The threat of snow and sleet didn’t stop the annual Greene County Cattlemen’s Association Banquet and Trophy Auction Saturday night.

The fundraiser brought in $20,250. The traveling trophy, which is given to the organization or individual that bids the most money, was once again awarded to Hamilton Redi-Mix with $1,700. There were 46 bidders that won 54 different items. The highest bid amount was Jefferson Hy-Vee for $1,100 for the Grand Champion 4-H Market Animal. And a speciality item from Olson Iron Works entitled “Cattlemen Care” led off the auction in memory of the late Pat Fields. Dunlop Livestock Auction won the item with a $1,000 bid.

President Tom Lawton described his reaction to the event, considering the less-than ideal weather conditions.

“Yeah we were wondering whether we were going to be able to pull this off tonight, but the weather cooperated and we had an awesome night. It seems like every year these donors just come through. It seems like they give more every year and we can’t be more thankful.”

Landus Cooperative Communications Director Alicia Heun also made an announcement that Landus is going to build a new beef feed center at the former soy plant, located behind their facility in Jefferson.

The 2017 scholarship winners were also announced. There were eight students including: Abby Badger, Chase Juergensen, Eli Muir, Brian Rasmussen, Chase Stoline, Trey Tucker, Taylor Wessling and Mason Burket. Each student received a $750 scholarship. Badger, Juergensen and Muir were also announced at the County Fair Beef Exhibitor Scholarship winners, which they also received an additional $250.

All proceeds will go back to the cattlemen’s scholarship fund as well as other local projects and beef promotions.