George Luebbering and family are building a Shorthorn beef business that continues their family’s goals and traditions and a brand rooted in authenticity, family values, and Missouri cattle genetics.
Beef For Thanksgiving
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 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
Sally Schmidt, Manager of Communications and Marketing – Ext 235 • Sally@mocattle.com
Miranda Zumbehl-Howard, Manager of Membership – Ext. 231 Miranda@mocattle.com
Lisa Stockhorst, Manager of Operations and Strategic Solutions – Ext 234 • Lisa@mocattle.com
Missouri’s Cattlemen Foundation www.mocattlemenfoundation.org
2025
MCA Officers
Jeff Reed, President 903-279-8360 • P.O. Box 35, Williamsville, MO 63967
Anita Vanderwert, President-Elect 573-808-3000 • 620 State Route P, Fayette, MO 65248
Charlie Besher, Vice President 573-866-2846 • RR 5, Box 2402, Patton, MO 63662
Vance Keaton, Treasurer 417-825-4853 • 5863 W. State Hwy 76, Anderson, MO 64831
Deb Thummel, Secretary 660-541-2606 • 12601 Hwy. 46, Sheridan, MO 64486
2025 MCA 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: Jack Davis, 21855 Siebert Rd. Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670 • 573-330-2928
Region 4: Dale Buhman, 3751 SW Taylor Rd. Clarksdale, MO 64430 • 816-244-9249
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
MCA Regional Grazing Coordinators
Region 2 - Doug Mertens 573-489-5261 doug@mocattle.com
Region 3 - Kenneth Ball 417-818-6400 kenneth@mocattle.com
Missouri Cattle Industry Convention & Trade Show
We are just a few short months away from the Annual Missouri Cattle Industry Convention & Trade Show. Cattle producers and industry partners from across the state will gather to discuss policy, learn about new technologies, catch up with old friends and see some new faces along the way. The theme for this year is “Forging the Future”, as we navigate the ever-changing terrain of the beef cattle industry together. The convention is set to take place on January 21st through the 23rd, 2026. The Margaritaville Lake Resort hotel room discount rate will end December 23rd. To book your hotel room, please call Margaritaville Lake Resort at (573) 348-3131Registration is open and available online at mocattle.com. For more details, please see PAGE 21.
Industry Leader Awards
MCA honors an outstanding member as Cattleman of the Year annually at the convention. This is someone who has gone above and beyond the call of duty for their industry, association and community. The Allied Industry Award goes to an individual who is part of the bigger picture of MCA, one of our business partners and an individual MCA can always count on for support or has been a partner in the cattle industry for many years. MCA awards the Pioneer Award to an individual who has dedicated their life to serving US agriculture. The honoree is someone who has truly established a path for others to follow. To nominate a deserving individual, please go to mocattle.com; membership; MCA Industry Awards. The deadline to nominate is December 1st.
Collegiate Cattlemen’s Showdown
We are just a few short months away from the 58th Annual Missouri Cattle Industry Convention & Trade Show. Cattle producers and industry partners from across the state will gather to discuss policy, learn about new technologies, catch up with old friends and see some new faces along the way. The theme for this year will be “Forging the Future” as we navigate the ever-changing terrain of the beef cattle industry together. The convention is set to take place on January 21-23, 2026. Registration is open and available online at mocattle.com.
Cartridges for Cash
We are excited to be working with Merck Animal Health on the Cartridges for Cash program to raise funds for our association’s junior programs. We want to challenge our affiliates to a competition. The group that collects and turns in the most cartridges will win a $1,000 scholarship to award to a junior member of their choice. Each county should collect the Ralgro wheel and Revalor cartridges used by their members and bring them to either a board of directors meeting each quarter or to the annual convention in January. We will keep a tally of the cartridges collected from each county throughout the year and the winner will be announced at the 2024 Missouri Cattle Industry Convention & Trade Show after all cartridges are counted. To learn more about the Cartridges for Cash program, see PAGE 83.
Kennadi Fulmer, Runnells, IA
Madalyn Forbes, Albert City, IA
Chloe Hurtado, Dayton, IA
Emmet Long, Afton, IA
Maria Vedder, Vedder Dairy Farm, New Haven, Mo
Nick Niemeyer, Struckhoff Farms, Washington, MO
Sophia Struckhoff, Bade Polled Hereford, Augusta, MO
Josephine Struckhoff, Bade Polled Hereford, Augusta, MO
Adelynn Barber, Elsberry, Mo
Presley Schluss, Jonesburg, Mo
Joseph Hellebusch, Hellebusch Farms, Marthasville, MO
Henry Hellebusch, Hellebusch Farms, Marthasville, MO
Josh Young, Truxton, MO
Brooklyn Young, Truxton, MO
Erin McChristy, Hannibal, MO
Drew Gottman, Canton, Mo
Will Jansen, Canton, MO
Austin Weaver, Canton, MO
Nathan Wright, Wright Family Farms, Emden, MO
Lane Willard, Willard Family Farms, Hunnewell, MO
Cali Berhorst, LaGrange, Mo
Rylee Flick, Monroe City, MO
Janie Triplett, Palmyra, Mo
Marissa Gottman, Palmyra, Mo
Rafe Jones, Palmyra, Mo
Noah Williams, Palmyra, MO
Kalyn Dowell, Crane Farms, Palmyra, Mo
Wyatt Tuley, Tuley Farms, Palmyra, Mo
Emma Meyer, Palmyra, Mo
Ava Fohey, Palmyra, Mo
Wesley Summers, Palmyra, MO
Ashton Lovegreen, Palmyra, Mo
Tanner Tuley, Tuley Farms, Palmyra, Mo
Andrew Corey, Philidelphia, Mo
Cade Lehman, Taylor, Mo
Todd Caraway, Kirksville, MO
Kierstin Wood, La Plata, Mo
Fred Gross, F&G Farms, Bloomsdale, MO
Joe Buckner, J&W Farms, Redford, MO
Austin Withers, Independence, NY
Brooklynn Smarr, Warrensburg, Mo
Matthew Randerson, Ceres Tag, Kansas City, MO
Brock Uthe, Kansas City, Mo
Hope DeMan, Maryville, Mo
Tricia Kellner, Maryville, MO
Hadlee Christensen, Maryville, MO
Qyra Garrison, Maryville, MO
Hadley Cline, Maryville, Mo
Kayla Hooper, Hooper Farms, Maryville, Mo
Lance & Carla Williams, William’s Farm, Chilicothe, MO
Dwight Jones, J.H. Farms Inc., Dawn, Mo
William Bauer, Bauer Meadowbrook Farms, Appleton City, MO
Luke Warfield, 3W Livestock, Butler, Mo
Lila Stephan, Montrose, Mo
Virgil Alcorn, Joplin, Mo
Kat Shannon, Kats Place, Anderson, Mo
Dr. William Gentry DVM, Animal Clinic of Diamond, Diamond, Mo
Doug Dunlay, D&T Farms, Goodman, MO
Lester Ward Jr., Gordman, Mo
Mark Pierce, Pierce Family Farm, Larussell, MO
Chet Daniel, Crowder College, Neosho, Mo
Shawna Estep, Crowder College, Neosho, Mo
Jared Sage, Crowder College, Neosho, Mo
Steven Prewitt, Crowder College, Neosho, Mo
Tristen Collins, Ashland, MO
Tyler Fleming, Ashland, MO
Zafaran Satterfield, Ashland, MO
Haden Oliver, Haden Oliver Farms, California, Mo
Hunter Skouby, Hartsburg, Mo
Blake Engemann, Lane Walnut Cattle Co, Hermann, MO
Reid Baker, Baker Family Farm, Linn, MO
Jim Hardecke, Hardecke Farms LLC, Owensville, Mo
Jose Cruz, Legacy Ranch, Rhineland, Mo
Delaney Doyle, Tipton, MO
Ryan Wilfong, R&C Livestock, Tipton, MO
Clara Williams, William’s Farm, Tipton, MO
Regan Clines, Clines Farn, Springfield, Mo
Rhett Haggerman, Versailles, Mo
Gary Moore, Moore Angus, Centralia, MO
Curtis Blattner, Fulton, Mo
Madison Linneman, Salisbury, MO
Evan Stites, Stites Cattle Company LLC, Rolla, Mo
Tony & Christie Koch, Koch Farms, Houston, Mo
Trey Simpson, Salem, Mo
Hadlynn Simpson, Salem, Mo
Dennis Albright, Lazy A, Long Lane, MO
Carly Cribbs, Bolivar, Mo
Caitlyn Cribbs, Boliver, Mo
Addison Rogers, Bolivar, Mo
Aubrey Cowden, Bolivar, Mo
Christopher Johns, Bolivar Police Dept., Bolivar, Mo
Bruce Hostetler, Creek Farm, Buffalo, Mo
Jerry Headings, Buffalo, Mo
Donnie Pulley, PDouble3 Livestock, Buffalo, MO
Anthony Kerr, A&L Farms, Crane, MO
Kirby West, Elkland, Mo
Nicholas Caraway, Circle C Leather, Fordland, MO
Jeremy Blosser, Halfway, Mo
Scott Blosser, Halfway, Mo
Troy Kropf, Halfway, Mo
Steve Gallivan, Halfway, MO
Grayson Heath, Heath Cattle Co, Monett, MO
Matt Walters, R&J Farms, Purdy, MO
Rick Staponski, Purdy, MO
Denny Lawson, Lawson Land & Cattle Company, Republic, MO
Randall Childress Jr., Seymour, MO
Phillip Eidson, Eidson Fencing LLC, Urbana, MO
Erin Rodgers, Vanzant, Mo
Brooklake Farms, Walnut Grove, MO
Rick & Vicky Ledbetter, West Plains, MO
Brad McKee, Willow Springs, MO
Rebeca & Jeffrey Clines, Clines Farm, Springfield, MO
Lucas Clines, Clines Farm, Springfield, Mo
Gary Rex Smith, Springfield, MO
John Grathwohl, Hiawatha, KS
See the MCA Membership
President’s Perspective with Jeff Reed
Missouri Ag First
Often, it’s when we step outside our comfort zones and into unfamiliar or challenging situations that we truly grow. That was certainly my experience the first time I traveled to meet with legislators to discuss issues affecting our operation. What initially felt daunting quickly turned into an opportunity for learning, connection, and meaningful dialogue.
