In Hickman County, cattle and calves accounted for 464 ($1,000) in sales according to the 2022 Census of Agriculture.  ANR Agent John David Tucker, in partnership with the Purchase Area Cattlemen’s Association, took a trip to Southwest Missouri for a Beef Production tour.  Five members/producers (5=male) were able to attend the auction at Joplin Regional Stockyard, visit with beef producers and stocker operations around Mount Vernon, Missouri, tour the Southwest Region Extension and Education Center, visit the Nowata Printing Company, and see the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum.  This trip was not only full of educational opportunities, but an opportunity to promote camaraderie, foster valuable connections, and create opportunities for agents and producers to engage with cattle producers from not only the Purchase region, but Southwest Missouri as well.  Special thanks to Mark Harmon, Manager of Joplin Regional Stockyard for setting up many of our site visits, and to Shawn Harper, President of Purchase Area Cattlemen’s Association for helping to organize the trip.   Extension greatly values and appreciates strong partnerships, such as the one we have with the Purchase Area Cattlemen's Association.