Heartland Highland Cattle Association

2026 Annual Gathering and Meeting

Virtual Fencing, Government Programs Featured
At Annual Gathering in Branson, Missouri, March 7

By Gloria Asmussen

What perfect weather to attend the 2026 HHCA annual gathering on Saturday, March 7! It was great traveling weather for all the members who came from Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Missouri. There were so many new younger faces and several breeders who were invited and then became members.

The morning speaker was Adam Coulter from the NRCS, who presented information on governmental programs for farmers. Several of our members have used the NRCS programs and have had high praise for them. The afternoon presentation was given by Matt Vermeersch, an HHCA member from Iowa who is a representative for Nofence virtual fencing and also uses it on his farm with his Highland cattle. His presentation was detailed and interesting, with lots of questions from the audience on how it works. Several members were going to seek more information since they felt it would work for them.

A huge thank-you goes out to all the members who brought food for the potluck luncheon. The food was delicious and plenty of it for seconds and more.

The annual membership meeting was held with the election of new officers and members of the Board of Directors. The past President conducted business before introducing the new officers, President Clint Deardorff and Vice-President Chris Batz; the Board of Directors Katherine Faulk, Tyson Johnson, Christi Abel, and Mike Senglaub.

Scholarship awards of $750 were presented to five students: Allie Hill, Stover, Missouri; Charlize Pyle, Willard, Missouri; Jacie Dunn, Owens Cross Roads, Alabama; McKenna Jesse, Akron, Colorado; and Sylvia Calabrese, Davidsonville, Maryland.

A thank-you was given to the outgoing President Harold Ramey and Vice-President Adam Michaud. The meeting ended with President Deardorff updating the membership of the ongoing litigation between the AHCA and HHCA. Currently it is at a standoff.

Everyone enjoyed Wagyu beef brisket, bacon chicken, and pulled pork at the evening banquet. There was lots of food for seconds, and the desserts were scrumptious.

The Lee Wolfgang award was presented to Tracee Riley and to Jerry and Sally Thompson for their time and enthusiasm in promoting the Highland breed. Dave Embury was recognized for his 15 years volunteering to work the pens and secure the animals at the auctions.

The evening ended with a presentation by Mike Senglaub on the genetic program.

It was a great day of meeting new members, making new friends, and catching up with long-time friends.