Jr. Livestock Auction supported for 40 years

The Moniteau County Fair Junior Livestock Auction has been well-supported for many years. This support includes both participant youth and the individuals who have supported the program over many decades.

A case in point is a 40-year connection between the Cook family and Cal Gerlach.

Steers entered in the Moniteau County Fair by Gail Cook took the Grand Champion trophy for several years in the 1970s, including 1975. Fast forward to 2015, the Grand Champion Steer trophy was awarded to Chad Cook, son of Gail.

Cal Gerlach, manager of Thriftway Market in California, purchased the Grand Champion Steer from Gail Cook in 1975. That year, the champion steer was purchased from the 4-H and FFA member, processed and sold at the grocery store. Changes over the last 40 years make that no longer possible, since the processed meat from the champion steer can no longer be sold in a retail outlet.

Even so, Gerlach continues to support the Junior Livestock Auction and the youth of 4-H and FFA. This year, he purchased the 2015 champion steer from Chad Cook, in his last year of FFA membership eligibility, 40 years after purchasing the 1975 champion steer from Chad's father, Gail.

This time, though, the steer has been processed and the beef will be for the personal enjoyment of the Gerlach family.