Four decades in, Flint Hills Beef Fest appears as strong as ever.
That was the perspective of Beef Fest Committee Jessie Smith during the event’s annual steak feed Saturday. She saw a lot of signs of tradition woven through this year’s overall event.
Smith says there are several reasons why Beef Fest hasn’t lost any momentum.
Smith also sees generational connections fully in effect.
Beef Fest started as a futurity contest, which continued this year. Some of the other activities have come and gone, but the hamburger feed continued despite storms and occasionally heavy rain Saturday morning. The Beef Fest Committee provided the burgers, while KVOE staffers did the grilling. General Manager Ron Thomas says Beef Fest both highlights the importance of the grass cattle industry and connects the public to producers.
News reporter Tagan Trahoon says the Beef Fest activities can make “core memories” for residents.
Futurity winners are as follows:
Grass Futurity Steers: Wade Gleue, LeRoy. Contest gain 3.154 pounds per day
Grass Futurity Heifers: Anderson Ranch, Alma. Contest gain 2.693 pounds per day
Live Stocker Show Steers: Ecton Farms, Burlington
Live Stocker Show Heifers: Anderson Ranch, Alma
Jaret Moyer Beef Fest Grand Award, Steers: Wade Gleue, LeRoy
Harry Fowler Beef Fest Grand Award, Heifers: Anderson Ranch, Alma
Ranch Rodeo results:
1. Gibbs Cattle
2. X2 Ranch
3. Nelson Angus Ranch
