From Staff Reports
Cattlemen at Joplin Regional Stockyards came together in support of the Crowder College Agriculture Department at the third annual Calf Auction on April 11. Bids were received on a registered Angus heifer totalling $11,000, making this year the most successful thus far. More than 50 bidders and corporate sponsors participated in the event.
Once the fundraising ended, the heifer went to final bidder Giovan Salas. Salas is a Crowder agriculture student from Carthage. He says he plans to add her to his herd.
This year, Newton/McDonald County Cattlemen's Association member Max Ruhl, owner of R&R Cattle Company at Rocky Comfort, donated a purebred Angus heifer calf for the auction. The yearling heifer was prepared for the sale by the Beef Production class under the supervision of Jay Wilkins, Crowder Agriculture Division instructor and chairman.
In addition to the heifer, New Mac Electric in Neosho donated a barbecue grill that was auctioned to the highest bidder.
Money raised will be utilized to support students as they attend agricultural seminars and travel to compete at local, state, and national contests, as well as hosting Aggie Day for area high school students. Plans are already underway for next year's event with area cattlemen offering to donate a calf for the auction. "The generosity of Joplin Regional Stockyards to interrupt the auction to help raise money for us Aggies along with the Newton/McDonald County Cattlemen's Association and the buyers' support, the future of agriculture looks great at Crowder College," said sophomore Crowder ag student Hannah Wreath of Springfield.
The Crowder College Aggies thanked all of the supporters and encouraged everyone to mark their calendars for the fourth annual Calf Auction next April.
Prior to the auction Crowder Aggies presented an Honorary Aggie Club membership to the Joplin Regional Stockyards for their continued support. Dr. Harold Haskins accepted a plaque on behalf of the stockyard.
General News on 05/05/2016