March South Central Cattlemen’s Association Meeting

The March South Central Cattlemen’s Association (SCCA) meeting was held at the Howell County Extension office in West Plains on March 25. The meeting was sponsored by Neogen with guest speaker Nick Hammett. Bootleggers BBQ catered the event. The meeting began with a blessing on the meal offered by Dan Corman.

Due to COVID, the 2020 SCCA in-person meetings came to a stop. It was recommended and approved that the current elected officers remain in their current positions with the 2021 year considered as their first year in office. The current officers are Janet Crow - President, Dan Corman - Vice President, Elizabeth Pickings - Secretary, Jenny Poor - Treasurer. Board members are Blake Crow, Brent Campbell, Robbie Beavers and Kent Kelley.

Member Kent Kelley of Wood & Huston Bank spoke to the group regarding the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). He explained that the forgivable loan is not expiring on March 31. It has been extended to May 31, 2021. He suggested that the members contact their banker or himself if they have any questions.

MCA Region 3 Vice President Jeff Reed updated the group on activities and policies that the MCA is working on in Jefferson City and Washington, D.C. Some of the subjects he touched on were labeling, feral hogs bill, eminent domain and where it stands in the senate, and cattle market transparency. He also informed the group on how to obtain Black Vulture permits through the Farm Bureau (contact Kelly Smith 573-893-1416).

Jenny Poor spoke to the group about the Missouri Cattlemen’s Leadership College and the first meeting on March 8-9. She suggested that the group start doing more outreach with the local FFA/Ag groups in the SCCA’s region.

Dan Corman spoke about Cowboys at the Capitol and his experience there on March 9.

Nick Hammett from Neogen spoke on the profitability benefits of genomic testing. He explained how you can select, manage and market your cattle with more confidence by using genomic testing. Through Neogen you can learn the growth, carcass and maternal EPD’s of your herd. Through Neogen’s Ingenity Beef Profile you get 16 maternal, performance and carcass traits, along with parentage. For more information, please contact Nick at 402-432-1798.

The SCCA’s next meeting will be on Thursday, April 22 at 5:30 p.m. at the Howell County Extension office. The focus of the meeting will be a Producer Panel Q&A with best practice tips and products from area vendors. All are welcome to join us