BOLIVAR, MISSOURI (October 10, 2024) – On October 10, 2024, Polk County Cattlemen’s Association graciously endowed $100,000 to Missouri’s Cattlemen Foundation scholarship program. Teresa Carlson, Chair of MCF, said the foundation is thankful for the generous donation to provide scholarships for future leaders of the beef industry.
“Our county affiliate sees the value in investing in the future of our industry,” said Ed Vest, President of Polk County Cattlemen’s Association. “With this donation, we hope to create a legacy to recognize and honor those pursuing a degree in agriculture and have an interest in the beef industry.”
The endowment was presented at Polk County Cattlemen’s meeting at the Elks Lodge in Bolivar. The endowment funds were collected at the Annual Missouri Beef Days Scholarship Auction held in May during beef month. The $100,000 allows Polk County to endow five scholarships each year. These scholarships will be available for eternity as long as the foundation exists.
“Each year, our affiliate provides several local scholarships to students in Polk County,” said Vest. “Our leadership decided to turn some of those funds into an endowment on the state level for deserving applicants of the Missouri’s Cattlemen Foundation scholarship program.”
Since 1997, MCF has awarded over 815 scholarships worth a total of $801,500. The scholarship program provides funds to graduating high school seniors and current college students.
“We are grateful to the Polk County Cattlemen’s association for investing in the future leaders of our industry,” said Carlson.
The mission of MCF is to promote the educational development of rural youth by aiding injured children, providing farm safety training, leadership programs, and scholarships.
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