E xtra Annual Livestock Growers Banquet

Tayler Bradley

For The SenTinel

Klickitat County is full of ranchers and farmers who produce a variety of products for our community. Each one of them continues to work in spite of the highs and lows that come along with their jobs. And through it all, they know their neighbors and friends are standing behind them to help when needed. To celebrate the year, they come together from all over Klickitat County for the annual Livestock Growers Banquet. This year it was held at the American Legion in Goldendale. It was a night filled with fun, games, raffles, great food, awards, and support for one another.

The night began with a social hour where the farmers and ranchers, along with their families, told stories and chatted about what they’d been up to. At about 6:30 dinner was served, and everyone sat down to enjoy a bountiful meal. The Goldendale FFA was there bringing out drinks, picking up plates, and serving dessert. It was a packed house, as both the upstairs and downstairs areas were full. Once everyone was about finished with their meal, it was time for the fun.

They started by awarding the kids’ certificates for Steers of Merit. This means when their steer from the County Fair went to the butcher, the carcass met a standard as one of the very best. Twelve kids from Klickitat County received this award, and Isaac Garcia was awarded the 1st place prize. They also recognized Reserve and Grand Champion winners from the market classes at the Fair. Some agricultural families donated an animal to the kids for the upcoming fair season. The first award was the Jean Schilling Memorial Award that went to Madison Gamble.

She will get to pick out a lamb thanks to the Rolfe family. The Klickitat County Memorial Steer Award was received by Brielle Star, and she picked a steer from Ann Fernandez, a local producer.

Before moving on through the evening, those attending had the choice to play a few quick games that have become a tradition at the banquet. All ages played, and it was fun to watch the excitement build in them.

The next award was the O.P. Kreps Memorial. This year, it was received by Jim Beeks who has been a large part of the agriculture community for many years. The next award went to Marie Miller. She too is a great asset to the county and is well deserving of the Jim Bridgefarmer Memorial.

The final award for the night, Cattlemen of the Year, was awarded to Don Slater. He and his family are long-time residents of the county.

Before the night ended, the Cattlewomen live-auctioned some homemade desserts and meat that sold for hundreds of dollars, a valuable fundraiser for the Livestock Growers Association. The last item on the agenda was the gun raffle. Everyone had been awaiting this one in hopes that their ticket would be selected. The first ticket to be pulled belonged to Keith Kreps, who took home the rifle. The second selection went to Jon Georgonson, who won the shotgun.

Overall, it was a wonderful night for all who attended. The Livestock Growers Association is thankful to all those who donated their time, items for the event, and, of course, all who came out in support. Their busy season is almost here, and they will be out in the fields working hard to provide products for us all.