Fast forward to today, I now have the privilege of sitting down with leaders in both the U.S. House and Senate to talk about national policy—something we were able to do during a recent trip to Washington, D.C.
One of the best ideas to come out of our recent trip to Washington, D.C. was organizing a Missouri agriculture delegation to go to D.C. together and advocate for the Missouri First Agenda. The idea came up when we ran into folks from Missouri Corn, Missouri Soybeans and the Carpenters Union while visiting lawmakers at the Capitol.
Like many others, we run a diverse operation—we have cow-calf pairs, develop yearlings, grow corn for silage and
MCA President
raise soybeans. That means we often share common ground with other commodities and ag groups, and that overlap is something we should be using to our advantage.
While we may support similar policies, we haven’t always focused on our efforts together—especially at the national level. Mike Deering, our Executive Vice President, has built strong relationships with these groups, and we’ve already seen how effective that can be at the state level. Now, with a possible government shutdown and no farm bill in sight, it’s time to take that teamwork to Washington.
We mentioned the idea again at Richard Fordyce’s swearing-in ceremony. Governor Kehoe was there and immediately said he was on board and would join us.
I’m excited for what we’re calling (for now) the first Missouri Ag First Delegation trip to Washington, D.C.
CattleWomen’s Corner with Jennifer Poor
Opinions
We all have opinions on what makes our farms the best for us: whether we are backgrounders or cow calf operations or we buy just registered livestock. Do you diversify with crops or small ruminants or both? We all have opinions on what works best for us. There are times when we have conversations with other producers and we don’t see eye to eye because our opinions don’t align and we just end up “butting heads”. Then there are times that our opinions don’t always match, we might end up educating each other and still come out as friends.
Jason and I have had friends question how we build our herd. They don’t see the “method to our madness”, which is fine. In the end we have to answer to ourselves. Then there are other fellow cattlemen, like our friend Stan Smith. Instead of criticizing us on how we build our herd, Stan is always willing to give helpful advice or answer any questions that we may have or tell us a corny joke. As producers, we need to be more like Stan. We need to be more willing to educate each other and to help each other.
Missouri Cattlemen Association (MCA) believes in educating producers. One of the newest ways MCA and MCW are helping to empower and educate younger producers is through our new Missouri Beef Ambassador program. Producers ages 17 to 21 can apply for a $1,000 scholarship. In exchange, they will have opportunities to meet and learn from more seasoned producers, all the while being an advocate for the beef industry. For more information on how to apply, go to www.mocattle.org.
Another program that MCA offers for younger producers is the Missouri Cattlemen’s Leadership College (MCLC). This program is near and dear to my heart as I am a graduate of MCLC. The connections and education that I received from the program have been priceless. MCLC is a great stepping stone for those current members who wish to get more involved in our industry. Through MCLC, you get to see firsthand
the path beef takes from farm to table. You meet with political leaders that fight for our industry, and you even meet some people that don’t understand our industry and why we do what we do. MCLC gives you the tools you need to become a better advocate for the beef industry.
I love being a cattle farmer and I love being involved in the beef industry. There’s no place I would rather be than in the field walking among my cattle feeding them range cubes, guessing when a momma will calve or simply getting some cattle therapy (if you know, you know). Our industry is by far one of the best agriculture industries out there. However, in order for the beef industry to remain one of the best, we need to make sure that we are continuously educating and involving our younger producers. I challenge each of you more seasoned producers to reach out to the younger producers and just strike up a conversation. You never know who will educate who.
November is here and fall has finally made it,this is my favorite time of the year. We are about two weeks into
weaning, the morning air is crisp and for my fellow fall calvers, the cows are late second period or early third period. The anticipation of calving is in the air. This time of the year is when I really start making stews and soups. Nothing is better than coming in from doing evening chores and sitting down to a steaming bowl of beef stew or vegetable beef soup. As you may have noticed by now, our family likes a lot of Mexican influenced foods. This month’s recipe is no different-we love tortilla soup. The nice thing about this recipe is if you don’t have a brisket hanging out in your freezer, you can easily substitute it for another cut. Use soup bones, short ribs, ground beef, left over roast-the options are limitless. If you are not a tortilla chip type of person, no problem! Whip up a skillet of corn bread. Throw some jalapenos on top of the corn bread before you put it in the oven, now you have jalapeno corn bread.
I hope you all have a wonderful and relaxing Thanksgiving and get to spend time with your loved ones. Enjoy!
Beef Tortilla Soup
If you like tortilla soup, you must try this beef version. Spicy tomato broth, cripsy tortillas, and a heaping portion of tender Brisket are sure to satisfy your craving for this Mexican favorite.
Ingredients:
1 beef Brisket Flat Half (2-1/2 to 3 1/2 pounds)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups chopped onions
2 tablespoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons minced garlic
Garnish:
16 springs fresh cilantro
1 ripe avocado, thinly sliced
3 cans (14 to 14.5 ounces) unsalted beef broth
1 jar (16 ounces) Herdez® Casera Salsa
1 can (14.5 ounces) no-salt-added diced tomatoes
2 cups frozen corn
2 tablespoons hot pepper sauce
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Crunchy Tortilla Strips (recipe follows)
1/2 cup finely shredded reduced-fat Cheddar cheese
Cooking:
1. Heat oil in stockpot over medium heat until hot. Place beef Brisket in stockpot; brown evenly. Remove brisket from stockpot; season with salt and pepper, as desired. Add onions, cumin and garlic to stock pot; cook and stir 3 to 5 minutes or until onions are crisp-tender. Return brisket, fat-side up, to stockpot. Add broth, Herdez® Casera Salsa and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover tightly and simmer 2-1/2 to 3 hours or until brisket is fork tender.
2. To prepare the Crunchy Tortilla Strips, cut 2 corn tortillas in half, then crosswise into 1/4-inch-wide strips. Place strips in single layer on baking sheet. Spray tortillas strips lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Bake 4 to 8 minutes at 400°F or until crisp. Set aside to cool.
3. Remove brisket. Skim fat from cooking liquid. Trim fat from brisket. Cut into 4 to 6 pieces; shred with 2 forks. Return beef to stockpot. Add corn and pepper sauce; cook 20 to 25 minutes. Stir in chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
4. Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with tortilla strips, cilantro sprigs, avocado and cheese, as desired.
Straight Talk
with Mike Deering
I’m Here to Help
It has been said if you want to screw up a good thing, get the government involved. This is a bipartisan sentiment indicative of the public’s skepticism of government intervention in our lives. Cattle producers are especially skeptical because of countless examples of government intrusion disrupting their freedom to operate. From the so-called Waters of the United States rule to transportation limitations to greenhouse gas reporting rules to restrictions on access to pharmaceuticals, our industry has seen firsthand the regulatory trainwreck caused by bureaucrats with nothing better to do than come up with cockamamie ideas that do actual harm.
The phrase “I’m from the government and I’m here to help” is most famously attributed to President Ronald Reagan. He called it “the nine most terrifying words in the English language.” His comment rang true in October when President Donald Trump made remarks regarding his administration’s work to “lower beef prices” for U.S. consumers following his meeting with Argentina President Javier Milei. It was a bit of a gut punch. Here we are with cattlemen finally seeing a return on their investment and we want to throw a government-made-grenade in the middle of it. Good grief.
It was an unpleasant surprise. Whether you like this administration or not, is neither here nor there. It is a fact that President Trump has rolled back harmful rules and regulations on our industry. Cattle producers have been on the winning side of the bulk of decisions made by this administration pertaining to our industry. I again point to the WOTUS rule, but perhaps one of the most consequential is the administration’s efforts on dietary guidelines and their quest to put beef back on the center
Executive Vice President
of the plate. We can also talk about tax relief. We have many wins to tout under President Trump, which made the recent remarks all the more surprising.
As I write this, there is more speculation than facts when it comes to the concerning comments. The prevailing speculation is that it is focused on incentivizing increased imports from Argentina and perhaps other South American countries. The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association quickly went to work engaging the administration to ensure there is a complete understanding of the economic damage that occurred subsequent to the comments and the lack of any consumer-facing benefit stemming from government intervention in the beef cattle market. I am cautiously optimistic that the counsel the administration has received from our industry will prevail.
Are beef prices too high? I am not going to type too much here. My opinions mean nothing compared to reality. Consumers clearly believe heart healthy, nutrient dense beef is the best bang for their buck. The proof is in the pudding. Beef demand is through the roof with per capita consumption reaching a 40 year high. It is a premium product that is a direct result of cattle producers putting an emphasis on genetic excellence. You are producing what the consumer wants. The government needs to leave it alone.
Observations from the Field
with
Doug Mertens, Region Two Grazing Coordinator
Extend Your Grazing Period
Missouri weather presents challenges for cattle producers most every year and this year proved not to be an exception. As I write this, most of the state is either abnormally dry or classified as D1 or D2 drought. Much of the state started off wet, providing a lot of grass for grazing and hay, then turned off dry in August and September. The lack of rainfall in August and September has prevented regrowth in many pastures. If you were counting on that regrowth for stockpiled forage for fall and winter grazing, your plans may need to be adjusted. Here are a few ideas to consider for extending your grazing period.
Grazing crop fields after harvest may be another opportunity for you to extend your grazing and allow you to give your pastures a break. Corn stalk fields provide grain, leaves and husks for cattle to graze. The University of Nebraska Extension estimates about sixteen pounds of leaves and husks per bushel of corn harvested are available to graze as well as grain left in the field. Grazing cattle will clean up the grain left in the field and should reduce the volunteer corn in next season’s crop. To maximize the utilization, strip grazing the stalk field is recommended. It is important to make sure that there are no piles of corn in the field prior to grazing.
