The Missouri Cattlemen's Association (MCA) announced the 2012-2013 Awards for Excellence at MCA's 45^th Annual Convention and Trade Show in Columbia, Mo.

This year marks the 21^st year for the Award for Excellence, with categories such as Outstanding Affiliate Beef Promotion, Outstanding Affiliate Activity and Event, Overall Affiliate and Overall Affiliate runner-up. This award is given to the county organizations that promote the development and growth of the beef industry.

"Membership is the backbone of MCA," said Executive Vice President Mike Deering. "We are lucky to have many active and energized county cattlemen's organizations."

Gentry County Cattlemen's was awarded the Outstanding Affiliate in Beef Promotion. Gentry County members aggressively promoted beef in their county by submitting more than 30 articles stating the importance of nutritious, safe and affordable beef in a healthy diet.

Southwest Missouri Cattlemen's Association was awarded with Outstanding Affiliate Activity and Event. They created a new program called "Brown Bag Buddy Program." This program helps provide food for school children that might otherwise have limited food over the weekends.

Polk County received the title of Overall Affiliate because of their outstanding attendance, community involvement, state and national engagement and beef promotion.

Franklin Country Cattlemen's received the award for overall runner-up. Franklin County's strong membership base helps the organization serve as an advocate for agriculture in the county.

"Membership is the backbone of MCA," said Executive Vice President Mike Deering. "We are lucky to have many active and energized county cattlemen's organizations."

County associations that received honorable mention are Bates County; Henry County; Benton County; and Dallas County. 

Source: Missouri Cattlemen's Association