,
Lake Spring
2012 Merrill Townley, Chamois
2013 W.A. Schlesselman, Concordia
2014 Roy Akers, Clinton
2015 R.E. Voorheis, Harrisburg
2015 John Paul Jones, Buffalo
2016 Leroy Strubberg, Union
2017 Doc (Curtis) Long, Butler
2018 Glen Klippenstein, Maysville
2019 Morris Westfall, Halfway
2020 Rick Anstine, Kingsville
Leon Kleeman, Miller
2021 Rod & Christine Lewis, Sarcoxie
2022 Jim McCann, Miller
2023 Richard Thomas, Madison
2024 Ron Rogers, Anderson
Industry Awards
Allied Industry Award
1971 Jim Ross, Columbia
1972 Dale Burks, Springfield
1973 Nick Iman, Slater
1974 George Stiles, Columbia
1975 Leroy Strubberg, Union
1976 J.R. Bartels, St. Marys
1977 Larry Atzenweiler, Kansas City
1978 Kurt Koehn, Sullivan
1979 National Stockyards, National City, IL
1980 Taylor Woods, Ava
1981 Ray Davis, Kansas City
1982 John Massey, Columbia
1983 Larry Ehlert, St. Joseph
1984 Tom Staley, Kansas City
1985 Eldon Cole, Mt. Vernon
1986 Jim Ross, Columbia
1987 Ed Slauter, Jefferson City
1988 Gene Williams, St. Joseph
1989 Jim Badger, Jefferson City
1990 Norman Justis, Mt. Vernon
1991 Homer Sewell, Columbia
1992 Dale Watson, Carrollton
1993 Larry Harper, Columbia
1994 Heartland Hospital, St. Joseph
1995 Jim Ritchie, Versailles
1996 E.H. Fowler, Central Missouri Sales
1997 Karey Marrs, Prime Promotions
1998 Bud Frew, Columbia
Robert Gregory, MCA Beef House
1999 Leroy Strubberg & Assoc.
2000 Dave Patterson, MU
2001 Joplin Regional Stockyards
2002 Rep. Bill Ransdall, Waynesville
2003 Bob Idel, FCS
2004 Dennis Meyer, Central Life Sciences
2005 Luke Burbank, Mckenzie Disselhorst,
Lesley Snodgrass, MCA Staff
2006 Andy Atzenweiler, Missouri Beef Cattleman
2007 Tom Kent, Zoetis
2008 Rick Anstine, Kingsville Livestock
2009 Rick Henderson, Apex
2010 Dave Patton, South Central
Regional Stockyards
2011 John Harrison, Callaway Livestock
2012 Bob Barron, Norbrook
2013 Ed Trotter and Kevin Yeager, Zoetis
2014 Eddie Sydenstricker, Sydenstricker Implements
2015 Jim Anderson, MoWine
2016 Craig Payne, MU
2017 Don Nikodim, MoPork
2018 Brian Lease, Central Missouri Feed & Supply
2019 Seth Belstle, Merck
2020 The Brackman Family, LAG Industries
2021 Greg Zeitlow, Boonville
2022 Dr. Michael F. Smith, Columbia
2023 Wesley Tucker, Columbia
2024 The Giddens Groups
Industry Awards
Leadership Development Award
2019 Carl Messner, Albany
2020 Edwin and Judy Ehrhardt, Jefferson City
2021 Bailey Popejoy, Stover
2022 Sydney Thummel, Columbia
2023 John Tummons, Columbia
2024 Adam & Julie Conover, Holden
Past MCA presidents
1967 Joe Ewing, Morrisville
1968 C.W. Caldwell, Mexico
1969 C.W. Caldwell, Mexico
1970 Alan King, Harrisonville
1971 Alan King, Harrisonville
1972 Bill Sidwell, Queen City
1973 Bill Sidwell, Queen City
1974 Marshall McGregor, Richland
1975 Waldo Wheeler, Windsor
1976 Junior Simpson, Salem
1977 Joe Lee Davidson, Rocky Comfort
1978 Joe Lee Davidson, Rocky Comfort
1979 Bill Sidwell, Queen City
1980 Bill Sayre, St. Catharine
1981 Bob Bricker, Garden City
1982 Bob Bricker, Garden City
1983 Harold Harvey, Malta Bend
1984 Harold Weil, Butler
1985 Harold Hurd, Knob Knoster
1986 Daniel Campbell, West Plains
1987 Tom Broderick, Plattsburg
1988 John Buck, Versailles
1989 Scott Kennedy, Deerfield
1990 Mark Mahnken, Salisbury
1991 Mike Kasten, Millersville
1992 Sheri Spader, Rosendale
1993 Ben Eggers, Mexico
1994 Allen Henry, Purdin
1995 George Perry, Appleton City
1996 Mike John, Huntsville
1997 John Beltz, Willow Springs
1998 John Wallace, Vandalia
1999 Max Thornsberry, Richland
2000 John Cauthorn, Mexico
2001 Gary Mahnken, Corder
2002 Tom Broderick, Plattsburg
2003 Ken Disselhorst, Palmyra
2004 Rusty Kahrs, Sedalia
2005 Howard Hardecke, Bolivar
2006 David Moore, Farmington
2007 Merrel Breyer, Richland
2008 David “Blue” Geier, California
2009 Steve Willard, Willow Springs
2010 Jason McCann, Miller
2011 Jimmie Long, Cole Camp
2012 Lonny Duckworth, Butler
2013 Chuck Massengill, California
2014 Jim McCann, Miller
2015 Janet Akers, Clinton
2016 Keith Stevens, Bolivar
2017 Butch Meier, Jackson
2018 Greg Buckman, Hallsville
2019 Bobby Simpson, Salem
2020 Marvin Dieckman, Cole Camp
2021 Patty Wood, LaMonte
2022 Bruce Mershon, Buckner
2023 David Dick, Sedalia
2024 Chuck Miller, Olean
2025 Jeff Reed, Williamsville
Trade Show GiveAway
One lucky youth attendee will receive a prize donated by the Missouri Beef Industry Council. Another lucky adult attendee will win a Missouri Grown Gift Basket donated by Missouri Grown USA. Visit vendors throughout the trade show, ask questions and get involved to earn your stamps!
COLLECT 20 DIFFERENT
VENDOR
Turn in your completed passport (next page) in the appropriate basket near the trade show desk youth are 20 and under; adults are 21 and over.
Name:
Phone:
Trade Show GiveAway
Circle One: YOUTH or ADULT
COLLECT STAMPS HERE!
Convention & Trade Show
Thank you to our sponsors
On behalf of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Assocation, the planning committee would like to extend a sincere thank you to our convention sponsors. This event is possible because of their valuable support!
Apex Financial
Blades Family Farms
Bush Hog
Callaway Bank
Cole County Junior Cattlemen’s Assoc.
Duckworth Farms
Graham Insurance Agency
Jimmie Long Livestock
Missouri Dairy Association
MDA - Black Vulture Project
MFA Oil Company
Missouri Grown
Missouri Hereford Association
Missouri Wines
Monroe/Shelby Cattlemen’s Assoc.
Polk County Cattlemen’s Assoc.
Show-Me Replacement
Moniteau County Cattlemen’s Assoc.
Rabo AgriFinance Heifer, Inc.
ShowMe Genetic Services, LLC
Vitalix
Y-Tex Corporation
Zeitlow Distributing
