Henry County’s Cattlemen’s Association feeds into the next generations

MT. PLEASANT — The Henry County Cattlemen’s Association (HCCA) makes it a priority to feed into the county with more than just red meat and jobs.

HCCA donates thousands of dollars throughout the year to programs and youth throughout the county.

According to HCCA President Adam Smith his cattlemen follow the mission statement of Iowa Cattlemen’s association listed on their website.

“The Iowa Cattlemen’s association works to grow Iowa’s beef business through advocacy, leadership and education,” the official Iowa Cattlemen’s association website says.

Smith says the local cattlemen put a high priority on the leadership proponent.

Like many other areas of the workforce beef production is facing the reality of seasoned cattlemen retiring and not enough qualified men and women to fill their shoes.

Smith says that this makes the need to feed into the next generation even more essential, but HCCA has been doing this for as long as Smith knows.

They certainly put their money where their mouths are.

Mt. Pleasant Community School District’s FFA chapter is one of the beneficiaries of their generosity as the HCCA recently committed to contributing $5,000 per year to the program.

Recently Lily Clark and Larz Smith were each awarded $1,000 scholarships to be contributed to their second semesters at college.

On top of the HCCA’s monetary contributions they consistently donate their time and products as well.

The Henry County school districts have been gifted beef certificates to be redeemed by the culinary arts programs each year.

“[HCCA] gives the culinary arts programs in the county $400 per year in beef certificates to teach kids how to cook and prepare beef,” Smith said.

Food and man power are donated by the HCCA to FFA, 4-H and other agriculture events.

In order to support the youth in Henry County the Cattlemen’s Association runs a beef food truck.

The HCCA’s profits from the truck and any extra funds raised at their annual banquet are used to fund the association’s continued charitable efforts.

“We’ll be at the [Henry] county fair cookin’,” Smith said of where to find the truck.

It can also be found at Mt. Pleasant Farmers Market, the Henry County Fair, and for-hire at various private events.

For more information on the Iowa Cattlemen’s association visit their website: www.iacattlemen.org

For more information about Henry County Cattlemen association or their food truck visit their Facebook page: Henry County Cattlemen

Beef is more than just what’s for dinner, it is feeding the community.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com