Cattlemen donation to injured farmer reaches $8,700

     Year after year, Seth Wilson and the Wilson family of Miles stepped up for the Jones County Cattlemen.

     This time, it was time for the Cattlemen to return the favor.

     Wilson, who for more than a decade has donated an hour of tub grinding as a live auction item for the Jones County Beef Banquet, suffered a head injury March 7 in a farming accident, and has been recovering at University of Iowa Hospitals ever since.

     The Cattlemen found ways to give back. On the live auction list at this year’s Beef Banquet March 14 were 25 ribeye steaks, to be grilled for a party or gathering.

     “We decided, as a board, any proceeds we’d take in (for that auction item), we’d donate it to the family,” said Steve Barber, a director for the Jones County Cattlemen.

     Those in attendance that night donated as well – the auction item was re-sold eight times.

     The Cattlemen also set up a get-well poster next to a bucket, and collected nearly $1,500 that way.

     Alex Steffen of Anamosa, winner of the Jones County Idol karaoke contest at the Beef Banquet, donated his entire $500 prize to the Wilson family as well.

     In all, the Cattlemen raised about $8,700 to help the family with its medical expenses.

     “It was a good cause,” Barber said. “It’s a good, honest, hard-working family.”