Clover Classic tees up success for Missouri 4-H

COLUMBIA, Mo. – The16th Annual Missouri 4-H Clover Classic Golf Tournament, June 2 at the Gustin Golf Course in Columbia, raised more than $80,000 to support Missouri 4-H youth programs across the state.

“The Clover Classic continues to demonstrate the power of investing in young people,” said Wendy Hall, chair of the Missouri 4-H Clover Classic. “We are grateful to our sponsors, donors, volunteers and participants whose support helps provide opportunities that prepare Missouri youth to be 4-H Beyond Ready.”

Co-presenting sponsors for the event were FCS Financial and Great American Insurance – Crop Division. Proceeds from the tournament help fund leadership development, educational experiences and community-focused programs for 4-H members statewide.

“The success of the 16th Annual Clover Classic reflects the generosity and commitment of the Missouri 4-H community,” said Rachel Augustine, senior director of advancement for University of Missouri Extension and the Missouri 4-H Foundation. “Together, we are creating opportunities that equip young people with the skills, experiences and confidence they need to thrive.”

Tim Tanner, senior program director for the Missouri 4-H Center for Youth Development, added to the fun with a personal challenge, competing with golfers and making a special donation to the tournament through the friendly competition.

The Missouri 4-H Foundation extends its thanks to all sponsors, donors, volunteers and golfers who made the 16th Annual Clover Classic another tremendous success, Augustine said.

Thanks to the support of Wheeler Auctions & Real Estate, sponsor of the tournament scorecards, and Craig Lehman-Shelter Insurance, sponsor of the Longest Putt Contest, participants enjoyed friendly competition throughout the day, with several golfers receiving top honors and special contest prizes.

The Bob Idel Championship Cup for first place went to the BTC Bank team of Scott Backes, Calen Bestgen, Nathan Bestgen and Trey Allison. Awards for the second place Championship Flight went to Great American Insurance #2 team of Christian Siegel, Jackson Cassil, Johnny Cassil and Brady Sayre.

Awards for first place A Flight went to the Commerce Trust team of Adam Burger, Rhett Brengarth, Adam Schaffner and Matt Rudroff. Awards for second place A Flight went to the Old Tub team of Brian Pulliam, Keith Cramer, Mike Beck and Kevin Gibbens.

Awards for first place B Flight went to the MFA Inc. team of Stephan Knudsen, Austin Kempker, Curt Price and Matt Boyce. Awards for second place B Flight went to the Harper Evans Hilbrenner & Netemeyer team of Jill Harper, Julie Elsbury, Deanna Harper and Sara Prochaska.

Players enjoyed lunch provided by Missouri Pork Association and Peachtree Catering. Lunch was prepared by Scott Hays, Sydney Long, Mike Deering and Don Nikodim. Fechtel Beverage & Sales Inc. sponsored beverages. The Poultry Federation sponsored the popular Snack and Beverage Cart, helping keep participants refreshed throughout the day.

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 Commerce Trust, Lockton, MFA Inc., Midwest Trust & Advisors, Missouri Corn Association, Missouri Pork Association, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, and Sydenstricker Nobbe Partners.

Gold sponsors included Allstate Consultants LLCl; BigIron Auctions; BTC Bank; Christopher Daubert - dean, MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources; Central Missouri AGRIService; Exchange Bank of Missouri; Farmers Mutual Hail; Ben and Renetta Gallup; Mark and Mary Goth; Missouri Farm Bureau; Missouri’s Beef Industry; Rain and Hail; Paul Rainsberger and Bill Elder; Syngenta Crop Protection; and Jo Turner.

Silver sponsors included Audsley Family Farms, Farm Credit Southeast Missouri, Patty and David Fisher, Fordyce Farms, Lyle and Velma Houts Family, Bob and Pam Idel, Missouri Agribusiness Association, Reid Wealth Management (David and Adam Reid), Bill Riggins, Rosebud Tractor, and Gary and Erma Wrye Farms.

Bronze donors included Agri Spray Drones; Nick and Baylee Asbury; Brett Begemann; Kristie Bray Larson and Kellie Bray; Brundage Environmental & Agricultural Law; Mark and Suzanne Cadle; Central Crop Insurance; Coleman Appliance; Don Copenhaver; Tom and Deniece Cox; Crown Power & Equipment Co. LLC; Jordan and Samantha Davis; Deppe Farms; Jerry Epperson; FCS Financial Crop Insurance; Franklin County Animal Medical Center; The Law Firm of Haden and Colbert; Wendy and Brock Hall; Ham Hill Farms; Heimer Hampshires; Todd and Susan Higgins; Interstate Regional Stockyard; David and Linda Janish; Knoxcon LLC; Kevin and Carol Langford; Chastity A. Menz, CPA, LLC; Mershon Cattle; MFA Oil; Missouri Southern Seed Corporation; Noah’s Ark Vet Service; Northwest Ag Services Inc.; Diane and Carl Olson; Osage Seed & Chemical LLC; Ray-Carroll County Grain Growers; Ricketts Farm Service; Rodeo Goat Ranch; Swift and Co. Realty; George Thomas; Three Rivers Electric Cooperative; Marla Tobin; Ernie and Jan Verslues; Wenneker Farms; Don Woodson State Farm Agent; and Brad and Lauren Zobrist Pepsi New Haven.

Donors and team sponsors included 3B, Alewel’s Country Meats, American Outdoor Brands, Andy’s Frozen Custard, Adam and Rachel Augustine, Dave Baker, Aaron Baker, Boone Electric Cooperative, Buchheit, Velynda Cameron, St. Louis Cardinals, Casey’s, Chief’s Radio Network, MU College of Health Sciences, Adam Dohrman-Whiskey Uncorked, Mary Kay Grusenmeyer, Hair Unlimited, Harper Evans Hilbrenner & Netemeyer, Henderson Implement, Heroes to Hives, Joan Hickman, Katie Hogan, Brandon Jones, Kansas City Chiefs, Doug Kueker, Leroy Madsen, Brad and Jennifer McCord, Jim Meyer, MidwayUSA Foundation, Missouri Grown, Missouri Wine and Grape, Jason Moore, Earl Niemeyer, Tim Tanner, Joyce Taylor, Christine Tew, Marla Tobin, Doug and Jeanne Westhues, Lisa Williams, and Chris Willow.

The Clover Classic committee was led by chair Wendy Hall and co-chair Bob Idel and included Baylee Asbury, Rachel Augustine, Samantha Davis, Wendy Hall, Scott Hays, Sydney Long, Katie Marshall, Brad McCord, Don Nikodim, Ernie Verslues, Lisa Williams 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.

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.

Photo

The BTC Bank team, which won the Bob Idel Championship Cup for first place.