Kenadee Barnitz, of Lake Spring, Missouri, was crowned the 2018 Missouri Beef Queen during the 50th annual Missouri Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show. Barnitz represented the Dent-Phelps County Cattlemen’s Association and is the daughter of Frank and Lisa Barnitz. She received a $1,000 scholarship.
Winning first runner-up was Hailey Gilbreath, representing the Missouri State University. She received a $500 scholarship. The second runner-up was Cora Besselman, representing the St. Charles County Cattlemen. She received a $250 scholarship. The third runner-up, representing Franklin County Cattlemen’s, was Julie Brinker.
The contestants presented a speech on a consumer-related topic in the beef industry and interviewed with a panel of three judges. The Missouri Beef Queen will be responsible for representing the Missouri beef industry at livestock shows, conferences and events throughout the year.
The Missouri CattleWomen’s Association hosts the contest each year. It is also supported by the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association and Missouri’s Cattlemen Foundation. The Missouri Beef Industry Council and Carolyn Dieckman, Mary Kay Beauty Consultant, sponsored the contest.
“The title of the Missouri Beef Queen, has for many years, been a sought-after title for many young ladies involved in the beef industry,” said Megan Richner, who chaired the contest along with Luella Gregory. “In 1980, the first Beef Belle was crowned, and the tradition of having an ambassador for our industry at many livestock shows, conferences, seminars and activities across the state continues.”
