Boyum named "Cattlemen of the Year"

By News Team
ads@fillmorecountyjournal.com

Fri, Dec 18th, 2009
Posted in Agriculture

Comments

Paul Boyum and his wife Shari at the 2009 MSCA Convention. Photo by Jason Sethre

Paul Boyum, of Utica, became the first beef producer from Fillmore County to receive the Cattleman of the Year recognition from the Minnesota State Cattlemen's Association (MSCA) on December 5. Paul was presented this honor, as the engraving on the trophy states, "In recognition of outstanding service and leadership in the beef industry." Receiving the award came as a complete surprise to Paul, as he was nominated by the Wabasha County Cattlemen. When asked why Wabasha county nominated him, Vicky Fick of Lake City explained, "Well for one thing he is a wonderful guy! He does so much for the local and state associations." She continued, "He attends all the meetings and is very active. He is all around a very dedicated cattlemen!" Approximately 250 members attended the MSCA Convention December 4-5 at Cragun's Resort near Brainerd where the award was presented.

A Fillmore County native, in 1968 Paul and his brother Arne started the BoyCo Farms partnership. With that partnership dissolved, he and his wife, Shari, now operate their 125 cow/calf operation. "We have always had cattle, and we background calves until about January or February," Paul stated. "We have Angus, Simmental and a few Charolais and use a half blood Simmental/Angus bull." In addition to the cattle, their farm consists of about 1,000 acres, half which are tillable, and grow corn, soybeans, and alfalfa. Paul and Shari recently celebrated 40 years of marriage with their daughters Kari Goldsmith and her husband Chris of Chatfield, Kristen Kelley and her husband Mike of Lanesboro, and their two granddaughters and two grandsons.

Paul has been involved in the beef industry his entire life. He started showing beef steers at the age of nine in 4-H. He continued his work with the 4-H beef project as an adult leader during the time his daughters were in 4-H. Kari and Kristen showed Simmental and crossbred cattle in 4-H, FFA and open class. Shari explained, "He helped in the show ring up until this last year. He helped the 4-Hers who graduated this year when they first started showing, and thought it was time to let someone else take over.

Paul has had a significant influence in the local Fillmore County Cattlemen's Association. He is a charter member of the Fillmore County group, helping to organize its establishment in 1981. He served as a director and is still on the board helping the group achieve its mission. In 1996, Paul and Shari were the chairpersons for the state tour which was held in Fillmore county. Paul was named Fillmore County Cattleman of the Year in 1986.

On the state level, Paul has served as Region 9 director and currently serves on the state Policy and Resolutions committee to help develop and write proposals that are presented to the state legislature on issues such as conservation, pollution and animal welfare. Paul and Shari believe they have attended every state convention since 1980. Shari is also active on the state level, currently serving as the Minnesota Cattlewomen treasurer and was awarded Minnesota Cattlewoman of the year in 1997. Each year they attend the state farm tours and enjoy their participation, "It is fun to be active, you meet lots of great people," stated Paul.

Advocates of the beef industry, both Paul and Shari enjoy working at events that fund the organization and its programs. "We work at Farmfest serving sandwiches and at various events in Fillmore County," explained Paul. He is quick to mention the opportunities that the funds provide for area youth, stating that scholarship opportunities are available through the county as well as the State Beef Spokesperson Program. It is quite evident that both Paul and Shari have a passion for the beef industry and its mission.

In addition to Paul's leadership in the beef industry, he is also a US Army veteran, serving in Korea during the Vietnam War, and is a member of the Peterson American Legion. Currently, he is serving as the Arendahl Lutheran Church council president. A graduate of the Peterson school district, he served on the Peterson School Board for ten years before its consolidation with Rushford in 1990. Paul was named Minnesota Commercial Cattlemen of the Year in 1990 from the Minnesota Beef Cattle Improvement Association.

No Comments Yet. Be the first to comment!