OSAGE BEACH, MISSOURI (January 18, 2025) – The Missouri Cattlemen's Association recognized Ron Rogers, Anderson, Missouri, with the "Pioneer Award" at the 57th Annual Missouri Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show on January 18, 2025. The award is the highest honor given by the association and is comparable to a lifetime achievement award.
After graduating high school in 1965, Rogers attended Crowder College just a year before being drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantry Badge and numerous service ribbons for his time in the service. Ronnie returned to Crowder College to complete his education where he received an associate’s degree. He continued his education and obtained his Bachelor of Science degree at Southwest Missouri State University. Ronnie went on to University of Missouri Veterinary School where he received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1979.
Rogers dedicated his career to working as a veterinarian for the animal clinic in Neosho. For many years, Rogers devoted all his time to the people of southwest Missouri taking care of animals with all types of needs. After retiring from the vet clinic, Rogers was able to focus on his own operation. He even began training horses and stock dogs where he developed quite the reputation as a high quality stock dog trainer.
Even with all of his extracurricular activities, Rogers never slowed down and remained an active public servant in his local community. He served as vice president of the McDonald County Soil and Water Conservation board and became heavily involved in Newton McDonald County Cattlemen’s Association.
Most recently, Rogers recognized an issue in his community that would have caused catasphrohic effects to agriculture in the state. The issue was brought to Rogers attention when a large corporation began dumping unknown industrial waste on agricultural land in the area. He quickly recognized the issue at hand and began advocating for a solution to protect farmers and ranchers private property rights and agricultural land. Rogers singlehandedly led the charge in getting local public support, Newton McDonald County Cattlemen's members, and other groups involved in the policy initiative which focused on property rights and food industry waste. Rogers also got his county cattlemen's affliate to host public forum meetings. He also had cattlemen's members and other people in the community speak with members of the local and state government. Because of Rogers efforts, State Representative Dirk Deaton crafted a bill which was signed into law by Governor Parson in May 2024. Rogers’ hard work was recognized by Governor Parson in the ceremonial signing of the bill.
"Ronnie is no stranger to this association and is never, ever afraid to speak his mind,” MCA Executive Vice President Mike Deering said. "From serving our country in uniform to practicing veterinary medicine to being actively involved in advocating for this industry. He most definitely encompasses the very definition of a Pioneer." Rogers is a dedicated member of MCA and has a great love for the beef industry. He has dedicated his entire life to the care of animals, protection of our natural resources and encourages those around him to become more involved.
Click here to see Roger's feature video.
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