MCA Members Celebrate Success of 2006; Set Policy for 2007

Awards were presented, officers elected, policy set, and good times and great beef were enjoyed by all at the recently concluded 2006 Missouri Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show, held December 7-9 at the University Plaza Hotel & Springfield Expo Center in Springfield, Mo.  The new officers and award winners include:

President: Merrel Breyer, Richland

First Vice President: David “Blue” Geier, California

Second Vice President: Paul Gibbs, Boonville

Northeast Regional Vice President: Jim Lolli, Macon

Southwest Regional Vice President: Jim McCann, Miller

Secretary/Treasurer: Carl Elliott, Holden

Seedstock Council Chair: Monty Wheeler, Bolivar

Stocker/Feeder Council Chair: Jimmie Long, Cole Camp

Also completing the second year of their two-year terms are Northwest Regional Vice President James Sparks and Southeast Regional Vice President Steve Willard.

Cattleman of the Year: Howard Hardecke, Bolivar

CattleWoman of the Year: Dawn Thurnau, Ashland

Industry Award: Andy Atzenweiler, Missouri Beef Cattleman magazine

Pioneer Award: Eldon Cole, Mt. Vernon

Convention Appreciation Recognition: Mickey and Eugene Buxton, Warrenton, and Dale and Virginia Watson, Kirksville

Top Recruiter: Nick Flannigan, Springfield

Top Hand Gun Winners: Nick Flannigan, Al Kennett, David “Blue” Geier, Jackie Moore, Rick Anstine, and Kenny Beltz.

Awards for Excellence:

            First Place: Texas County Cattlemen’s Association

            Second Place: Macon County Cattlemen’s Association

            Best Beef Promotion: Southwest Cattlemen’s Association

            Best Event: St. Clair County Cattlemen’s Association

2007 Missouri Beef Queen: Katie Allen, Marceline

2007 Missouri Beef Ambassador: Rebecca Stephen, Stewartsville

MCA Points System Top Overall Exhibitor: Tawnia Misemer, Mt. Vernon

Junior Division Quiz Bowl Champions: Mallory Early, Hannah Bartholomew, Josie Yoakum, and Cooper Black

Senior Division Quiz Bowl Champions: Brittany Early, Trey Neill, Garren Bellis, and Austin Black

Editor’s note: Congratulations to the 2007 MCA officer team and to all the award winners. Thanks to all those who helped make the 2006 Convention & Trade Show a success – MCA members who attended convention, the convention committee, the host committee, the trade show exhibitors, sponsors, and volunteers. We look forward to another great convention in Springfield Dec. 6-8, 2007.  Watch for more information on the convention in next week's edition of Prime Cuts.

DNR Enlists Services of Governor-Appointed Ombudsman

Governor Blunt Appoints MCA Member, former State Senator Morris Westfall

Recognizing the need for help in the communication process between small business and the administration, Gov. Matt Blunt named former State Senator Morris Westfall as the new small business ombudsman for the Department of Natural Resources.

Drawing on his experience as a legislator, Westfall will focus on the concerns of small business operations and help to simplify communications between small businesses and the department so they will better understand regulations and procedures.  

"Small businesses are often faced with the dilemma of complying with government regulations that they do not fully understand," said Westfall. "Government acronyms, phrases and expressions are not something that most people have been trained to understand and it is my belief that this problem can be alleviated with better communication."

Westfall will assist small businesses with matters related to the federal Clean Air Act and Missouri Air Conservation Law. His duties will include assisting and advising small businesses that are regulated by the Air Conservation Law; recommending to the Small Business Compliance Advisory Committee and the Missouri Air Conservation Commission appropriate changes in the rules which facilitate small business compliance with the Air Conservation Law and related rules; and receiving and reviewing complaints about administration of the air regulations as such administration affects small business.

Small businesses that are experiencing difficulty in understanding and complying with government regulations are welcome to meet with Westfall on a one-on-one basis.

"Once I learn about a situation, I can then facilitate or mediate to help find solutions. I am hopeful that my background in small business and thirty years of government experience will be an asset to the position," said Westfall.

