Southeast Missouri Cattle Producers Recognized

Four southeastern Missouri cattle producers were recognized recently for their contributions to the Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program over more than a quarter of a century each.

The four were recognized prior to the most recent Show-Me-Select sale, says Erin Larimore, University of Missouri Extension animal science research specialist.

The Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program is an on-farm heifer development program that partners producers, MU Extension livestock specialists and local veterinarians. Producers follow strict management guidelines for heath, reproduction and genetics. The Eligible heifers are sold through sanctioned Show-Me-Select regional sales.

Glen Birk, of Jackson, and Willis Koenig, of Perryville, enrolled heifers in the development and marketing program in 1997 to be eligible for the first sale of Show-Me-Select heifers in southeastern Missouri in the fall of 1998.

“They have each been tremendous supporters, enrolling heifers in both spring and fall every year for the past 25 years,” says Larimore. Birk has sold heifers in every sale held in Fruitland. Koenig has sold in all but one sale.

Two other community members instrumental in the success and stability of the Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer sales of southeastern Missouri are Darrell Aufdenberg, of Jackson, and Kenny Carney, formerly of Bloomfield.

Aufdenberg has served as sale manager for 25 years. Although partially retired, Aufdenberg continues his involvement by mentoring the next generation. Andrew Puchbauer is set to take on this role. Carney provided auctioneer services for the sale since 1998. While he recently relocated to another state, he continues to return for this community of producers.

“Support of this nature is what makes a program successful and sustainable,” says Larimore. “These individuals are valued members of the Southeast Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program. We thank them for their unwavering support and look forward to continuing the partnership.”

More information, visit http://muext.us/sms.