The Payne County Cattle Producers Annual Banquet is set for October 22, bringing cattle producers and others involved in the beef industry together for an evening of networking, education and recognition in Payne County. OSU Extension Educator Jennifer Patterson spoke with Associate Farm Reporter Carli Davenport about this year’s event, which will feature cattle contests, a trade show, a ribeye steak dinner and a silent auction supporting local youth and educational programs. “It’s our annual ribeye steak dinner and trade show,” Patterson said. “It’s an opportunity for our fellow producers and those involved in the cattle industry to come together and network and celebrate the successes of the individuals here in the county.”
The evening will begin with cattle contests at 3 p.m., followed by the opening of the trade show to the public at 5 p.m. in the expo hall. Dinner is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m.
Cattle Contests Highlight Producer Management and Selection
The banquet will feature two cattle contests open to members of the Payne County Cattle Producers organization. The first is the performance cattle contest, beginning at 3 p.m. Patterson said the contests provide an opportunity to recognize the work producers put into their cattle operations. “These contests just highlight the cattle and the producers’ work in breeding, selection, and their management,” Patterson said.
Now in its 29th year, the Haskell Cudd Stocker Calf and Replacement Heifer Contest recognizes local producers for the quality of cattle raised right here in Payne County. Held alongside the Payne County Cattle Producers Association’s annual banquet and trade show, cattle are evaluated on their market potential. The contest honors Haskell Cudd’s contributions to Stillwater’s agricultural economy and his role in building a strong cattle industry in Payne County.
She encouraged attendees to visit the barn before the trade show and dinner to see the cattle and talk with the exhibitors. “We encourage folks to come out, take a walk through the barn, check out the cattle there, and visit with them before the trade show and the dinner starts,” Patterson said.
Silent Auction Supports Youth and Educational Programs
The banquet’s silent auction will feature items donated by community partners and area businesses. Proceeds help fund several initiatives supported by the Payne County Cattle Producers organization, including youth scholarships, the annual pasture tour and the Hoof to Hook Steer Carcass Contest.
Patterson said the organization remains involved in community efforts, particularly programs benefiting young people. “Our Payne County Cattle Producers Group is heavily involved in community efforts, especially on the youth side,” Patterson said.
She added that the auction is one way the organization raises money to continue supporting cattle producers and educational opportunities throughout the county. “There’s a lot of different things that our cattlemen support here, right here in Payne County,” Patterson said.
Annual Pasture Tour Provides Hands-On Learning
Another program supported by the organization is the Payne County pasture tour, an educational event that has been held annually for approximately 20 years.
Patterson said organizers select different locations each year, allowing participants to learn directly from area producers and, at times, OSU research stations. The tour is designed to address the issues and concerns cattle producers are facing in a given year, with topics that can include livestock herd health and pasture management. “The idea for that is we try to address the current issues or concerns that our cattle producers are facing that year,” Patterson said.
In recent years, organizers have also incorporated continuing education opportunities for pesticide applicators. “But it’s an all-day program, and it’s something that we encourage folks to get involved with as well,” Patterson said.
The pasture tour is one example of how the organization extends its educational efforts beyond the annual banquet, helping producers learn about management practices and current challenges affecting their operations.
Registration Deadline Is October 15
Producers and other interested attendees can register for the October 22 banquet by contacting the Payne County OSU Extension office, which can provide current event information by email. Dinner tickets are $35 per person, and organizers are asking attendees to register by October 15.
Those interested in exhibiting at the trade show can reserve a vendor booth for $200. The vendor fee includes booth space and two ribeye steak dinners.
With cattle contests, educational outreach and opportunities to connect with other industry members, Patterson said the annual banquet brings together several aspects of the local cattle community.