Cover crops are another opportunity to extend your grazing days. Planting cover in crops fields provides the benefit of reducing erosion and not leaving the soil bare over winter. They also produce forage that cattle can utilize for grazing. This can either be a late fall graze or an early spring graze. Cover crops can be sown in pastures to provide winter grazing. There are many options for cover crops, the most common are: cereal rye, wheat, triticale and turnips. These can be broadcast or drilled to provide winter pasture for cattle. Grazing cover crops has the advantage of extending
grazing days, putting nutrients back on the field through manure and urine and (hopefully) reducing the amount of hay you need to feed. If you participate in a cost share program, remember to check to see if grazing is allowed prior to turning the cows in.
Don’t have crop fields to graze? Here are ideas to give your pastures a head start in 2026. Allowing rest for pastures is vital for the longevity of the stand. Now may be the time to think about your pasture management this fall and winter. If you have more than one pasture, it may be the time to pull cattle off one and let it rest. Hopefully, a rain shower will allow for some regrowth this fall, replenishing the root reserves and providing a little ground cover before winter sets in. This will give you a place to start grazing in the spring and give the pasture you over wintered on a break next spring. Only one pasture, you might consider a temporary fence, feeding hay on one side and allowing the other side time to rest.
Now is the time to start your grazing plan for 2026, planning now will give you a jump on the grass next spring.
For help with management of native grass, or for help identifying plants or weeds (feel free to text pictures) contact Missouri Cattleman’s Association Grazing Coordinators:
Region 2 • NE MO
Doug Mertens
Doug@mocattle.com
573-489-5261
Region 3 • SE MO
Kenneth Ball
Kenneth@mocattle.com
417-818-6400
Your BEEF CHECKOFF NEWS
Vegas Bound
Tom Crouse, PRCA Calf Roper, is headed to the NFR!
Born and raised on a cattle operation in Gallatin, Missouri, Tom Crouse has proudly partnered with the Missouri Beef Industry Council since 2024. Traveling across the nation with one goal in mind - competing at the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) - Tom has made that dream a reality this year. He currently sits 8th in the world in calf roping.
MBIC is honored to support Tom as he represents the beef community on the national stage. You can spot the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. logo and Eat Beef proudly displayed on his shirt at every rodeo. His truck and trailer also feature bold, custom MBIC wraps that promote the beef message wherever he goes.
Be sure to tune in to The Cowboy Channel to cheer Tom on as the Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner. brand takes the spotlight at the NFR—broadcast to audiences around the world!
Bringing Beef to Busch Stadium
The 2025 baseball season brought another opportunity for the Missouri Beef Industry Council (MBIC) to connect with consumers in a memorable and engaging way. Through the Race to the Plate campaign, MBIC joined Missouri Farmers Care and the St. Louis Cardinals in highlighting farm and ranch families behind the state’s agricultural success.
Representing Missouri’s beef producers, Blake McDonald of Sullivan, MO, served as MBIC’s featured “Farm Team” member during this year’s campaign. Throughout the Cardinals’ season, McDonald shared the story of beef production with thousands of fans at Busch Stadium, helping bridge the gap between consumers and the cattle producers who work every day to provide safe, high-quality, nutritious beef.
The Race to the Plate campaign unites Missouri’s commodity groups - beef, pork, corn, and dairy - under one banner to celebrate agriculture’s role in fueling both the state’s economy and its people. For MBIC, the initiative was an opportunity to bring beef to the
forefront of conversations about food, health, and sustainability.
Where Baseball Meets Beef
In May, the MBIC team and the McDonald family met fans at Busch Stadium’s Ford Plaza, where they showcased the care, dedication, and science that go into raising beef. Interactive exhibits, educational games, and direct conversations helped fans of all ages connect the food they enjoy at the ballpark to the Missouri farm families who produce it.
By creating these personal connections, MBIC was able to share accurate, positive information about beef’s role in a healthy diet. Discussions focused on beef’s nutrient density - providing protein, iron, zinc, and B-vitamins that support strength and energy - while reinforcing the message that beef can fit easily into a balanced, active lifestyle.
Showcasing Missouri Producers
McDonald, a lifelong cattleman from Franklin County, represented the state’s beef industry throughout the campaign. His family’s registered Angus and Sim-Angus operation, paired with their direct-to-consumer business, 2M Beef, reflects the dedication and innovation found across Missouri’s beef community.
While McDonald’s background provided a strong foundation for the role, MBIC’s focus remained on using his story to represent all Missouri beef producers. His presence at the stadium served as a tangible reminder that behind every cut of beef is a hardworking family committed to animal care, sustainability, and quality production.
Moving the Needle on Beef Conversations
The Race to the Plate campaign gave MBIC a valuable opportunity to engage directly with urban and suburban audiences - many of whom are generations removed from production agriculture. These interactions allowed MBIC to strengthen relationships and promote greater understanding of where food comes from and how it is raised.
Each positive conversation helped move the needle for beef consumption by positioning it as both a nutritious and responsible choice. MBIC’s participation reinforced that Missouri cattle producers are dedicated to raising beef with integrity.
The campaign also extended beyond in-person events. Through digital media, radio, and in-stadium features, the Race to the Plate partnership amplified MBIC’s message to hundreds of thousands of fans statewide. Each touchpoint helped ensure that consumers associated beef with strength, nourishment, and Missouri pride.
Continuing the Momentum
As the Cardinals’ season concluded, MBIC reflects on another successful year of consumer engagement through the Race to the Plate initiative. By connecting the story of Missouri beef to one of the state’s most
beloved traditions - baseball - MBIC created lasting awareness that will carry beyond the stadium gates.
Efforts like this partnership are essential in maintaining a positive dialogue about beef and the farmers and ranchers who produce it. Whether through large-scale partnerships or local community events, MBIC remains committed to promoting beef as a nutrient-rich food and to ensuring that Missouri’s cattle producers are recognized for their dedication to feeding families locally and globally.
The 2025 Race to the Plate campaign demonstrated the power of authentic conversations and firsthand connections. When consumers meet the people behind their food, trust grows - and with it, appreciation for the care, commitment, and pride that define Missouri’s beef industry.
Nominations for these awards should be sent to MCA staff, Miranda Howard, at Miranda@mocattle.com. Within the email you should include-their name and why you believe they should win the award. We ask that Industry Leader Award nominations be submitted by
MASBDA Announces Grants to Grow Dairy and Beef Industries
Source: Missouri Department of Agriculture
(JEFFERSON CITY, MO.) – The Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority (MASBDA) has announced two grant programs to assist dairy and beef producers in Missouri. Grant amounts of up to $40,000 are available to established producers in the state for facilities, equipment and upgrades directly related to increasing production in the beef and dairy industries.
Eligible beef producers can be:
• Owners of a commercial beef herd
• Owners of purebred herds of fewer than 50 mature cows that are all registered with a specific breed
Eligible dairy producers are established Grade A dairy farms involved in raising and milking dairy animals.
Applications will be considered to fund up to 75% of eligible project expenses, up to $40,000 per project. A 25% cash match is required.
Eligible projects include, but are not limited to:
• Purchasing new feed bunks to upgrade a current feeding floor
• Purchase of replacement heifers
• Purchase of manure spreading or manure removal equipment
• Cost associated with improving herd genetics, including artificial insemination, embryo transfer or estrus synchronization
For a list of eligible and ineligible project expenses, please review the full program guidelines available at Beef Producer Grant information and Dairy Producer Grant information.
Proposals will be selected on a competitive basis. Each proposal will be evaluated and rated on credibility and merit, impact potential and timeliness of the impact.
Applications are due no later than 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025. Submit a physical copy application by mail to:
Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority, P.O. Box 630, Jefferson City, MO 65102
Submit an electronic application via email to: masbda@ mda.mo.gov.
To apply, beef producers should use the Beef Producer Grant Program application.
Dairy producers should use the Dairy Producer Grant Program application.
For questions or more information about these grant opportunities, contact the MASBDA team at (573) 7512129 or visit the MASBDA Website at MASBDA.com.
To learn more about the Missouri Department of Agriculture and its programs, please visit the Department website at Agriculture.Mo.Gov.
COUNTY NEWS
See What’s Happening in Your County
Dallas County Cattlemen
Members of the Dallas County Cattlemen’s Association (DCCA) heard about the importance of establishing a trust at the group’s October 14th meeting. Held at Prairie Grove School south of Buffalo, the 110 in attendance enjoyed a brisket dinner sponsored by BTC Bank. We would greatly like to thank Mindy Morris from BTC Bank, board member Jeff Voris for cooking the excellent brisket and as always Ruby Hostetler with her group for supplying the delicious sides.
BTC Bank was founded in 1919. The bank currently has 23 branch locations and is the largest agricultural lender in the state of Missouri.
Many people think that if they have a will that is good enough for a farm and assets to be inherited by children. That certainly is not the case. Probate will become involved. Johnathan L. Meyer spoke to the group about the importance of establishing a trust. Meyer is a trust officer and general counsel for BTC Bank. His presentation certainly opened alot of people’s eyes and was very educational.
Meyer said if there is no will, no trust and no planeverything goes to probate. Why should one not want probate? First of all there is the cost involved with a lawyer. Also, with probate all of one’s information becomes a matter of public record. A court will order a public administrator to take over one’s assets. With guaranteed funds to both an attorney and public administrator, costs will run in the tens of thousands of dollars.
It does not matter if there is one child to inherit assets or ten children in the family. No trust-probate becomes involved.
Meyer mentioned that to talk with him or someone at BTC Bank, fees will run around $1,500 to $2,000 to set up a trust. One can always consult with an attorney. However, fees will generally run higher.
We always enjoy hearing from Buffalo FFA students at our meetings. President Jordan Tucker updated us about recent chapter happenings. Nineteen students will be making the trip to the National FFA Convention this year.