Westfall is also available for group meetings such as panels, roundtable discussions or as a guest speaker.

"I consider myself fortunate to have been selected for this position," said Westfall. "I hope that I can be of assistance to small business operations by listening."

By working together, Westfall is confident that he can assist in achieving a more productive relationship between the small business community and state government.

-          Missouri Department of Natural Resources

DNR Announces Job Opening for Senior Biomass Policy Analyst
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is seeking candidates to analyze and recommend biomass policies for the department and the state of Missouri.  The work will focus on biomass-to-energy topics and will include evaluation of biomass-to-energy technologies for viability and economical application, policy recommendations to further the use of biomass resources for energy production, review of innovative research to identify applicability to Missouri's biomass resources, interaction with Missouri universities to influence biomass research priorities, and recruitment of companies to develop biomass energy projects in Missouri.  

The successful candidate will possess knowledge of biomass resources, excellent communication skills, ability to understand and evaluate complex technical information, ability to develop and maintain relationships with varied people in the public sector and private sector, demonstrated leadership ability, demonstrated ability to work successfully in an independent manner, and the ability to communicate department policy and direction publicly.

Experience:  Two to three years of professional experience in a biomass-related discipline or business, in which the candidate performed biomass energy analysis, would be helpful but not required.  Practical experience in the areas of agriculture, agroforestry or bio-resources is preferred.  A demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with farmers, foresters or ranchers is highly desirable.

Education:  A baccalaureate degree in one of the biological or engineering sciences is required.  An advanced degree is highly preferable. Interested candidates should contact Anita Randolph, DNR Energy Center, 573-751-6856.                       - Missouri Department of Natural Resources

Producers Invited to Attend 2007 East Central Grazing Conference

Jim Gerrish to speak on Grazing Strategies

The Montgomery and Warren County SWCD’s, Bear Brush, Charrette Creek and Elkhorn Creek AgNPS SALT Projects in cooperation with USDA-NRCS are sponsoring Jim Gerrish, American GrazingLands Services LLC, at the 2007 East Central Grazing Conference.

Gerrish will speak on Grazing Strategies for Dry Times and Getting the Most Out of Your Winter Pasture on January 23, 2007 at the Merchants Building in the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Montgomery City, MO. Doors will open at 3:00 PM and the program will begin at 4:30 PM. RSVP’s to the Warren County SWCD office in Warrenton Missouri should be submitted by January 12th, 2007. Registration is $15.00 in advance and $20.00 at the door per person and includes a steak dinner.

For more information or if you are interested in being a vendor at the conference please contact the Warren County SWCD at 636.456.3434 ext 3.                        - Sarah Szachnieski, Warren County NRCS

Missouri Agribusiness Academy Applications Now Available

The Missouri Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for the 2007 Missouri Agribusiness Academy (MAbA), a youth leadership program designed for high school sophomores to explore career opportunities in agribusiness, government and production agriculture.  MAbA helps to provide youth with a foundation in agricultural leadership and prepares them to meet the challenges and reap the rewards of Missouri's largest industry, agriculture.

Applications are available at www.mda.mo.gov and are due no later than Friday, Feb. 2, 2007.  To be eligible for MAbA, academy members must be a high school sophomore and come from a farm family or be active in 4-H or FFA.                        - Missouri Department of Agriculture

New Reserved Camping at the 2007 Missouri State Fair

Beginning in 2007, the Missouri State Fair will offer reserved camping for fair patrons.  Reservation costs are $275 and reserves a location in the reserved area in the southern section of the campground.  Reservations can be made now through May 1, 2007 by visiting http://www.mostatefair.com/camp07.html. and reservations must be made for the duration of the State Fair. 

-          Missouri Department of Agriculture

Calendar of Events

Dec. 21             Vernon County Cattlemen’s Association – Vernon Co. Fairgrounds, 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 25             Merry Christmas from the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association

For more cattle industry events, visit www.mocattle.com/calendar.htm

The Fine Print

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