Artwork by
Dennis Murphy

For the students, by the students

AGR Classic Steer and Heifer Show a success
By Katie Allen, Corner Post staff

More than 350 junior exhibitors with approximately 550 head of steers and heifers gathered for the 11th Annual AGR Classic Steer and Heifer Preview Show February 5 and 6 at Midway Exposition Center in Columbia, Mo. The show, which draws livestock exhibitors from over 10 states, serves as a community service project for the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity at the University of Missouri.

Since 1994, the AGR Classic has grown into one of the Midwest’s best preview cattle shows. Over the years, the show continues to grow even more.

“This was our all time biggest show in 11 years,” said Joe Don McGaugh, junior agricultural economics major at MU and Alpha Gamma Rho member.

Jack Ward from Plattsburg, Mo., judged this year’s show. Ward, who works with the American Hereford Association, has judged many large shows around the area.

“ A few guys in the house know Jack and asked him if he would be interested (in judging),” McGaugh said. “(Ward) was very qualified to judge our show.”

At the conclusion of the shows, Ward wished the exhibitors luck and congratulated all in the championship drive for raising excellent cattle.

“ My compliments to you,” Ward said to the exhibitors. “There’s a lot of quality (cattle) at this show.”

Ward also commended the Alpha Gamma Rho members for their hard work in putting on a great show.

Winners of the AGR Classic receive prize money at the conclusion of the show. The Grand Champion Steer received a $2,000 cash prize, while the Grand Champion Heifer was awarded $1,000. Reserve Grand Champion Steer also received $1000 cash prize, and Reserve Grand Champion Heifer took home $500. Donations, community support and entry fees support the prize money fund.

“This was a completely non-for-profit show, so all money that was brought in will go out to the exhibitors who brought their animals,” McGaugh said.

Tyler Nowatzke of Indiana took home Grand Champion Heifer honors with his crossbred heifer. Rachael Carlson exhibited the Grand Champion Missouri Heifer with her Maine Anjou.

Grand Champion Steer was awarded to Rebecca Freeman of Iowa for her Champion Crossbred. Molly Thompson took the Grand Champion Missouri Steer honors with her Chianina steer.

MU student Kevin Johansen, a junior animal science major, exhibited the Champion Charolais Heifer at the event. While he shows his cattle at surrounding state fairs and triple crown circuits, Johansen, a 15-year cattle showman, says that he usually attends the AGR Classic every year. Although this year is his last to show, Johansen says that he will be bringing cattle to the show in future years for customers.

“I thought this year’s show was as good as the past shows,” Johansen said. “Good numbers represented in state and out of state.”

McGaugh couldn’t agree more on the outcome of this year’s show.
“ The show went real well,” McGaugh said. “All the brothers in the house did a great job of helping out with their jobs, and it was a great overall success.”

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