Mike Wilson, of Neosho, is the recipient of the Pioneer Leader Award. He was the founder of Mi-Wil Farms. Mike graduated from Neosho High School in 1975 and continued his education by attending Crowder College and later SMSU where he earned his degree in Animal Science.

In 1966, Mike’s parents bought the current farm where he was raised and fell in love with dairy cattle. At a young age, he showed cattle in Newton County 4-H. That is where Mike truly began working on developing his herd and cattle. When he reached 16 years old, he was able to drive himself to shows throughout Southeast Kansas and Northwest Arkansas. Those shows exposed Mike to other breeders and registered animals. In his early years of showing he received several red and white ribbons. Mike viewed those red and white ribbons as a driving force to better himself and his animals. The first registered Holstein at Mi-Wil was Mi-Wil Skyline Maple that was scored at 87 points. The family continued to show Holsteins until the early 1990s, when a few registered Jerseys were added to the herd for the girls. The Jerseys became Shannon’s love and then Kim showed an interest in the Guernsey breed. Registered Guernsey’s were then added to the herd. Scott kept his dad’s interest in Holsteins. Mike’s love of showing and fellowship with other breeders has now passed down to his children as they have gotten interested in all breeds of cattle and continue showing at state and national shows. Mike produced an outstanding herd breeding 86 – VG and 24 – Excellent Holsteins; 121 – VG and 71 – Excellent Jerseys; including seven 93-point, four 94-point and three 95-point cows; and one 94-point Guernsey. All of his hard work paid off as he bred several 94-point cows in three different breeds! Mike appreciated and respected all cattle, no matter the breed.

Mike’s commitment to the agricultural community was profound, evidenced by his membership in the Missouri Jersey Cattle Club and the National and Missouri Holstein Association for over 40 years. Mike served in state leadership roles in both breed associations.

He dedicated his time to coaching dairy judging teams and judging numerous cattle shows. Outside the farm, Mike was a supporter of FFA and the Booster Club. Not only did he coach his own children on the Neosho FFA Dairy Judging Team, but coached many other FFA teams through the years, including at least four state champions and a national championship. Following his retirement from farming, he worked at Neosho MFA.

Michael Lee Wilson passed away on February 16, 2024. He and his wife Tina, have three children: Shannon Kleiboeker, husband Jared; Kim Grewe, husband Brandon; and Scott Wilson, and wife Jenna. They also have six grandchildren: Colton and Cobie Kleiboeker, Brynn Grewe, Kason, Kimber and Elijah Wilson.