It was great to hear from State Senator Sandy Crawford. We appreciate all the great work she does in Jefferson City. Husband John sits on the DCCA board. Senator Crawford gave us an update on some of the highlights of the last legislative session. One, she is especially proud of is the repeal of state capital gains tax. She is not in favor of doing away with personal property taxes as that would devastate alot of small counties in Missouri.
The next DCCA meeting will be held on Nov. 11th at Prairie Grove School. It will be our annual meeting with election of officers.
Johnathan Meyer speaking at DCCA meeting.
Missouri Angus Breeders
Newton And McDonald County Cattlemen
The Third Annual Veterans Appreciation Dinner was held on September 11th at the Newton County Fair Grounds. Approximately 450 veterans, family/caregivers, law enforcement, first responders, community members and volunteers were in attendance. We were honored to have two World War II Veterans in attendance: Bruce Larson (age 98) and Ray Fedderhoff (age 97). Other distinguished guests included Crowder College President, Dr. Chett Daniels, and Past MCA President, Chuck Miller. Lynn Morehead called attention to each branch of the military, law enforcement and first responders who were in attendance.
Members of the Neosho High School AFROTC presented the colors and provided parking assistance. Music for the evening was provided by Dr. Douglas and students.
Before the meal, a prayer was offered for all in attendance by Ronnie Tosh. Everyone enjoyed a meal of hot dogs and hamburgers, baked beans, salad and chips. A multitude of desserts made by members of surrounding area churches were up for grabs as well. Bob Haskins, Ronnie Tosh and Tammy & Kent Hartman provided home-made ice cream. The grill was manned by Darrel Epperson, Heath Lewis, Brian
Hall, Randy Drake, Jenny Drake, Alan Drake and Mark Knight.
The night was sponsored by the Newton and McDonald County Cattlemen’s along with the Missouri Beef Industry Council, local businesses and churches. UTV’s were available to help with getting people from the parking lot to the venue. Thank you to Cody Goswick, Logan Kennedy, Travis Bell and Robert & Gina Rodriguez for providing the UTV’s. Thank you to Crowder College Aggies and the College Life Department along with other volunteers that helped serve-making sure no one was without a drink or dessert.The night was organized by Ronnie Rogers, Jerry Davis,and Lynn Morehead.
The regular September meeting of the Newton and McDonald County Cattlemen was conducted on September 18th at 6:30 p.m. at the Newton County Fair Grounds. The meeting was sponsored by Four State Stockyards. At 6:30 p.m., Lynn Morehead welcomed everyone to the meeting. Ronnie Tosh offered a prayer over the meal. The meal was provided by the Crowder College Aggies. Everyone enjoyed steak and chicken fajitas along with nachos with all the fixings. Four State Stockyards Café provided cupcakes for dessert.
Lynn called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.. He announced that the association had purchased a table at the 4-H fundraiser September 27th.
The association had previously voted to award a herdsman award to both Newton and McDonald County Fairs. Ian McGregor with the University of Missouri Extension judged the competition as a neutral party. His criteria for the winner needed to have a working knowledge of their animal and beef in general. Their animal/area had to be kept clean and they had to be able to interact with him by answering questions about their animal. A winner was selected at each fair and attended the meeting to receive their reward.
Melissa, with the Newton County Extension office, presented the award to Bowen McDaniel, the winner
from Newton County. He was awarded $500, a new belt buckle and a hat, provided by the local Tractor Supply.
Jennifer Keaton, with the McDonald County Extension office, presented the award to Bennett Pierce the McDonald County winner. He also received $500, a new belt buckle and hat, provided by Tractor Supply.
James Gibson announced that the association has rented booths at the Neosho Fall Festival on October 4th and the McDonald County Fall Festival on Oct 11th at Pineville. The goal is to get more people interested in beef. Each booth will have tasty recipes and information. New Mac Electric has donated two Bar B Que Grills - one for each festival to be raffled off! Goodman Meat has donated $100 in beef and another $100 will be provided by the association for Pineville. The goal is to have $200 in beef raffled off at each festival.
Chris Keeling, with Four State Stockyards, addressed the membership. His family, nephews and himself have been running the stockyards for over six years now. His nieces run the café, making the operation a full family affair. Chris has graciously offered his help in marketing this upcoming event.
The meeting was ajourned after all buiness had been attened to.
Polk County Cattlemen
The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of activity for the Polk County Cattlemen and Junior Cattlemen, with events showcasing their dedication to community, education and the future of agriculture. From youth leadership opportunities to classic community gatherings, members have been actively involved across the region.
Things got underway with the Missouri Junior Cattlemen’s Association Youth Industry Tour, held August 22nd to the 24th. Representing Polk County were Ellie Samek, Garret Samek and Emma Hancock. The tour provided students with hands-on exposure to various sectors of the beef industry across Missouri, equipping them with knowledge and inspiration to fuel their agricultural futures.
On Saturday, September 6th, Polk County Cattlemen volunteers brought their signature energy and flavor to Downtown Bolivar’s Country Days, grilling and serving up a crowd-pleasing 425 Ribeye Sandwich meals and 160 All-Beef Hot Dog meals. The community showed strong support, and all proceeds went back to support local agricultural efforts.
A special thanks goes out to the dedicated volunteers: Ed Vest, Bob Moreland, Larry and Debbie Waltz, Mark Sconce, Larry Lane, Joe and Monique Morlen, Les Hopkins, Matt Henenberg, Keith & Beverly Stevens, Jody Wing and Howard Hardecke.
Also, during Country Days, the Polk County Junior Cattlemen hosted an interactive educational booth that drew in families and young attendees. The booth featured a Spin-the-Wheel game with beef-themed trivia questions. Children received fun prizes while learning about beef and beef production. The booth was overseen by Sheila Samek and Janieca Hancock. Staffed by: Ellie Samek, Garret Samek, Colby Carriger and Charles Fagan. Polk County Cattlemen’s mascot PoCo the Cow, portrayed by Kaebry Rowe, added a memorable touch to the event, entertaining kids and helping spread awareness about the cattle industry in a fun and engaging way.
On September 11th, the Cattlemen gathered for their monthly meeting at the Bolivar Elks Lodge, generously sponsored by Hertzog Meats and MoKan Livestock. Members enjoyed freshly grilled burgers prepared by the men, while the Polk County Cattlewomen served up delicious homemade desserts.
The evening’s featured speaker, Wesley Tucker – Missouri University Extension Field Specialist
in Agricultural Business, delivered an impactful presentation on Succession Planning, titled “Ensuring the Next Generation Gets a Chance to Farm.” His message emphasized the importance of planning ahead to keep family farms thriving for years to come.
Also on September 11th, members Keith and Beverly Stevens volunteered at the 30th Annual Cattlemen’s Classic Golf Tournament, contributing their time and energy to this long-standing tradition that promotes the educational development of rural youth by aiding injured children, providing farm safety training, leadership programs and scholarships.
From supporting youth involvement in agriculture to feeding the community and fostering education, the Polk County Cattlemen continue to make a lasting impact. Their fall calendar reflects not only hard work but also a deep commitment to their mission and their neighbors.
PCCA - September Meeting - Vest & Tucker
Country Days 2025 - PoCo Mascot
Polk County Cattlemen
As fall settles into Polk County, the grilling season has officially wound down for the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association. This year featured just one final cookout, when members: Keith Stevens, Howard Hardecke and Ed Vest grilled hotdogs for attendees of the 2025 Missouri State University Farm Safety College on September 26th. The event covered a wide range of educational topics, including mental health, firearms safety and electrical safety—important subjects for farmers and rural communities alike.
The association moved into October with a strong turnout for its monthly meeting, held on the evening of October 9th at Grand Missouri Bank in Bolivar. Members enjoyed a hearty roast beef dinner catered by CMH, setting a warm tone for the evening.
President Ed Vest called the meeting to order, while Vice President Jody Wing led the Pledge of Allegiance. Len Sievers offered a blessing before the meal was served.
This month’s meeting was generously sponsored by two valued supporters:
• Naylor Angus and Shorthorns, owned by Brett Naylor of Halfway.
• Wooderson Vet Clinic, represented by DVM Charles Robinson.
Dr. Robinson shared valuable information with attendees on topics including Asian longhorn ticks, protein blocks and vaccine implants—offering practical and timely insights for area producers.
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President Vest also shared updates on upcoming events. The association’s Christmas Celebration and Annual Meeting will take place on December 11th at 6:30 p.m. at the Pitchfork Restaurant. Tickets are $30 per person and are available now through any PCCA board member.
Looking ahead to community involvement, the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association will participate in Bolivar’s Trunk or Treat on the Square on October 31st, where members will be handing out candy to local families.
With grilling season behind us and fall activities in full swing, the association continues its mission of service, education and fellowship among Polk County’s cattle producers.
PCCA - November 2025 Sponsors
PCCA - MJCA Youth Industry Tour
St. Clair County Cattlemen
The St. Clair County Cattlemen’s Association has been busy with events in the community. On September 20th, the St. Clair County Cattlemen’s Association sold 50/50 tickets at Lucas Oil Speedway during the 15th Annual Jesse Hockett/ Daniel Mcillin Memorial race. The members who participated enjoyed their time selling tickets and visiting with both old and new friends. The winner of the 50/50 drawing was Alyssa from Stockton. The St. Clair County Cattlemen would like to thank everyone who took time out of their evening to come help make this a delightful event.
On October 2nd, the St. Clair County Cattlemen took part in the Wheeler Livestock Auction Anniversary Sale and Customer Appreciation in Osceola by cooking ribeye steak sandwiches. The Cattlemen enjoyed their time cooking steaks and visiting with the customers. The St. Clair County Cattlemen also had the opportunity to hear from special speaker, Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn, and spoke with other state officials. This was a great event of networking with other Cattlemen and Cattlewomen.
Southwest Missouri Cattlemen
The Southwest Missouri Cattlemen (SMC) had over sixty people in attendance for the October meeting. We enjoyed a delicious, sliced BBQ beef dinner, prepared and served by Abbiatties Back Door Catering, Carthage.
