The Missouri Cattlemen’s Association recently named Ben Eggers, Mexico, Missouri, the 2017 Cattleman of the Year during its 50th Annual Missouri Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show. Eggers is a longtime member of MCA and a true advocate of Missouri agriculture.
Eggers was raised on a dairy farm in Jackson, Missouri, but found his true passion in the beef industry. After working with several well-known Angus cattle ranches and showing livestock all across the United States, he moved to Mexico, Missouri, in 1982 to manage Sydenstricker Genetics. For nearly 40 years, Eggers has managed and built the business into one of the leading Angus seedstock operations in the world.
Eggers has been president of the American Angus Association, Beef Improvement Federation and, in 1993, was MCA president after serving in a variety of capacities within the association. In 1978, he helped form the Southeast Missouri Cattlemen’s Association and served as its first president. MCA Past President Mike Kasten said Eggers has many accomplishments within the industry over the past four decades, but his recent contributions to MCA and the Missouri beef industry is what earned Eggers the award.
“Some past MCA presidents serve their term and you never see them again. I even took a hiatus after I served in 1991. This isn’t true for Ben. He never left,” said Kasten. “Given the location of Sydenstricker Genetics, Ben and his wife, Darla, are the go-to members when it comes to hosting tours for consumers and politicians. Ben is often called to represent MCA at meetings and events in Jefferson City and Columbia. He is one of the primary voices for the association when it comes to University of Missouri Extension.”
MCA Executive Vice President Mike Deering said Eggers is what every past president of the association should be.
“He is just as involved today with MCA as he was in 1993. I say that with absolute confidence,” said Deering. “Ben is a wonderful human-being with a brilliant mind and he undoubtedly makes this association stronger. Whether it is strategic planning or navigating through animal health regulations, Ben is someone we consistently turn to for guidance.”
