Section E Page 5 Missoulian Centennial 17 of 25 Charter Members Active
17 of 25 Charter Members Active
The Missoula Hereford Association was organized March 1, 1948, with 25 charter members. Of these, 17 are still active.
The group organized to promote, encourage and further the breeding, handling and marketing of Hereford cattle.
The first judge was Howard Lewis and the auctioneer, H. B. Sager, who has been auctioneer for the past 12 sales. The first president was Ed O’Hare, Stevensville, and vice president was Herman Jacobsen, Ovando. Members of the board of directors were Dave Burton, Ronan; Dave Dutton, Gold Creek; Don Smith, Stevensville; Harold Passmore, Creston, and Ellery Owen, Philipsburg. H. H. Koessler was elected secretary-treasurer.
The first sale totaled $23,975 with a sale average of $521. In 1960 consignments for the 12th event were brought in from seven states, the largest number of states ever represented. The largest number of breeders ever represented – 71 – consigned to the two events.
The sale averages for the Top Cut were $951 on 76 head and $423 on 397 head.
To date more than $2,000,000 worth of Herefords have been sold in Missoula at the Top Cut events. Through the last 12 years the reputation of the sales has grown until, in addition to being the largest Hereford event between Denver and Calgary, it has also become the fourth largest sale in the nation.
Association President George Lacey, Drummond, was succeeded by Jack Benscoter, Stevensville, who will serve as president for 1960-61. The association has continued to grow from the original 25 members to a membership of 85.