STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — The 20th Annual Pennsylvania Beef Expo held March 26-29 was a success.
There were many excellent animals on display during the Junior shows. Many 4-H and FFA members learned new things about the beef industry by participating in the Beef Skill-A-Thon and Quiz Bowl competitions.
New records
The 36th annual Performance Tested Bull sale set new records.
There was a record set for the highest selling animal ever when the Charolais bull owned by Leo Muncy sold to Bill Mays of Tennessee, Rambur Charolais of Sidney, Mont. and Vedvei Charolais of Lake Preston, S.D., for $13,500.
Dedicated
This year’s expo was dedicated to the memory of Ray Grimes and in the honor of the ongoing service of Mary Grimes.
Ray and Mary were among the founding fathers of the Pennsylvania Beef Expo more than 20 years ago.
Ray served as co-chairman of the expo the two years it was held at the Farm Show Building in Harrisburg.
They worked tirelessly for the benefit of the expo the past 20 years. Mary was one of the originators and guiding principals behind the silent auction and the fun auction.
Ray was also supportive of the political action committees, both in Pennsylvania and on a national level, serving as PAC chairman from Pennsylvania to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.
Ray and Mary were instrumental in getting the now famous “Keystone rib-eye steak sandwich” introduced and developed into what is now a highlight of many organizations and functions.
Ray served on the board of directors for the National Cattlemen’s Association, which later became the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, for a number of years.
South Mountain Farm
Ray and Mary moved their families to Adams County, Pa., in 1971 to the location that has become South Mountain Farm.
The decision was made to get into the beef business. They started with 10 nondescript animals and over the years, the herd grew to a peak of 150 cows.
Ray and Mary have been active in many cattle-related organizations, including the Adams County Beef Producers, Colonial Charolais Association and the Pennsylvania Cattlemen’s Association. Ray also served on the board of directors for the Pennsylvania Beef Council.
Ray and Mary have supported youth, including 4-H, FFA and Junior Cattlemen’s activities and Ray served as a Scout Master for 25 years.
