Polk County’s annual signature tribute to the beef industry, Missouri Beef Days, has officially begun.
And while one big weekend of family fun is now complete, there is still much to come.
Hundreds of guests came out on Saturday, May 6, first for the Classic Jackpot Livestock show at the Polk County Fairgrounds, then for the Missouri Beef Days Block Party at the Polk County Museum grounds at North Ward, followed by the Boots & Bling Banquet at Diamond S Indoor Arena in the evening. Another large crowd gathered for Cowboy Church on Sunday, May 7, at the SBU football field.
The festival’s first Saturday kicked off with the next generation of cattlemen and cattlewomen showing off their prized livestock at the fairgrounds, then continued with the block party, where food trucks and beef chefs showed off their prized dishes while cornhole teams showed off their skills next to the historic Dunnegan home. Block party proceeds benefited the Central Care Cancer Center.
Saturday evening concluded with a full arena gathered for the banquet, consisting of a steak dinner followed by special remarks from Governor Mike Parson and National Cattleman’s Beef Association president-elect Mark Eisele regarding the importance of the beef industry and the current economic and political outlook for the industry.
Following the special speakers, the Polk County Cattleman presented their annual awards as a way of recognizing figures of special importance to the local cattle industry. Mark Stanek was recognized as the Cattleman of the Year, while JC Meador and Dennis (Doc) Hood received Pioneer Awards. All have contributed years of service advancing the cause of the beef industry in Polk County. The evening concluded with a live auction to raise money for ag-related scholarships for local students, followed by live music from area band Dacomo.
Another well-attended event was Cowboy Church, as nearly 200 people assembled at the SBU football field to hear special guest Amanda Radke speak on how to successfully combine faith, family, and farming, along with music from the Sac River Cowboy Church band and an inspirational message from SBU associate ag professor Dr. John Murphy.
Still to come, a special speaker presentation series will run Monday through Wednesday, with Missouri Beef Days 2023 wrapping up with three more big days of fun Thursday, May 11 through Saturday, May 13 that include a two-day rodeo, parade, ag expo, and finale concert.
Wednesday, May 10
Beef & Whiskey Pairing, 4–6 p.m., Silo Ridge Golf & Country Club NextGen Economics Team Special Presentation, 7 p.m., in the Mabee Chapel on the SBU campus
Thursday, May 11
Missouri Beef Days Rodeo & Rodeo Market (Day 1), 7 p.m. (gates open at 5 p.m.), Polk County Fairgrounds
Friday, May 12
Missouri Beef Days Rodeo & Rodeo Market (Day 2), 7 p.m. (gates open at 5 p.m.), Polk County Fairgrounds *Wednesday through Friday* – Sponsors’ Business Hours Art Walk at various sponsors around town
Saturday, May 13
Missouri Beef Days Parade, 9 a.m., See missouribeefdays.com for route
Ag Expo, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Diamond S Indoor Arena
Finale Concert featuring local, regional, and rising artists, 7 p.m., Diamond S Indoor Arena
Photo Credit: Missouri Beef Days
Categories: Missouri, General, Livestock, Beef Cattle