More than $15,500 was raised for 2019 scholarships during the Moniteau County Cattlemen's Association annual auction and dinner.
Members enjoyed the $10 steak dinner, provided by cattlemen members, including salad, baked potatoes, grilled steak and dessert. Some who attended the event said they support the group because it gives back.
"We like to support this for the kids, all the high school kids that get scholarships, that's the important thing," Marcy Oerly said.
Seniors going into an agriculture-related field who attend Jamestown, California, Russellville or Eldon schools can apply for scholarships in March 2019. An essay must be written. Recipients will be notified in May 2019.
This is the only fundraiser MCCA holds to raise money for scholarships.
"It's been a tremendous success for us, as the cattlemen and the students who receive scholarships," president David Gier said to the crowd.
The organization has monthly meetings for members to get updated information on laws, new regulations and medicines.
Students can also apply for scholarships on the state-level through the Missouri Cattlemen Association. The deadline for 2019 scholarships was Sept. 30.
Missouri manager of membership Maria Washburn said these events are important on both levels.
"As a state cattlemen association, we really encourage local county affiliates to have events through the year," Washburn said. "We're a grass-roots organization, so everything we do comes from the county level."
During dinner, members were given updates on farm information, including the livestock program which will help farmers in Moniteau and Morgan county who were affected by the drought.
"Anybody who has a pastured land that they graze would be eligible," Megan Dunkle said.
Dunkle is the county executive director for the USDA service agency.
Four months of payment for cows and calf will be offered in Moniteau County and one month of payment will be offered in Morgan County. The deadline to sign up is Jan. 30, 2019.
Following the induction of new board members - Toby Neimeyers, Gina Kuda, Chuck Inglish and Heather Martin - the 2018 Cattleman of the Year award was presented to Norman Rohrbach.
"This is a great group and I've enjoyed being a part of it," Rohrbach said.
The live action concluded the event. Some items included gift certificates, tire service basket, dog food, Missouri wine, baked goods and a large rippling star quilt. Items were donated by area vendors and California Veterinary Clinic.