By: Sheila Crowley
Murray County News Staffwriter
If you were at the beef show during the Murray County Fair, you may have noticed some changes in regards to the Murray County Cattlemen’s group.
After last year’s show, Angie Ford felt the Cattlemen’s Association should have a bigger presence in Murray County. She reached out to a few others who showed beef. Together they gathered interest from others who raise beef, took the association, which had dwindled, and gave it new life.
A banquet was held last March with the Cattlemen’s Association from Nobles/Pipestone grilling steaks for all those who attended. The response was overwhelming explained Ford. “We had over 150 people in attendance.” Ford was excited to share the Association went from eight members to 54 currently registered. “We’re hoping to keep growing.”
A board of directors was elected with nine serving in that capacity. Ryan Verlinde serves as the president of the group and Angie Ford as vice, Melissa Runck, secretary, Kaylen Weidert, treasurer. Other board members are Jason Larson, Aaron Miller, Bobby Ford, Mike Kluis, and Jerry Beck. The grilling committee consists of Jake Sweetman, Andy Beek, Taylor Tutt, and Aaron Miller. “I think getting this first year under our belt and just getting around in the public, showing people what we are trying to do, I believe more people will join,” shared Ford. “The first year is usually baby steps just getting the word out and have no doubt we will be growing as the new year comes.”
This past summer the group grilled kabobs and hamburgers during the ‘Salute to Ag’ night at the Murray County Speedway and sponsored the race night.
The group collaborated with the Murray County Corn and Soybean Growers to sponsor their annual golf outing. Once again the Cattlemen’s Association grilled kabobs as an appetizer.
In addition to being a presence during the beef show, the group also donated money to the 4-H eat stand for purchasing the beef served during the fair. Each beef participant received a coupon for a free hamburger at the 4-H stand. In addition, director’s chairs were given to the champion showman (senior, intermediate, and junior) along with $50 gift card to Sullivan’s Supply to purchase supplies needed to show beef. The reserve champion showmen received show harnesses sponsored by Kluis Farms. Each of the Cloverbud exhibitors received a comb for their animal as well as a halter (sponsored by Holms Show Cattle).
This fall the Murray County Cattlemen’s Association will be grilling for CHS’s ‘Safety on the Farm’ in Tracy.
Ford says the group is open to grilling for other events if there is interest from other individuals or events.
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