Keith Stevens Named Missouri Cattleman of the Year
The Missouri Cattlemen's Association recognized a Bolivar, Missouri, cattle producer as the 2023 Cattleman of the Year at the 56th Annual Missouri Cattle Industry Convention & Trade Show on January 20, 2024, at Osage Beach. Keith Stevens was presented the award for his commitment to advancing the Missouri beef industry.
Stevens played an instrumental role of initiating collegiate affiliate chapters at various colleges in Missouri including Missouri State University, University of Central Missouri, Truman State University, and Southeast Missouri State University. He made it a goal during his years of leadership to empower the next generation of cattle producers by getting them engaged in the association.
In 2023, Stevens was very engaged in developing the first ever Missouri Beef Days in Bolivar, Missouri, for May is Beef Month. Missouri Beef Days was a week-long celebration to highlight the industry’s importance to the region, state and nation. During this event, Stevens helped promote and educate the community about initiatives of the beef cattle industry.
"Stevens has been a dedicated member for a very long time and served as the 2016 MCA President," said Patty Wood, past MCA president. “This award was created to put focus on a member who went above and beyond in the respective year, and there is no one more deserving of that recognition in 2023 than Keith Stevens.”
Keith, his wife Beverly, and his brother-in-law all work together to operate an intensive grazing operation on 160-acres in Polk County known as L. Hopkins Farms with a mix of Charolais, Braunvieh and Angus cattle. Click here for the link to his video.
While the association dates back to 1911, MCA has been presenting the Cattleman of the Year award since 1965 and Stevens is the 61st recipient of the award.
