Calf Auction Tops $15K For Crowder Agriculture Division

NEOSHO — As the gavel dropped, the fifth annual Calf Auction Fundraiser came to a close at Joplin Regional Stockyards on March 28. The total for the campaign topped $15,000, which included the sale of a heifer, donation bids made at auction, pre-sale donations and sponsorships from the community.

“It is unbelievably humbling to see the community of businesses, farms and families pull together to make this event so successful. Crowder Agriculture is honored to be a part of such a generous group of people who believe in our mission as we educate future agriculturalists. True servant leadership was exhibited today by our supporters. We can’t thank them enough,” said Jorge Zapata, agriculture division chair

The Red Angus heifer was donated by Kunkel Farms, Dr. Dale Kunkel, owner. Proceeds are used to help support agriculture students as they travel to activities and competitions across the state and country.

New Mac Electric donated a grill that was also auctioned to add to the fundraising. Other sponsors included: Newton/McDonald County Cattleman’s Association, Animal Clinic of Diamond, Missouri Cattleman’s Association, B & M Tire, FarmTalk, The Cornerstone Bank, Tatum Motor Company Mahindra Tractors, Haggard Excavating, Hunke Spray Service, Fred Harris State Farm Insurance, Purina, Opal Foods and Liberty Utilities Empire District.

Crowder agriculture students compete in professional and leadership development contests, along with experiential travel to a variety of agriculture industry operations. Internships and jobs have been gained from such travel.