A big “Thank You” to our meal sponsor and keynote speakers, Randy Schilling (Boehringer Ingelheim) and Kevin Glaubius (BioZyme). Randy and Kevin spoke to us about their respective products, including options available, recommended dosing and concluded with a Q&A session.
October got off to a running start with no sign of slowing down. The month kicked off with the annual Burlison Ag Tour, a day-long opportunity for SMC members to join Congressman Burlison and other community leaders to tour agricultural business including the Darr Ag Center, ShowMe Genetics, Hunter Angus, Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, Fassnight Creek Farms and Hiland Dairy.
The weather was perfect for the SWC Grill Team to set up and cook for Apple Butter Makin’ Days, Mt.
Meyers Truck Service
several additional upcoming grill dates, including the Ag. Education Initiative at Joplin Regional Stockyards, October 16th, and a fundraiser in McDowell on the 18th.
Speaking of tasty grilled food, one of my personal favorite events to attend is the upcoming production sale at Worthington Angus, Dadeville. This will be their 7th Annual Fall Sale, to be held on Saturday, November 1st at noon. The Worthington family is gracious and welcoming, and as you can imagine, they attract other salt of the earth folks that appreciate warm hospitality and quality cattle. We may not buy cattle at every sale, but we always make new friends that we look forward to seeing year after year.
Please plan to come join us at our next SWMCA meeting, Tuesday, November 4th, 7 p.m. at the MU Southwest Research Center.
God Bless the USA and all leaders of our great nation. Danise Cummings Secretary, Southwest Missouri Cattlemen’s Association
The Shorthorn Breed: Strength, Stability, and Steady Growth
Source: American Shorthorn Association
The Shorthorn breed has been steadily climbing the ladder of success in recent years, earning strong recognition across both the commercial and seedstock sectors. Known for their maternal strength, structural soundness, and adaptability, Shorthorns continue to gain ground with commercial cattlemen, while maintaining one of the most active and growing junior programs in the beef industry.
Over the past five consecutive years, the American Shorthorn Association (ASA) has recorded more than 15,000 registrations annually—a remarkable milestone that demonstrates both stability and breed momentum. These consistent numbers are a reflection of the breed’s broad-based appeal, from progressive seedstock producers to commercial ranchers seeking dependable, functional cattle that perform efficiently in a variety of environments.
Crestmead Farm
Junior Strength Builds the Future
A key indicator of any breed’s long-term health is the strength of its youth program, and in that category, the Shorthorn breed continues to shine. The American Junior Shorthorn Association (AJSA) welcomed 898 new junior members this past fiscal year—marking the fifth consecutive year with over 700 new juniors joining since the 2020–2021 fiscal year.
Unlike many other associations, the AJSA operates on a one-time junior membership fee, meaning juniors remain members without annual renewals. Today, the organization boasts more than 6,000 junior members nationwide, and participation has reached record levels at the National Junior Shorthorn Show and Youth Conference.
These numbers tell a powerful story: Shorthorn youth are deeply engaged and enthusiastic, and breeders are responding with high-quality cattle that meet the demand for junior show heifers and steers. The energy and involvement from the next generation are helping ensure that the Shorthorn breed remains vibrant and forward-focused for years to come.
Commercial Momentum and Genetic Progress
Beyond the show ring, the Shorthorn breed is making impressive strides in commercial acceptance across the country. Registrations for bulls have steadily increased over the past five years, reflecting both growing demand and confidence among commercial producers. Shorthorn bull sales are breaking records annually, with many topping regional and national sale averages.
Cattlemen are recognizing the value of Shorthorn genetics, especially for building better replacement females. The breed’s renowned maternal traits—fertility, calving ease, milk production, and longevity—make Shorthorn bulls an excellent choice for producers who want to add quality and consistency to their cow herds.
To further strengthen its genetic tools, the American Shorthorn Association has introduced several key updates to its performance indexes. Last year, the ASA released a new Cow Productivity Index (CPI), along with an updated $Feedlot Index ($F) and a rebranded British Maternal Index to British Merit Index (BMI). These tools now include all economically relevant traits, providing breeders and commercial cattlemen with a comprehensive, balanced approach to genetic selection.
Genomic testing has also seen rapid growth among Shorthorn breeders, with participation increasing at a rate higher than the average of all breeds in the International Genetic Solutions (IGS) evaluation— the largest multi-breed genetic evaluation in the world. Through IGS, Shorthorn EPDs are directly comparable to those of other major breeds using IGS, offering breeders and commercial producers a powerful advantage when making selection and breeding decisions.
Missouri Shorthorns on the Move
Here in Missouri, the Shorthorn breed’s presence is growing stronger each year. Missouri currently ranks tenth nationally for Shorthorn registrations, underscoring the state’s important role in the breed’s continued progress. The Missouri Shorthorn Association and its breeders are among the most active in the nation, exhibiting around 100 head annually at the Missouri State Fair. Beginning next year, the Shorthorn show at the Missouri State Fair will be recognized as a Regional Point Show, a well-deserved honor that reflects the breed’s increasing popularity and quality in the state.
The Shorthorn Advantage
As the beef industry evolves, the Shorthorn breed continues to demonstrate that it offers real-world advantages for both seedstock and commercial producers. From the barn to the pasture, Shorthorns bring versatility, proven maternal strength, and a growing body of genetic data that supports sound, profitable decisions.
The numbers speak for themselves—five consecutive years of 15,000+ registrations, record-breaking bull sales, over 6,000 active junior members, and consistent growth in both Purebred and ShorthornPlus program, which now represents about 32% of total registrations. The breed’s continued momentum proves that Shorthorn cattle are not only part of beef industry history, but also an essential part of its future.
At the American Shorthorn Association, we like to say:
“The Shorthorn Female is your business partner.” And the data continues to back that up—Shorthorns are strong, stable, and built for the long run.
RAAA Launches GridMaster Challenge for Commercial Producers
DENVER— The Red Angus Association of America is excited to announce the launch of the GridMaster Challenge, a new educational contest designed to give commercial producers and members firsthand insight into the fed-cattle sector while evaluating the genetic potential of their herds.
Developed by RAAA’s commercial marketing specialists and approved by the RAAA Board of Directors, the GridMaster Challenge provides an opportunity for both junior and adult members, as well as commercial producers enrolled in RAAA’s process-verified programs, to collect valuable carcass and feedyard performance data. The program will be hosted in partnership with the Tri-County Steer Carcass Futurity at Nilan Feedyard in Oakland, Iowa.
“The GridMaster Challenge is a great way to collect valuable data while building stronger relationships within the breed and with industry professionals,” said Taylor Ohlde, RAAA commercial marketing specialist. “Even a pen of three steers or a single steer can provide more information than most commercial producers ever see, and that knowledge can be transformative.”
Participants will maintain ownership of their cattle throughout the contest and receive detailed reports on growth, carcass merit, health protocols and genetic evaluation. Data collected, including carcass ultrasound, foot and leg scoring, and genomic testing, will also contribute to the RAAA’s national genetic evaluation.
“Producers often ask how they can extract more value and learn about their cattle’s feed and carcass
performance. The GridMaster Challenge provides that opportunity,” said Cory Peters, RAAA commercial marketing specialist. “Participants will gain firsthand experience in how the feeding and packing sectors work while discovering more about their herd’s genetic potential. The goal is to use that insight to make wellinformed management and selection decisions.”
The Challenge is designed to be inclusive, educational and engaging for operations of all sizes.
“We want producers of every size to feel included,” Ohlde added. “Whether you bring one head or many, there will be opportunities to learn, grow and connect with others in the beef industry.”
Key program requirements include:
• Enrollment deadline: Nov. 15, 2025
• Delivery to Nilan Feedyard: Dec. 1–7, 2025
• Open to RAAA and Junior Red Angus members in good standing, or commercial producers enrolled in RAAA’s Angus Access program
• Steers only, born Jan. 1-April 30, 2025, weighing 600950 pounds at delivery
Hwy. 58 • 45 Miles SE of Kansas City, MO
• Entry fee: $120 per head, covering genetic testing, carcass ultrasound and data collection. Remaining fees will be financed throughout the duration of the test.
An educational field-day event, open to all participants and RAAA stakeholders, will be held in spring 2026 prior to harvest, focusing on the fed cattle and packing sectors.
For more information or to enroll visit redangus.org or contact Taylor Ohlde at 913-626-2715 or Cory Peters at 402-418-2351.
Greg Ruehle Named Executive Vice President of Red Angus Association of America
Source: Red Angus Association of America
DENVER— The Red Angus Association of America board of directors is pleased to announce the hiring of Greg Ruehle as executive vice president. Ruehle brings more than 30 years of experience in agriculture and association leadership, coupled with a lifelong dedication to advancing the cattle industry and serving producers.
As EVP, Ruehle will oversee RAAA’s national staff and programs, guiding strategic initiatives that promote organizational growth, enhance member services and strengthen the Red Angus breed’s position within the beef industry. His leadership will build upon RAAA’s longstanding commitment to innovation, integrity and collaboration.
Ruehle’s extensive background includes executive roles as president and CEO of the Nebraska Cattlemen, American Shorthorn Association, National Sorghum Producers, Independent Professional Seed Association and ServiTech Inc. He began his association career as director of private lands and environmental management for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association in Washington, D.C.
“I’m excited to join Team Red Angus,” Ruehle said. “As a leader in genetic evaluation and market access, RAAA is well-positioned for continued success. My commitment to Red Angus breeders is to drive timely, positive progress toward the breed’s strategic goals, and I look forward to connecting with members and industry partners throughout the fall and winter sale and show seasons.”
Throughout his career, Ruehle has advocated for farmers and ranchers before state and federal officials, provided thousands of media interviews and delivered public presentations around the world, including Argentina, Morocco, Israel, China and Hong Kong. He
has led associations with memberships ranging from several hundred to more than 5,000, managed budgets between $2 million and $20 million annually, and directed staff teams of up to 200 employees.
