Tom Farms & Everett Tom Show Cattle, Leesburg, are featured in the 20th Beef Twilight Tour Aug. 14.

By KELLY HECKAMAN
Purdue Extension Kosciusko County Extension Director

LEESBURG — This year’s Kosciusko County Cattlemen’s Association and Purdue Extension Kosciusko County’s beef twilight tour offers fun and fellowship for all area beef producers starting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14. The 20th addition heads back to the Leesburg area.

All who attend will get to see great cattle, learn about the Chianina breed, and enjoy a delicious meal sponsored by the Kosciusko County Cattlemen’s Association.

The host for this year’s tour is Tom Farms & Everett Tom Show Cattle of Leesburg. Featured this year is a purebred operation featuring Chianina cattle with emphasis on raising calves for 4-H, the purebred industry and farm fresh beef. This cattle operation has been actively involved in a variety of aspects of the beef industry for over 50 years. You will be able to tour their cattle and facilities at their farm located just north of Leesburg at 8542 N Harper Road.

The judging contest is back. As attendees arrive they can test their selection skills on two to three classes. This event is now an annual part of the tour. Prizes will be awarded for the winners of the youth and adult divisions.

This year the tour is featuring several educational presentations. Courtney Lemmon from Trans Ova Genetics will be us to provide updates on new technologies available to improve the genetics in your beef herd. You will also get updates from the county and state beef organizations.

The tour is also hosting the Associate Member Trade Show. If you are interested in having a booth or a door prize you would like to donate, please contact Melissa Gerber at (574) 453-3300.

Of course the tour would not be complete without the traditional meal of ribeye sandwiches with all the trimmings for supper. After the meal the judging contest results will be given. Door prizes will be given away to a few lucky winners to complete the evening.

So, mark your calendar for Aug. 14 and enjoy an informal evening of learning about the beef industry in Kosciusko County. To assist in planning the tour, the Cattlemen’s ask that you RSVP with the extension office at (574) 372-2340 by Aug. 12. There is a $5 charge per person payable at the door with children under 12 free if received by the 12. However, after Aug. 12 $10 per person will be charged for the meal payable at the door.

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

A map and directions are available from the Extension Office or on the website at https://extension.purdue.edu/Kosciusko. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Extension Office at (574) 372‑2340.