~by The Scranton Journal
The Greene County Cattlemen’s Association hosted their annual banquet and meeting Saturday evening at Clover Hall on the Greene County Fairgrounds in Jefferson. Inclement weather didn’t deter the beef producers and their guests as they celebrated the 84th year of cattle producers in the county.
The marquee event of the evening is always the auction of the Greene County Fair trophies and other merchandise. With the bulk of the funds targeted to scholarships, businesses bid briskly on the trophies with a grand total of $20,250 raised with the sale of more than 50 items.
Hamilton Redi-Mix was the high bidder on the night and will keep the traveling trophy for another year. Their total was higher than HyVee who purchased the Grand Champion 4-H Market Animal trophy for $1,100.
Auctioneer Jon Schaben of Dunlap Livestock Auction brought his son to assist. They were joined at the microphone by Dan Laughery of Guthrie Livestock Auction in crying the sale.
The first item sold was a large metal rendition of the “Cattlemen Care” from the state license plates. Schaben bought the item and donated it to the daughters of the late Pat Fields. Pat was an active member of the Greene County Cattlemen and was serving as president at the time of his untimely death last year.
Most of the trophies sold in the $200 – $500 range. Greene County Ag bid $1,000 for the Grand Champion Breeding Animal trophy.
Brenda Thorpe donated two pies and a plate of cinnamon rolls that were popular with the bidders. These three items brought in $925. Two prints by CJ Brown generated $750.
The traveling “cow” scholarship print which is bright and colorful will reside for the next year with Country Custom Design thanks to their $275 bid.
Tom Lawton serves as president of the organization. He is assisted by Justin Robbins as vice president and Tanner Lawton as treasurer.
Directors include Ben Gannon, Tom Heun, Mike Holden, Steve Kennedy, Doug Lawton, Brandon Muir, Mike Ostendorf, Derek Kennedy, Dave Tipton and Roger Rowles.
Special recognition was given to the 2017 scholarship winners who received their $750 checks that evening. They were Trey Tucker, Chase Stoline, Brian Rasmussen, Mason Burkett and Eli Muir. Not present were Abby Badger, Chase Juergensen and Taylor Wessling.
Additional $250 scholarships were awarded to seniors who exhibited at the county fair. They were Badger, Juergensen and Muir.
Landus Cooperative sponsored the banquet. Alicia Heun announced the business is expanding its services with a beef feed distribution center that they plan to open in Jefferson by early summer. The former MicroSoy building located south of the Jefferson facility will be remodeled to fill the needs of cattlemen across the area.
Special guests were members of the Greene County High School FFA chapter who assisted in serving and clean up of the meal.
The beef producers wrapped up another successful event by highlighting their activities from 2017. They included:
• Donations to IJBBA, ICA Steer Test and 4-H Clover Cafe.
• Donations and grilling for Relay for Life, Greene County High School, Greene County football pre-game meal, Fourth Grade Outdoor Classroom at the Robbins Farm and Greene County Extension Centennial Celebration.
• Worked at the Beef Quarters at the Iowa State Fair.
• Purchased 29 FFA Jackets.
• Supported Iowa 4-H Foundation.
• Helped with 4-H Beef Show, sale and weigh-ins.
• Grilled Friday night at Bell Tower Festival.
• Provided scholarships to senior beef exhibitors.
• Purchased ear tags for 4-H beef exhibitors and programs for 4-H beef show.
• Expanded scholarship program.
• Grilled at Pat Fields Scholarship Fundraiser.
• Handed out free sliders at Bell Tower Parade.
