Showing their support for the rural community and agriculture in the county, Cowley College purchased a market steer during Monday night’s Cowley County Fair 4-H/FFA Market Livestock Auction held at the Winfield Fairgrounds.
The 1,210-pound reserve division champion was presented by Madison McGee, who will be a junior at Ark City High School, according to a press release form Cowley College Tuesday. Madison has shown animals at the Fair for nearly a decade.
“I live on a ranch and have been raising animals my entire life,” Madison said. “I enjoy 4-H because of the opportunities it gives me to meet new people.”
The college began purchasing cattle from local 4-H members back in 2010 as a way to not only support local 4-H programs and their students but also as a way to give back to the community.
Cowley College President Dr. Randy Smith and former Board Chair Dennis K. Shurtz represented the college at the Fair.
“Ag is a big part of our area, and what we do, so we want to support Ag throughout our service area as well as the kids who work really hard in raising their animals,” Smith said.
The meat will be processed and donated to Manna Ministries Food Bank in Ark City and the Winfield Community Food Pantry to area families in need.
“We are happy to be able to donate this meet to the food banks and help those in need,” Dr. Smith said. “I think it is a win-win for all concerned and are thrilled to be a part of such a great fair.”
Madison’s mother, Jamie, has worked at Cowley College in the business office for the past 12 years. While Madison’s brother, Patrick, graduated from Cowley in 2021.
To learn more about Cowley College’s agriculture program, please contact 620-441-5296 or email [email protected].
