COLUMBIA, Mo. – The 14th annual Missouri 4-H Clover Classic Golf Tournament, June 4, raised more than $92,000, setting a new record in the Missouri 4-H Foundation’s history. The tournament, at the A.L. Gustin Golf Course in Columbia, drew participants and supporters from across the state. Co-presenting sponsors were Climate Field View and Great American Insurance-Crop Division.
“We are elated by the outpouring of support we received this year,” said Bob Idel, chair of the Missouri 4-H Clover Classic. “Our record-breaking success is a testament to the dedication and generosity of our sponsors, volunteers and participants.”
The funds raised at the Clover Classic will support Missouri 4-H programs, providing resources for educational activities, leadership training and community projects, said Rachel Augustine, senior director of advancement for University of Missouri Extension and the Missouri 4-H Foundation.
“The success of this year’s Clover Classic is a clear indication of the strong community support for 4-H and its mission,” Augustine said. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to this achievement. The raised funds will enable us to expand our outreach and enhance the quality of our programs, impacting the lives of countless young people across Missouri.”
The Missouri 4-H Foundation extends its heartfelt thanks to all sponsors, donors, volunteers and participants who made the 2024 Clover Classic a resounding success, she said.
The Bob Idel Championship Cup for first place went to the Central Crop Insurance team of Adam Stanberry, Ryan Benes, Jeff Harbert and Zane Taylor. Awards for the second place Championship Flight went to the Team 21 team of Ben Gallup, Steve Neal, Terry Nixon and Zack Nickson.
Awards for first place A Flight went to the Missouri State Fair No. 1 team of Jason Moore, Steven Sims, Todd Holman and Justin Anderson. Awards for second place A Flight went to the 4Ns team of Earl Niemeyer, Scott Niemeyer, Ryan Niemeyer and Justin Edmond.
Awards for first place B Flight went to the Team Silver team of Zach Sage, Brian Pulliam and Keith Cramer. Awards for second place B Flight went to the Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer team of Jill Harper, Deanna Harper, Lindsey Black and Sara Prochaska.
Players enjoyed lunch provided by the Missouri Pork Association and Peachtree Catering. Lunch was prepared by Mike Deering, Don Nikodim and Sydney Thummel. Beverage and snack sponsors included Fechtel Beverage and Sales Inc., the Law Firm of Haden and Colbert, and Show Me Ethanol LLC.
Foursomes teed off under the banner of hat sponsor FCS Financial. Margaritaville was sponsored by FCS Financial and hosted by FCS Financial Crop Insurance.
Platinum sponsors included Lockton Cos., MFA Inc., Missouri Corn, Missouri Pork Association, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council and Sydenstricker Nobbe Partners.
Gold sponsors included BTC Bank; MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources; Central Crop Insurance LLC; Community State Bank of Missouri; FCI Advisors-Midwest Trust; Mark and Mary Goth; Henderson Implement; Mazda of Columbia; Missouri Farm Bureau; MU Extension and Engagement; Syngenta; George Thomas; Vivayic Inc.; and Wheeler Auctions and Real Estate.
Silver sponsors included AGRIServices of Brunswick LLC; Audsley Family Farms; Brownfield Ag News; Farm Credit Southeast Missouri; Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Co. of Iowa; Fordyce Farms; Heimer Hampshires; John and Joan Hickman; Lyle and Velma Houts family; Bob and Pam Idel; Craig Lehman – Shelter Insurance; Missouri Agribusiness Association; Missouri Cattlemen’s Association; Missouri Beef Industry Council; Missouri Department of Agriculture Black Vulture Awareness Project; Missouri Southern Seed Corp.; the Poultry Federation; Protect the Harvest; Rail and Hail; Ray-Carroll County Grain Growers Inc.; Ricketts Farm Service Inc.; Rosebud Tractor and Equipment; Marla Tobin, M.D.; Ernie and Jan Verslues; and Gary and Erma Wrye Farms.
