The Benton County Cattlemen hosted their annual Trade Show and Scholarship Fundraiser at Lincoln’s Foster Hall Saturday evening, November 2.
President Mark Smith from Palo Pinto Ranch serves as President and welcomed well over 110 people to the annual event that raises money to support their scholarship fund. Mr. Smith stated there are 720 farms in Benton County with 72,600 acres of pasture. 98% are family farms that care for 42,000 head of cattle in the county. 24,000 are beef cattle that accounts for 30 million in sales annually. He shared the average age of a Benton County farmer is 68.
He went on to say anyone that has beef herds should belong to the Benton County Cattlemen’s Association and shared that any business supported by beef producers can also belong and should. Smith closed with a Thomas Jefferson quote on Agriculture. Jefferson said, “Agriculture is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute real wealth, good morals and happiness.”
President Smith announced it was time for dinner and wanted everyone to know the Sonic Corporation was furnishing the drink cups for the evening and will for all events throughout the year. Then he added, “By the way, Sonic serves 100 million pounds of beef annually.”
Vice-President Mike Dieckman offered the prayer and then attendees were treated to a great meal of delicious roast beef, Caesar salad, hot rolls, Cheesy potato casserole, accompanied by Balsamic green beans. All topped off with a choice of Chocolate cake with cream cheese icing or Ooey-gooey pumpkin cake with whipped cream. The food was prepared by Taste Buds catering from Lebanon, Missouri.
Following the meal the speaker was an Agriculture student from MU, Colton Whitney. Colton grew up and graduated from Skyline School and walked everyone through his days in high school Ag, sharing how many projects he didn’t want to do but how much he gained from participating in them by being an FFA member. Now majoring in Agriculture at the University he is discovering many avenues for his future and how much he is enjoying working in his chosen profession.
First responders from Warsaw/Lincoln EMS and two Officers from the Lincoln Police Department were on hand for the event and the Lincoln High School FFA members donated their labor for the evening to assist with serving food and also selling raffle tickets throughout the evening. Final tabulation is not in but it is believed that close to $10,000 was raised for the Scholarship program that benefits seniors from Cole Camp, Lincoln and Warsaw.
The 2024 Scholarship recipients were, Allie Keuper, Lincoln. Lauren Kreisel, Warsaw. Alyson Alcantara, Warsaw. Gracie Thompson, Cole Camp. Cora Oelrichs, Cole Camp.