“I’m pleased to welcome Greg Ruehle as the new executive vice president of RAAA. Greg brings a wealth of industry knowledge, proven leadership and a deep respect for the values that define Red Angus cattle and the people who raise them,” said Jeff Pettit, RAAA president. “We’re confident his vision and experience will further strengthen our commitment to progressive genetics, producer profitability and breed integrity. We look forward to the impact Greg will make as he leads RAAA into its next chapter of growth and service.”
Raised on a diversified grain and livestock farm in northwest Iowa, Ruehle holds an associate degree in ranch management from Texas Christian University and a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Oklahoma State University. He and his wife of 33 years are active in agriculture through their ownership of registered and commercial beef cattle and their family’s beef sales business. They are also engaged in community service through local 4-H, FFA, school and church programs.
“The Red Angus breed has always been built on innovation, integrity and collaboration,” said Kyley DeVoe, RAAA ex-officio. “With Greg’s leadership, we look forward to writing the next chapter in that proud tradition, one focused on progress for our members and value for the cattle industry.”
Ruehle’s appointment marks an important step forward for RAAA as it continues to expand its impact across the beef industry and deliver measurable value to members and commercial producers.
For more information about RAAA or marketing programs for Red Angus-influenced cattle, visit RedAngus.org.
MDA Announces 2025 Missouri State Fair Attendance
Source: Missouri Department of Agriculture
(JEFFERSON CITY, MO.) – Today, (September 22, 2025) Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn and Missouri State Fair Director Jason Moore announced that more than 329,000 people attended the 2025 Missouri State Fair, held last month in Sedalia.
“The Missouri State Fair offers something for everyone, and I am always pleased that so many people come to see this celebration of agriculture,” said Director Chinn. “The hardworking team on the Fairgrounds works to improve the Fair each and every year with innovative new offerings, while keeping the spotlight on Missouri agriculture. Thank you to everyone who traveled to Sedalia to attend the Fair.”
Livestock shows, concerts and fair food are always staples at the Missouri State Fair. The Fair also showcased more than 28,000 total entries, including almost 8,000 4-H exhibits and nearly 6,500 FFA exhibits. The MDA Animal Health team checked in more than 15,000 animals throughout the duration of the Fair. The Home Economics Building welcomed 1,500 entries and the Floriculture Building hosted almost 1,600 entries.
“The 2025 Missouri State Fair was another fantastic celebration of this cherished tradition,” said Fair Director Jason Moore. “Despite several days with heat indices over 100 degrees, Missourians demonstrated their unwavering spirit and love for the Fair. This year, the Fair highlighted the best of Missouri agriculture, with exciting live entertainment, a thrilling carnival
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midway, unique shopping experiences, delicious Fair food and more. We are grateful for everyone’s participation, making this year’s Fair a memorable success.”
Governor Mike Kehoe and Mrs. Claudia Kehoe are also long-time supporters of the Missouri State Fair and attended several events during Fair week.
“The Missouri State Fair is truly one of those events that feels like a family reunion for Missouri’s farm families,” said Governor Kehoe. “It’s about celebrating the people, the communities, and the way of life that makes Missouri strong. Claudia and I appreciate each and every person from across our great state who came to celebrate the industry and enjoy all that the Fair has to offer.”
A highlight of the 2025 Missouri State Fair was the world’s largest rubber duck. Standing more than six stories tall, the rubber duck drew fairgoers of all ages for posed photographs and selfies.
More fun facts about the 2025 Missouri State Fair:
• More than 600 pounds of butter were used to create a sculpture titled “YeeHaw,” featuring a young boy enjoying a ride on the back of his show steer.
• The Missouri State Fair largest pumpkin weighed 525 pounds.
• The Missouri State Fair largest watermelon weighed 400 pounds.
• Missouri FFA members packed nearly 178,000 meals during the Drive to Feed Kids.
• Gerken Dairy Center served more than 33,000 scoops of ice cream and more than 10,000 soft serve ice cream cones.
• Missouri Farm Bureau sold more than 16,500 cups of milk.
• The Missouri State Fair Sale of Champions and Best of Missouri Sale raised more than $332,000 for youth in agriculture.
Make plans to join the Missouri Department of Agriculture for the 2026 Missouri State Fair Aug. 13-23, in Sedalia. Learn more about the Fair at MoStateFair. com.
For more information about the Missouri Department of Agriculture, visit the Department online at Agriculture.Mo.Gov.
Can You Dig Sweet Potatoes?
Harvest after first light frost for best results.
Source: University of Missouri Extension
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The first frost of fall is approaching, and it’s time to think about harvesting your sweet potato crop.
For best results, dig sweet potatoes after the first light frost, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. This warm-season root vegetable does not tolerate cold. The table quality of sweet potatoes declines when they are harvested after temperatures drop below 50 F.
Dig the thin-skinned sweet potatoes carefully to avoid bruising, said Trinklein. Gently lift the roots from the soil with a potato fork. Remove soil from the potatoes and let them dry on top of the soil in the sun for a few hours.
Separate injured sweet potatoes from undamaged ones. Injured potatoes ooze a milky liquid. They need time and space to heal cut areas.
Cure sweet potatoes in a warm (80-85 F), humid area for about 10 days. A loose plastic cover over the potatoes creates the desired high relative humidity. Curing produces a higher sugar content and improves the color. It also allows minor wounds to heal. Uncured potatoes lose quality.
Store above freezing temperatures in a basement or unheated garage. Ideal storage temperature is around 55-60 F. Sweet potatoes can be stored 6-10 months. Do not refrigerate.
Sweet potato is thought to be native to tropical South America, said Trinklein. Incans and Mayans used sweet potato as a food source more than 5,000 years ago.
Christopher Columbus is credited with introducing it to Europe around 1500.
Sweet potato requires a long growing season, maturing in about 100-110 days. They grow best during long, hot summers. It is versatile, flavorful and nutritious. It is the only vegetable with dual roles as a main course dish and a dessert. Ornamental varieties fill flower planters with their distinctive chartreuse and deep purple foliage.
Trinklein says sweet potato probably deserves more attention in the diet of the average American than it gets, said Trinklein. It is rich in starches and complex carbohydrates for energy and has significant amounts of dietary fiber, beta-carotene and vitamins C and B6. It is as an important source of minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium. It also is relatively low in calories: A 100 gram serving has about 115 calories.
Fun facts about sweet potato:
• Sweet potato is a member of the morning glory, or Convolvulaceae, family.
• Sweet potato was first grown in what is now Virginia as early as 1648.
• The world-record sweet potato weighed more than 95 pounds and was grown in Switzerland.
• North Carolina raises the most sweet potatoes, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
• Missouri native George Washington Carver conducted research on sweet potato. He is credited for developing more than 125 diverse products including dyes, wood fillers, candies, pastes, breakfast foods, starches, flours and molasses.
• Yams and sweet potatoes are often confused with one another. Despite a physical similarity, they are not related. Yams are not grown in the United States. The USDA often labels orange, moist-fleshed sweet potatoes as “yams” to distinguish them from the pale, dry-fleshed types.
Learn more about sweet potatoes in the MU Integrated Pest Management article “October: Sweet Potato Harvest Time” at https://mizzou.us/SweetPotatoTime.
The MU Extension publication “Growing Sweet Potatoes in Missouri” is available for free download at https://muext.us/G6368.
Missouri State Fair Queen An Advocate For Ag
Bailey Schneider of Warrenton is a 4-H alum and a junior in the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources.
Source: University of Missouri Extension
COLUMBIA, Mo. – You might say that 2025 Missouri State Fair Queen Bailey Schneider has royal blood: Three of her cousins were also state fair queens.
Yet it still came as a shock when she heard that the crown would go to her. “Going into the competition, I wasn’t expecting anything. I just wanted to have fun, meet new girls, and enjoy the state fair.”
Bailey’s grounded approach carried her through the multiday competition, which required contestants to win at their county fair before advancing to interviews, a speech or talent presentation and an evening gown competition.
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Her winning speech drew on the fair’s theme, “Step on In,” encouraging others to step into opportunities for advocacy.
“I’ve always said that your platform has a purpose,” Bailey said. “No matter where you are in life, you can use that point to speak about what you’re passionate about. You can be a fair queen, a community service volunteer, or just a student—you can use your platform for good.”
Rooted in agriculture
She grew up on her family’s generational farm near Warrenton, Mo., where her grandfather raised crossbred Angus cattle and her father raised row crops and show pigs.
“I was always around agriculture,” she said. As a 4-H’er, she exhibited beef and pigs and participated in a range of other projects, from cake decorating to shooting sports. She also participated in 4-H leadership experiences such as the Public Speaking Institute and Teen Conference. “Those were leadership opportunities that really helped me develop the skills to help me become the woman I am today.”
Continued on page 56
At Mizzou, Bailey found a natural fit in agricultural education with an emphasis on communications and leadership.
“I’m scared of math and science,” she said. “I wanted a degree where I could focus on communication and storytelling. I loved that I could tailor my classes—taking everything from political science to food science to floral design—and be a jack of all trades.”
This past summer, Bailey interned as a policy intern with the Missouri Soybean Association, where no two days were alike. “I wrote policy briefs to help farmers understand new legislation, attended campaign events, even traveled to Washington, D.C.,” she said. “Every day was different, and I loved it. It really deepened my interest in agricultural policy and advocacy.”
A legacy of queens — and mentors Though she entered the competition, she didn’t expect to follow in the footsteps of her cousins who had worn the crown—Ashley Bauer (2012), Hannah Keene (2013) and Chloe Mumford (2019) all held the title before her.
“I saw my cousins as so cool, so beautiful, and thought, ‘I could never do that,’” she said. “Now, I get to live in
the moment and hopefully inspire other girls to do the same.”
Her parents’ influence is never far from her mind.
“My mom and dad are my best friends, but they believe in tough love,” Bailey said. “They’re not afraid to tell me where I need to work on some things, and I love their honesty. It’s created a great bond between us.”
At CAFNR, Bailey found more mentors who shaped her path. “These professors really want you to succeed, and they’ll actively help you get there,” she said. “When you do succeed, they make sure you feel celebrated. That’s what I love most about CAFNR—it’s a family.”