Bronze sponsors included Advanced Diesel & Auto Repair; AgriThority; Nick and Baylee Asbury; Boone Electric Cooperative; Greg Buckman; Kelli Jo and Kyle Buettner; Burgers’ Smokehouse; Coleman Appliance; Copenhaver Farms; Jordan and Samantha Davis; Edward Jones | Matt Peiter; Epperson Family Farms; Exchange Bank of Missouri; Wendy Faulconer-Loges; FCS Financial Crop Insurance; David and Patty Fisher; Franklin County Animal Medical Center; Hall Turf; Ham Hill Farms; Clay and Dana Haynes; David and Linda Janish; Kevin and Carol Langford; Luecke’s Roofing; Brad McCord-McCord and Co. LLC; the McDonald family, Rolla, Mo.; Chastity A. Menz, CPA LLC; Mershon Cattle LLC; MFA Oil Co.; Midwest Dairy Association; Missouri Egg Council in memory of Tony Perryman; Nathan White Farms; Don and Betty Nikodim; Noah’s Ark Vet Service; Northwest Ag Services Inc.; Osage Seed & Chemical LLC; Pepsi - New Haven; Perry Ag Lab, Bowling Green; Swift and Co. Realty; Three Rivers Electric; United Country Land and Lake Properties; and Wenneker Farms.
Donors and team sponsors included A.L. Gustin Golf Course; Amazon | Ashland, Mo., Warehouse; Rachel Augustine; Kathy Berger; Sen. Mike Bernskoetter; BOGS Boots; Boone Electric Cooperative; Maxine Branson; Kristie Bray Larson and Kellie Bray; Brundage Environmental and Ag Law LLC; BTC Bank; Bucheit; Burgers’ Smokehouse; Casey’s General Store; CFM Insurance; Chiefs Radio Network; Commerce Bank; Tom and Deniece Cox; Deppe Farms; Lupita Fabregas; Fringe Western Ware; Ben Gallup; Grow Missouri; Hair Unlimited; Wendy Hall; Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer; Heimer & Associates; Dennis and Machelle Henks; Todd Higgins; Lane Building Products; Brad McCord-McCord and Co. LLC; Lucinda McRoberts; MFA Inc.; Missouri Friends of NRA; MidwayUSA; MidwayUSA Foundation; Missouri State Fair; Missouri Wine and Grape; MU College of Health Sciences; National 4-H Council; Kevin and Marilyn O’Bannon family; Jim Ollar; Diane Olson; Paradise Pointe Golf; Ruth Pirch; Raines Family Farms LLC; Bill Riggins; Rodeo Goat Ranch LLC; Shoal Creek Golf Course; Six Flags St. Louis; St. Louis Cardinals; Joyce Taylor; Linda Jo Turner; Tweedy Law Office LLC; Douglas and Jeanne Westhues; Whiskey Uncorked; White Mule Winery; Chris Willow; Woods Smoked Meats Inc.; and Worlds of Fun Kansas City.
The Clover Classic committee was led by chair Bob Idel and included Baylee Asbury, Rachel Augustine, Dana Brown-Haynes, Kelli Jo Buettner, Samantha Davis, Wendy Hall, Wendy Loges, Katie Marshall, Brad McCord, Don Nikodim, Christine Tew, Sydney Thummel, Ernie Verslues and Chris Willow.
About Missouri 4-H
Missouri 4-H grows today’s youth and prepares tomorrow’s leaders. With a blend of time-tested traditions and innovative hands-on learning, Missouri youth explore and find their spark in programs ranging from agriculture and conservation to aerospace and career development. Through clubs, programs, camps, in-school and after-school experiences, University of Missouri Extension faculty, staff and thousands of volunteers guide youth in developing essential skills, building confidence and fostering connections. Together, they inspire young people to make a real difference in their communities, their country and the world. To learn more about Missouri 4-H, visit 4h.missouri.edu.
About the Missouri 4-H Foundation
The Missouri 4-H Foundation is the independent philanthropic partner of the University of Missouri Extension 4-H Center for Youth Development. For 75 years, the foundation has secured and managed funds for Missouri 4-H, providing higher education scholarships, recognizing 4-H volunteers and supporting the work of MU Extension 4-H. Learn more at 4h.missouri.edu/foundation.