Jefferson County Cattlemen announce annual banquet Jan. 16

FAIRFIELD – Jefferson County Cattlemen want the public to know about a couple of deadlines that are quickly approaching, one for the organization’s banquet and another for its annual scholarship.

The group awards two $2,500 scholarships to Jefferson County youth who are currently pursuing or plan to pursue a post-secondary degree or training program, preferably in a field related to agriculture or animal science. Applications must be submitted by Monday, Dec. 2. For information, message the Jefferson County Cattlemen’s Facebook page, or email jcocattlemens@gmail.com.

Another event with that same Dec. 2 deadline is about a photo contest the group is holding for its annual banquet book. Jefferson County Cattlemen member Zoe Moritz explained that the organization creates a book that recaps its year of activities. The cattlemen are looking for photos of cattle and the people who raise them. Moritz said the photos should be of sufficiently high quality that they could be put on an 8.5 by 11-inch page. The winner of the contest will receive two tickets to the cattlemen’s banquet on Jan. 16. Photos should be submitted to jcocattlemens@gmail.com.

Speaking of the banquet, Moritz wants everyone to know that the public is invited to attend it, and that it will be held at The Walton Club this year with social hour beginning at 5 p.m. and then supper at 6 p.m. The meal will be prime rib, and the cost is $30.

“We have a lot of supporters who come, business people and producer members,” Moritz said.

At each banquet, the cattlemen name an individual the Cattleman of the Year, recognizing their commitment to the industry.

This Christmas season, the cattleman are partnering with Pekin FFA member Hailey Pedrick to raise money for the Governor’s Charity Steer Show, which is a fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Iowa. Pedrick will be showing a steer at next year’s event, and will be raising money by having a booth set up inside the Lincoln Center at 401 W. Stone Ave. in Fairfield during JC Huffman’s “Ho Ho Ho Holiday Event,” which runs from 5:30-8 p.m. every Friday and Saturday from now until Christmas. Moritz said Pedrick will have a display where members of the public can bid on fully decorated Christmas trees in a silent auction. Ten Fairfield business are competing for the honor of “Best Dressed Tree.” Residents can also donate money to “vote” for their favorite tree. Bidding on the silent auction will end on Dec. 14.

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Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com