“I appreciate Bailey’s professionalism and her ability to think critically about complex issues,” says Rebecca Mott, CAFNR assistant professor in the Department of Applied Social Sciences. “She sets high expectations for herself and works hard to meet them – and she often exceeds them. I look forward to seeing how and where Bailey will contribute to agriculture when she completes her degree here at MU.”
As queen, Bailey has traveled, toured businesses in her county, participated in interviews, and was even recognized by the Missouri House of Representatives.
“There are no set duties. It’s just who wants me to show up,” she said. “It’s been an absolute blast and something I’ll never forget.”
One event close to her heart is the No Limits Pig Show, where children with special needs have the chance to show pigs during the state fair.
“It puts your life into perspective and reminds you not to take anything for granted,” Bailey said. “It’s heartwarming and emotional, and it brings me so much joy to see those kids have opportunities they might not otherwise have.”
Away from the crown, Bailey describes herself as a “girly-tomboy” with a love for football, NASCAR, hunting, fishing and hiking.
“People see the pageant queen in a sparkly dress and crown and probably don’t picture me out in the mud on the farm—but that’s just as much who I am,” she said.
She is already looking ahead to the 2026 Missouri State Fair, which will celebrate America’s 250th birthday, and she’s eager to crown her successor. She also hopes more people will support youth programs like 4-H and FFA.
“I’m passionate about helping people understand agriculture—how we feed, clothe, and fuel the world,” she said. “There are a lot of misconceptions out there, and I want to help people find good information and feel confident about how they feed their families.”
For Bailey, the crown is more than a symbol of achievement. It’s a reminder to keep stepping into opportunities to advocate for agriculture—and to inspire the next generation to do the same.
Southern Rust Can Affect Nutrient Value Of Winter Feed
Milk production may be sensitive to changes.
Source: University of Missouri Extension
PALMYRA, Mo. – Southern rust, a fungal disease, can reduce nutrients and lower digestibility in infected corn fed to livestock, says University of Missouri Extension field agronomist Nick Wesslak.
Early dry down caused by southern rust can cause problems with proper silage packing, which increases risk of poor fermentation and higher mold and yeast populations.
Corn infected with southern rust may be more of a concern for the dairy industry than the beef industry, says Eric Bailey, MU Extension state beef nutrition specialist. The dairy industry relies heavily on corn silage, and milk production is highly sensitive to subtle changes in nutritive value.
Leads to other diseases
While southern rust (Puccinia polysora) does not produce known mycotoxins, it opens the door for other stalk and ear rot diseases that produce mycotoxins in
corn-based feedstuffs such as silage, grain and stover, says MU Extension veterinary toxicologist Tim Evans.
He recommends running a mycotoxin panel screening before feeding forage or grain infected with southern rust. Producers also should consider diluting with clean feedstuff and using other mycotoxin mitigation strategies as needed.
Southern rust spreading in Missouri
Southern rust was found in 25 Missouri counties in the 2025 growing season, according to the Corn IPM Pipe, a collaboration of many universities.
The wet start of the growing season contributed to southern rust being confirmed earlier than usual.
Southern rust grows well in warm weather (77-88 F) and high humidity. It is identified by orange to brown raised lesions on the top leaf surface, and yellow flecking on the leaf underside, but no pustules, says MU Extension plant pathologist Mandy Bish. Open lesions leave an orange to brown mark on fingers when touched or rubbed.
Looks like common rust
Southern rust and common rust symptoms are similar, and the diseases are difficult to distinguish in early stages. It also is common to see both pathogens infesting the same leaf, says Bish.
Wesslak recommends sending samples to a diagnostic lab, such as the MU Plant Diagnostic Clinic, (https:// muext.us/PlantClinic) to determine which species are present when symptoms first arise.
Neither rust species overwinters in the Missouri. Both move northward from tropical areas as the growing season progresses.
Early dry down
Southern rust infestation often leads to early dry down (premature plant death) due to orange pustules bursting through the corn plants epidermal leaf tissue. This interferes with the plant’s ability to regulate water loss.
Optimal moisture content for corn silage is generally between 60% and 70%. Southern rust may lead to silage that is drier than expected based on calendar date, says Bailey. When silage is too dry, oxygen cannot be kept out of the pile and silage does not pack to the proper density of less than 15 pounds of dry matter per cubic foot.
“Since silage has been put in the bunker/pit/silo already this fall, there is not a whole lot we can do,” he says.
Yield losses are due to the pathogen feeding off plant photosynthates (glucose) and reductions in total plant photosynthetic leaf area. Yield losses begin even before 5% of the ear leaf is covered with lesions.
Reduction in grain yield also means a reduction in starch (grain contributes most of the starch in an ensiled corn feedstuff) and a reduction in energy. Also, digestibility can have declines of more than 10%.
Testing is advised due to the complications that arise from southern rust infection. Considering silage inoculum products when using southern rust contaminated corn in silage, says Evans. When testing corn-based feedstuffs, have a quantitative nitrate test performed as well.
If you have concerns about southern rust’s effect on your feedstuff, consider a fermentation quality analysis, says Bailey.
Examine results closely: Lactic acid should be between 4% and 6%; butyric acid should be less than 0.25%; and ammonia should be less than 12%. If you receive an unfavorable fermentation profile, contact your local MU Extension livestock specialist for help in developing a plan to use that silage.
To learn more about southern rust and diseases that can cause mycotoxins, visit the Crop Protection Network website at www.cropprotectionnetwork.org.
MU Extension Hosts ‘Baled Late, Fed Smart’ For Livestock Producers
Source: University of Missouri Extension
ROLLA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension will host a series of educational programs this fall titled “Baled Late, Fed Smart,” designed to assist livestock producers in managing and utilizing lower-quality hay effectively.
A free session is offered at the Rolla Technical Institute in Rolla from 6-8 p.m. on Oct. 27. MU Extension and the Dent-Phelps County Cattlemen’s Association sponsor the event with Rolla FFA as hosts. FCNB Bank will provide the meal.
“Although there was a bumper crop of hay put up in many areas, a lot of this hay was harvested late and will have low feed value,” says Eric Meusch, MU Extension livestock field specialist. The same rainfall pattern that created good conditions for forage growth, also made it difficult to harvest the crop in a timely fashion.
A lot of hay was harvested in mid-to-late June this year when the cool season grasses were too mature and had decreased nutritional value, says Meusch.
He says hay tests have confirmed this with many samples showing lower than usual levels of protein and energy. The nutritional quality of hay is determined by stage of growth the plants are at when harvested. Late-harvested hay has more fiber and less of digestible nutrients required to meet livestock’s needs.
Session topics
• Testing your hay inventory.
• Supplemental feeding, filling nutritional gaps.
• The value of hay and cost of feeding.
Presenters include MU Extension livestock specialist Eric Meusch, agronomy specialist Gatlin Bunton and ag business specialist Rachel Hopkins.
The event is free but registration is requested. Register at https://muext.us/BaledLateFedSmartRolla or call the MU Extension Center in Phelps County at 573-4586260.
MU Extension Expands Food Waste Reduction Program In Rural Missouri
Source: University of Missouri Extension
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension is expanding its “Freeze It!” food waste reduction program across rural Missouri.
Food waste is an escalating environmental and health issue, says MU Extension nutrition and health specialist Rachel O’Halloran. The “Freeze It!” program responds to this challenge by empowering rural families to better manage their meals and reduce waste through strategies like meal planning, freezing meals and sharing excess food, she says.
Funding for the expansion is through a grant from the North Central Regional Center for Rural Development.
“Our goal is to reduce food waste and promote healthy, home-cooked meals, especially in rural areas where access to waste diversion programs and health education can be limited,” O’Halloran says. “This grant allows us to build capacity and reach more families with proven strategies that make a difference.”
The grant will support delivery of eight “Freeze It!” program series in rural Missouri communities, professional development for MU Extension health faculty on partnering with local waste management
agencies and development of a statewide infrastructure for long-term support of the program.
O’Halloran says pilot programs have already shown promising results, reaching more than 75 rural residents and achieving measurable reductions in household food waste. “Freeze It!” participants report cooking more meals at home, eating healthier and wasting less, all while saving money, she says.
The program also addresses critical health disparities in rural Missouri, where residents face higher rates of dietrelated illnesses, poverty and limited access to nutrition education, says MU Extension nutrition and health specialist Carrie Elsen.
“By teaching effective meal management and food literacy, we’re not just reducing waste, we’re improving lives,” Elsen says.
The project, “Addressing Household Food Waste in Rural Communities,” is led by O’Halloran, Elsen and Sarah Wood, assistant extension professor in the MU Department of Health Sciences.
For more information on “Freeze It!” or to get involved, contact your local MU Extension Center or visit https:// muext.us/FreezeIt.
The Sky’s the Limit for Drones on the Farm
The Technology Has Moved From Novelty to Necessity on Many Farms and Ranches
Source: University of Missouri Extension
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Enthusiasm for drone use in agriculture is growing quickly, says Caleb O’Neal, University of Missouri Extension field specialist in plant science.
O’Neal teaches classes about drones across the state. He’s seen interest from farmers, commercial sprayers, cow-calf operators, real estate professionals and some who are just curious about new technology. According to the American Spray Drone Coalition, acres sprayed in the United States increased from 4 million to 10.3 million from 2023 to 2024.
Drones much like the ATVs in the 1980s
O’Neal likens increased drone usage to what happened decades ago with all-terrain and utility task vehicles.
“Back in the 1980s, it would have been rare to see a UTV being used on a farm,” he says. “Visiting farms today, I’m hard-pressed to find an operation larger than 20 acres that doesn’t have some type of UTV that they utilize on a regular basis.”
This likely will be the case of drones on the farm as more farmers and ranchers see what an incredible
tool they are, he says. “Drones have progressed from being a neat toy we might get our kids for Christmas to becoming a necessity for many agricultural operations.”
