MCA Junior Show recognizes young beef leaders

The Missouri Cattlemen’s Association and the Missouri Junior Cattlemen’s Association recently hosted the 36th Annual MCA All-Breeds Junior Show at the Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia, Missouri.

According to MCA Manager of Membership Maria Washburn, participation surpassed the previous year.

“We had about 270 junior exhibitors and 515 head of cattle at this year’s show. This is compared to 255 juniors a year ago with 498 head,” Washburn said. “It is always exciting to see the show grow and improve.”

Washburn said changes were made last year that are continuing to boost attendance. Now in the second year, the show includes a supreme showmanship drive and cattle clinics that offer insight on cattle nutrition, animal care and grooming. Additional events such as a speaking contest, hosted by the Missouri Beef Industry Council, and MCA’s annual photo contest were also included.

The show concluded with Blake Bloomberg, Oklahoma State University, and J.W. McCurry, McCurry Cattle Co., selecting the supreme champions.

Alexis Koelling of Curryville, Missouri, exhibited the supreme grand champion heifer and Hailey Eads, Trenton, Missouri, exhibited the supreme grand champion market animal. Reserve supreme heifer was exhibited by Rance Wheeler, Paris, Missouri, and reserve supreme market animal was exhibited by Tory Miller, Lebanon, Missouri. Supreme senior showmanship went to Lucas Crutcher, Fair Grove, Missouri, and reserve went to Reba Colin, Butler, Missouri. Olivia Walrod, Nevada, Missouri, was awarded supreme junior showmanship and Eads picked up reserve.