Hosting the annual Twilight Tour was the Schafer Family, From left are Lydia Schafer, Mike Schafer, Ann Schafer and Gerv Schafer. (Photo by Sandy Greer)

The 17th annual Beef Twilight Tour, hosted by Black Walnut Farm, CR 1300N, Syracuse, was cut short by the severe thunderstorm that passed through Saturday evening in Kosciusko County.

As clouds cleared and the rain subsided, the meeting opened with Michael Shafer’s welcoming remarks; “We braved the rain. Welcome cattlemen to Black Walnut Farm. Thank you for coming.”

Black Walnut Farm is operated by The Schafer Family.

The event included a ribeye dinner prepared and served by cattlemen members.
The skills contest offered an opportunity for the members to guess the weight of six steers.

Joining the cattlemen from Martinsville was Norm Voyle from the Indiana Beef Association. He spoke briefly about the work and involvement by “the young people.” He feels they are doing a good job and is happy to see the work they put into the program.

Paul Zahl, animal nutrition from Hubbard Feed, presented “Beef Feed Efficiencies” to the members. Zahl explained techniques for health feeding. Topics included; cow and calf feeding, feed lot, and show ring. He reminded, “A good feeding program doesn’t cost, it pays.”

Other activities included Bob Bishop receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award. The award is normally presented in February, but Bishop was not able to attend at that time and was presented a framed photo of a cattle show by fellow members.

The tour and meal is sponsored by the Kosciusko County Cattlemen’s Association and Purdue Extension – Kosciusko County.