Area cattlemen support Crowder Ag Department at auction

(From Crowder College)

Cattlemen at Joplin Regional Stockyards came together to support the Crowder College Agriculture Department for the Third Annual Calf Auction, raising funds for the ag students. Bailey Moore, Joplin Regional Stockyards, and Dr. Harold Haskins, Animal Clinic of Diamond, received bids from the crowd to make this year the highest totaling over $11,000. More than 50 bidders and corporate sponsors participated in the annual event.

Once the fundraising ended the heifer went to final bidder, Giovan Salas, Crowder Agriculture student from Carthage. He plans to add her to his herd.

This year, Newton/McDonald County Cattleman Association member Max Ruhl, owner of R & R Cattle Company, 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 & Chairman.

In addition to the heifer, New Mac Electric, Neosho donated a BBQ grill that was auctioned to the highest bidder.

Funds 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 under way 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,” emphasized sophomore Crowder Ag student, Hannah Wreath, from Springfield, Missouri.



The Crowder College Aggies thanked all of the supporters and encouraged everyone to mark their calendars for the 4th 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.