One thing has remained constant in agriculture in eastern Indiana for nearly 100 years. The Eastern Indiana Livestock Breeders Association hosts a banquet each fall, honoring youth who excel in the livestock industry in the area.

“We held our 97th annual meeting in Muncie this fall,” says Cindy Jeffrey, Eaton, president of the association. “We aren’t as big a group as we once were because the livestock industry has changed. But we meet and honor our youth, and recognize achievements of livestock breeders in our area, just like the group has for nearly a century.”

William Carter, vice president, explains that today, the primary function of the group is to honor youth from each of the counties represented in the association. Each year, the top 4-H junior leader, top youth in livestock judging and a young person who excels at their county fair receive a plaque and recognition before the group.

Counties served by the association include Blackford, Delaware, Grant, Henry, Jay, Madison, Randolph and Wayne.

Adults who excelled at livestock shows or in the livestock industry are also recognized. This year, Brian Shuter, Frankton, was recognized for being named the new executive leader for the Indiana Beef Cattle Association. Shuter Sunset Farms is a longtime member of the association. Brian’s grandfather, Mervin, served as its president in 1974 and 1975, and his dad, Mike, was president from 2000 to 2002. The Shuters still exhibit and excel at raising Red Poll and Red Angus cattle.

Currently, 15 livestock producer families make up the association, Jeffrey says. Jeffrey herself operates a Jersey dairy farm. Carter and his family raise Hereford cattle and horned Dorset sheep.