Edward H. Steele, Butler, Missouri
Ed Steele, Butler, Missouri has been a prominent leader in dairy activities throughout Missouri and the nation. Since his early boyhood, Ed has been an active dairy farmer and cattle breeder, yet found time to assist in many programs to further the best interests of Missouri dairymen.
Mr. Steele was born at Butler, Missouri in 1934. His father is Russell Steele now retired and his mother the late Helen Frazier Steele. They operated a dairy farm near Butler. Ed attended a rural school and the Butler High School, graduating in 1952. He was active in FFA, holding various offices and a member of the dairy cattle judging team. Ed received the FFA State Farmer degree in 1951 and his American Farmer degree in 1953. He was named the Star National Regional Dairy Farmer in 1953.
When Ed graduated from high school he planned to enroll at the University of Missouri. However, his father was in failing health and rather than sell the herd Ed stayed home and took over the farm operations. In 1957 Ed and Sue Ann King, of Adrian, Missouri were married. Sue Ann is the Editor of the Mid-States Holstein News and the sister of Jerry King. That same year Ed and Jerry King formed the well-known Steele and King Holsteins partnership. Ed and Jerry bought the holdings of Ed’s father and the partnership continues with the addition of Jerry’s son, Rick King.
Ed was president of the Missouri Holstein Association in 1979 and 1980. He has managed the Missouri State Sale nearly every year since its founding and he has served as a State Delegate to the National Holstein Convention many times. Ed has been faithful supporter of the Missouri Dairy Herd Improvement Federation serving four threeyear terms as President or vice president. He is past-president of the Butler Chamber of Commerce; a member of the Elks Club; member of the Butler First Christian Church and currently serving on its Board as a deacon. When his daughters were growing up he was a 4-H dairy leader. He helped to renovate the Bates County Fair and is serving his third term as chairman of the fair board. Ed is a long time officer of the Association of Missouri Dairy Organizations and is serving his third term as president. Well known in dairy circles Ed has judged many dairy shows in the Midwest. In 1984 he served as Co-Chairman of the National Holstein Convention in St. Louis.
Ed and Sue Ann have two children: Rebecca Ann, now Mrs. Charles Bauerfield, Shawnee Mission, Kansas; Brenda, now Assistant Director of Medical Records, Research Hospital, Kansas City, Missouri.
Ed and Sue live on the farm where he was born. His entire life revolves around his family, the dairy herd and his various dairy organization activities.