CEDAR COUNTY CATTLEMEN HOST CHILI COOK-OFF – The Cedar County Cattlemen’s Association met Thursday, Dec 7, in the Ray H. Zumwalt Expo Center in Stockton for their first annual Cattleman’s Chili Cook-off. Winners were (from lefty) Don Boultinghouse captured first place; Tom Bryant, second and Tony Koger rounded out third. Tom Bryant, State Director, encouraged members to attend the Missouri Cattle Industry Convention & Trade Show, Jan. 5-7, 2018, in Columbia. This will be the 50th anniversary of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association (MCA). Clay Doeden discussed the convention schedule, silent and live auction, and the cattlemen’s college breakout sessions.

The sponsor for the evening was MFA. The speakers were Mike John, Mike Smith and Ben McMullin. Mike Smith spoke about their livestock risk protection program. This program offers ideal coverage for small and large operations. The flexibility allows producers to cover a smaller number of cattle. Mike John discussed reproductive technology and encouraged producers to produce cattle for their intended market. He discussed the benefits of timed AI, sexed semen, and early and tight calving periods. Ben McMullin, data specialist, educated members on their Power Calf App and how it can streamline their business and help producers increase their bottom line. by Megan Richner.