~courtesy of The Scranton Journal
2016 turned out to be a record year for the Greene County Cattlemen’s Association with a new mark set in fundraising through the auction of trophies, prints, pies and other items. A good-sized crowd gathered at Clover Hall on the Greene County Fairgrounds Saturday evening to celebrate the success of 2015 and look forward to bigger things this year.
Hamilton Redi Mix returned the traveling trophy but took it home again after the firm was the top bidder during the auction. The Greene County company, a long-time supporter of the local beef industry, spent $1,275 during the evening, including $900 for the Grand Champion 4-H Market Beef trophy.
HyVee of Jefferson was runner up in the traveling trophy contest with $1,050.
Area auctioneers cried the sale including Gary Rupiper who joked he was planning his retirement in 2025; Jon Schaben and Will Epperly of Dunlap; and Terry and Dan Laughery of Guthrie Center.
Their expertise brought in an unofficial total of $20,390.
A new tradition was started when Mark Hamilton of Jefferson cried the sale of the first and last trophies. Schaben joked Hamilton set a new record for the highest price and the longest time it took to sell the Grand Champion hardware.
A unique cow print was the last item auctioned by Hamilton that will be utilized as another traveling trophy, returning to the annual banquet to be sold again next year.
In addition to the 4-H trophies, there were other items that were donated and designated for the beef scholarship fund. Those items brought spirited bidding from members of the Cattlemen’s Association and their guests.
Last year’s scholarship winners were recognized including Cody Burkett, Nathan Hoffman, Hannah Gunn, Tressa Rasmussen and Jolee Wessling.
Pat Fields is president of the Cattlemen and welcomed the guests. Mike Holden gave the invocation. Tom Lawton serves as vice president with Roger Rowles / Tom Heun teaming together as treasurers.
Other directors are Steve Kennedy, Doug Lawton, Tanner Lawton, Mike Ostendorf, Justin Robbins, Dave Tipton and Mick Towers, past president.
Tom Hiler of Rockwell City, District 8 director, spoke briefly about the possible reinstatement of a 50 cent Iowa Beef check off that is under consideration in the Iowa legislature. If approved by state lawmakers, the Cattlemen would then vote in a referendum on the matter.
A prime rib dinner was catered by Lidderdale Country Store.
Special mention was made about the Iowa’s Best Burger contest that is underway. Two Greene County restaurants are vying for the title and are seeking support. Doc’s Stadium in Jefferson and 209 Main in Paton are promoting their sandwiches and are seeking support from the community.
Entries may be made online by March 9. Go to www.iabeef.org. Click on the Iowa’s Best Burger icon and follow the instructions.
Cattlemen activities in 2015 included:
- Worked at Beef Quarters at the Iowa State Fair
- Donated and cooked for Relay for Life
- Cooked for Sharon Towers Scholarship fundraiser
- Donated to Paton-Churdan and Greene County’s After Prom parties
- Helped with 4-H Beef Show, sale and weigh-ins
- Donated to the 4-H Clover Cafe
- Grilled ribeye steak sandwiches at the Bell Tower Festival
- Cooked at Dunlap Sale Barn
- Donated and grilled hamburgers at the Greene County Fair
- Donated and grilled hamburgers for students at Greene County High School
- Cooked for fall Democratic fundraiser
- Provided scholarship to senior beef exhibitor
- Cooked for Greene County Medical Center
- Purchased ear tags for 4-H beef exhibitors
- Purchased programs for 4-H Beef show
- Donated and cooked for Greene County football pre-game meal
- Cooked at Diamond Oil meeting
- Expanded scholarship program
