Missouri cattlemen and cattlewomen selected their leaders for the beef cattle industry for 2014 at its recent annual convention.

Jim McCann, a cattleman from Lawrence County, was elected to serve as president of the Missouri Cattlemen's Association. Sue Day of Cooper County stepped into the lead as the newly elected president for Missouri Cattlewomen's Association.

McCann said he is excited about the opportunity to serve. "I am glad to see the association move forward and I know we have the right group of leaders in our executive committee to do this," McCann said in a news release. "It is important to me to see new cattlemen become members and get involved in the association."

Both the Missouri Cattlemen's Association and Missouri Cattlewomen's Association have new leadership for 2014. Jim McCann from Lawrence County, was elected president of the Missouri Cattlemen's Association, and Sue Day of Cooper County was elected president of Missouri Cattlewomen's Association.

Other cattle producers were also elected to fill leadership roles in the MCA. Serving as president-elect is Janet Akers, who is a cattlewoman from Clinton. Keith Stevens, a cattleman from Bolivar will serve as vice president. Sheryl Brewe, a cattlewoman from Marthasville, will serve as secretary and treasurer of the association. 

Regional vice presidents from across the state were elected by their regions at the convention; Luke Miller, region 1; Greg Buckman, region 2; Mike Hinkebein ; region 3; Mark Garges, region 4; Patty Wood, region 5; Marvin Dieckman, region 6; and Dustin Schnake, region 7.

Leading the women

Day served two years as president elect before taking the reins. As an active board member over the past four years, she volunteered as Education Chair and continues to serve as the chairwoman of the Ways and Means Committee. She was instrumental in the success of the health fair last spring, helping to educate women about the healthy benefits of beef. Two years ago, Day was named the CattleWoman of the Year.

Day works in food services in the school cafeteria for Pilot Grove school district, and brings a thorough knowledge on nutrition as well as the ability to connect with youth. She's a Hereford fan and a pro in the kitchen, and is comfortable talking about beef from the pasture to the plate.~~~PAGE_BREAK_HERE~~~ 

"I hope to encourage the cattlewomen to be active in their own communities and be available for help or offer ideas," Day said. "I hope to continue the relationship established with the Collegiate CattleWomen as well and work closely with them in the upcoming year."

Helping Day with the leadership responsibilities of the association are Terry Bettles, president elect, Bates County; Marilyn Lesmeister, vice president, Henry County; Janet Crow, secretary, Howell County; and Mary Kay Lyle, treasurer, Andrew County.

Also joining the leadership team to promote beef are:  Brenda Black, Past President and Promotions Committee Chair; Marlene Edwards, Dist. 6 Rep.; Carolyn Dieckman, Dist. 7 Rep.; Karen Wolfe, Dist. 8 Rep.; Darla Haines, Dist. 9 Rep.; Megan Richner, Dist. 13 Rep.; Kasey Wallace, Scholarship Committee Chair; Marsha Corbin, CattleWomen's Day Out Committee Chair; and Lynda Blades, By Laws Committee Chair.

A younger generation

Over the past year, MCW engaged many young cattlewomen eager to be more involved. Lively activity on social media and multiple events throughout the state introduced a new generation to MCW and provided opportunity for them to participate in beef promotion and education, challenging them to bring their own strengths and stories. When positions came open on the board, several were excited to become more active.

"MCW has been working to grow our membership and encourage younger cattlewomen to become more involved," said Kasey Wallace. "Their eagerness to step forward and volunteer for leadership positions is proof that we are accomplishing what we've set out to do."

As for the new leader, immediate past president Black said, "Sue is a pleasure to work with and a woman of ideas. She brings a soft spoken, but confident style that will cause others to gladly follow. I am certain the Missouri CattleWomen's Association will continue to grow and blossom under her leadership."

Source: Missouri Cattlemen's Association