Drones save time and money
Drones with high-resolution cameras can reduce the need for ground-based field inspections, O’Neal says. They can help row crop farmers identify nutrient deficiencies, locate areas of poor soil health, scout for insects and disease and make crop stand assessments.
Livestock producers can monitor fences and availability of water and can make sure animals are where they should be without even opening a gate. Drone technology lets cattlemen quickly check estrus indication patches for optimized breeding timing, monitor cows during calving season, look for hidden newborn calves and look out for potential predators.
“Time is one of a farmer’s most valuable and limited resources, so the more of it we can save while still completing the task, the better,” O’Neal says.
Drones in precision ag
But precision agriculture is where drones truly shine, he says. “Using data-driven insights, drones can enable farmers to apply site-specific fertilizers, pesticides and other inputs to maximize return on investment,” he says.
“A pasture with a rash of blackberry weeds in isolated areas has great potential for a prescription herbicide application where only the problematic areas receive treatment via a spray drone, as opposed to a broadcast application where the entirety of the field is treated whether it needs it or not. A targeted spray application like this minimizes waste, reduces negative environmental impact and often can leave more dollars in the wallet of the landowner due to reduced chemical costs.”
Drones provide accessibility
Drones also provide access to hard-to-reach areas of the farm, turning unproductive acreage into a moneymaker.
“In my neck of the woods in southwestern Missouri, the topography can be quite unforgiving, with some areas too harsh to allow access by ground spray rig or even ATV,” O’Neal says. “With an aerial piece of equipment like a utility drone, landowners can now get herbicide applications on these problematic areas and put them into useful forage production. With current land values reaching for the heavens, it can be difficult to justify buying more acreage as we try to expand our farming operations. It may be a more prudent investment to ensure every acre of land we already own is highly productive. If we can reclaim a quarter acre here and a half acre there on property we already own, it can add up quickly and make sense from an investment perspective.”
Training required
While drones are a wonderful asset in modern farming, there are inherent risks, as well as state and federal licensing requirements, says O’Neal.
Training programs hosted by MU Extension equip farmers and applicators with many tools for determining flight parameters different spray applications. Through research, MU Extension specialists have also found that
there are times when conventional equipment such as a ground spray rig is a better option for an effective application.
“Drones are another tool available to modern farmers, and as most farmers will agree, you can never have too many tools,” says O’Neal. “As drone technology continues to advance, its potential uses in agriculture grow as well. On many farms, drones are saving producers time, reducing input costs and bringing new levels of productivity to their land. Drones are no longer futuristic machines; they are transforming agriculture today, and they are tools that can enable farmers to optimize every acre and ensure their operational success.”
Use of drones in agriculture is increasing as row crop and livestock producers find new ways to improve efficiency and productivity. Photo courtesy of Caleb O’Neal.
MU Extension Drone Workshop Offered November 14 In Auxvasse
Source: University of Missouri Extension
AUXVASSE, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension will offer training on “Opportunities for Drones in Agriculture” Nov. 14 at the Auxvasse Lions Club Park.
The event runs 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will provide farmers, agribusiness professionals and entrepreneurs an in-depth look at how drones are transforming agricultural operations across Missouri, says Chrisee Brandl, MU Extension field specialist in livestock.
During the hands-on workshop, participants will learn about different types of drones, Federal Aviation
Mike Williams Higginsville, MO 816-797-5450 mwauctions@ctcis.net
Program
Administration requirements, remote pilot certifications and practical business applications for aerial imaging, spraying and spreading.
Field exercises will give attendees hands-on experience in manual flight, autonomous mission planning and using drones in real-world farm settings, Brandl said.
“Drones are revolutionizing how producers monitor crops, manage resources and make decisions on the farm,” said Brandl.“This program gives producers the opportunity to see how drones can bring efficiency, precision and profitability to their operations. We want to help farmers understand not only the technology itself but also how to integrate it in a way that fits their individual production systems.”
For details and registration, visit https://muext.us/ DronesinAgNov14, or contact Brandl at the MU Extension Center in Callaway County at 573-642-0755 or chriseebrandl@missouri.edu.
Scott Cape, Owner of Jim’s Motors in Cuba, Missouri.
Capitol Update with Nancy Giddens & Shannon Cooper
Being Thankful –Your Lobbyists’ Take
Every November, we’re reminded to pause and take stock of what we’re thankful for. It’s easy to get caught up in the constant motion of the Capitol, where gratitude isn’t always the word of the day—especially when session is in full swing. But as the holiday season nears and political discussions quiet down, we are reminded of the many reasons to be grateful, particularly for Missouri agriculture.
First and foremost, we’re thankful for cattlemen and women who get up before sunrise, feed in the dark, fix fence in the cold and somehow still find time to answer a call from their lobbyist asking about a policy nuance. You all are the backbone of this state’s economy and the heart of rural Missouri. Without your commitment, common sense, and steady hand, the rest of us would have a lot less to fight for under the dome.
We’re thankful to the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association (MCA). MCA has a way of bringing people together, whether at the Steak Fry, Convention or during a legislative session in Jefferson City. There’s something special about this group’s ability to argue fiercely one minute and laugh together the next. The unity and focus on supporting our industry are big reasons we’re successful. And the steak doesn’t hurt either!
We’re thankful for a legislature that (most days) understands the value of agriculture. Sure, sometimes there’s a late-night floor debate that makes you question your career choices, but more often than not; our
elected officials recognize how vital Missouri agriculture is to our economy and our way of life. We’re grateful for the legislators who take the time to visit your farms, who know what a working chute is, and who can tell the difference between a Hereford and a Holstein.
Most of all, we’re thankful for perspective. Working in politics can make you forget what’s real. But a visit to a cattle farm, a conversation with a producer or even a quiet drive down Highway 50 on the way home from the Capitol, brings everything back into focus. It reminds us why we do this work—to protect a way of life built on family, faith, hard work and a handshake that still means something.
So, as Thanksgiving approaches, we hope you take a moment to reflect on what you’re thankful—rain when you need it, prices that make sense or a good meal shared with friends. From our families to yours, thank you for what you do, for how you do it and for letting us be part of it.
And yes, we’re also thankful that the legislature doesn’t meet in November.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Nancy and Cooper
Nancy Giddens & Shannon Cooper
MCA Calendar 2025
Executive & Board of Directors Meeting Dates
February 15 – Executive Committee
March 29 – Board of Directors Meeting
June 21 – Executive Committee
July 19 – Board of Directors Meeting
October 9 – Executive Committee - Conference Call
November 6 – Board of Directors Meeting
January 2026 – Executive Committee
January 21-23, 2026 – Board of Directors Meeting & MCA Annual Convention
Special Events
March 29 – Board of Directors Meeting (MCA Headquarters)
May 9 – Profitability Challenge Open House (South Farm)
Worthington Angus Bull & Commercial Female Sale, Dadeville, MO
Wright Charolais The Fall Event Female & Bull Sale, Kearney, MO
Moriondo Bulls Annual Production Sale, Mount Vernon, MO
Andras Red Angus Female Sale, Manchester, IL
Red Tie Event Open House @ Brickhouse Farms, Tina, MO
Missouri Hereford Association
Opportunity Sale, Sedalia, MO
Nov. 3 Red Tie Event - Online Auction
Nov. 3
Nov. 5
Nov. 6
Nov. 6
Nov. 7
P&R Herefords Production Sale, Trail, OK
Henke Angus Sale, Salisbury, MO
McCabe Genetics Fall Production Sale, Elk City, KS
Leachman Cattle Gateway I-70 Bull Sale, Kingdom City, MO
Brinkley Angus Ranch Sale, Milan, MO
Nov. 8
Nov. 8
Nov. 8
Nov. 8
Nov. 13
Nov. 13
Nov. 14-15
Nov. 15
Nov. 15
Nov. 16
Nov. 16
Nov. 17
Nov. 21
Nov. 22
Nov. 22
Missouri Simmental Association Fall Harvest Sale, Springfield, MO
Valley Oaks Female Sale, Warsaw, MO
Edwards Limousin Private Treaty Sale, Higginsville, MO
Gibbs Farms Bull & Replacement Female Sale, Ranburne, AL
Misty Morning Fall Spectacular Sale, L365 Auctions
Bar S Ranch Red Angus Female Dispersal Sale of the Dickerson Herd, Paradise, KS
Cavender Ranches Fall Production Sale, Jacksonville, TX
Ginger Hill Angus Production Sale, Culpeper, VA
Northeast Arkansas Angus Association Fall Sale, Cord, AR
Frank/Hazelrigg Cattle Co. Sale, Fulton, MO
The New Standard Black Hereford and Hereford Sale, Humeston, IA
Green Springs Bull Test featuring Garton Angus Ranch Females, Nevada, MO
Southwest Missouri SMS Sale, Carthage, MO
Sydenstricker Genetics 47th Annual Production Sale, Mexico, MO
Dalebanks Angus Bull & Female Sale, Eureka, KS
Nov. 22 West Central Missouri SMS Sale, Kingsville, MO
Dec. 4
Dec. 5
Dec. 11
SydGen Influence Commercial Heifer Sale, Kingdom City, MO
Southeast Missouri SMS Sale, Fruitland, MO
Running R Wagyu Sale, Cameron, TX
Dec. 12
Dec. 12
Dec. 13
Dec. 13
Dec. 18
2026
Jan. 17
Feb. 28
March 7
March 14
March 28
East Central Missouri SMS Sale, Farmington, MO
North Central Missouri SMS Sale, Kirksville, MO
Missouri Select Genetics Sale, Keytesville, MO
Northeast Missouri SMS Sale, Palmyra, MO
Glendennings J Bar J Holiday Classic Sale, L365 Auctions
Red-Land Cattle 4th Annual Sale, Bagwell, TX
Seedstock Plus North Missouri Bull Sale, Kingsville, MO
Seedstock Plus Arkansas Bull Sale, Hope, AR
Seedstock Plus Red Reward Bull & Female Sale, Osceola, MO
Seedstock Plus South Missouri Bull & Female Sale, JRS - Carthage, MO
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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