Ag banquet set for March 14

The 48th Annual Kiwanis Agriculture Recognition Banquet is scheduled for March 14 at the Ag Pavilion at the Seward County Fairgrounds.

A featured presentation about the Bayer Crop Science Research Station at Beaver Crossing will be part of the annual banquet. The banquet continues to recognize the importance of farmers and agribusiness in Seward County.

This year, the Sloup family will be recognized for their outstanding representation of the beef industry with their Simmental breeding herd. Sloup Simmentals takes great pride in offering the top genetics from matriarchs of the Simmental breed. Sloups own, sell and market genetics on some of the most well respected females in the breed.

Another family business, Sloup-Thorell Detasseling, provides an important production step for the large seed corn industry in the county as well as temporary summer employment for many youth.

This year’s agribusiness person to be recognized is Ron Velder and Farmers Cooperative. Velder has been employed by Farmers Cooperative since 1973 and became CEO in 1994.

Farmers Cooperative has served Seward County since 1914 and under Velder’s leadership has made a tremendous impact on Seward County. Velder has always put the farmer’s interest first and has made sound business decisions that have served Farmer’s Cooperative well. Velder has provided that unique blend of leadership and vision needed to consolidate and grow a farmer owned cooperative organization that serves the needs of more than 6,500 member producers.

Tickets to the Seward County Ag Banquet are available at Cattle National Bank or Jones National Bank.

The Ag Recognition Banquet is a team effort of the Seward Kiwanis Club, Seward County Ag Society, Seward Area Chamber of Commerce and those interested in supporting agriculture in Seward County.

The banquet begins with wine and cheese at 5:30 p.m. and a prime rib meal at 6:30 p.m.