Mike & Betsy Cravens Inducted into MLBA “Hall of Fame”
Mike and Betsy Cravens of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, were inducted into the Missouri Limousin Breeders Association (MLBA) “Hall of Fame” on Saturday, April 26, 2025. The ceremony took place at the Sand Spring Resort in Lebanon, Missouri, as part of the MLBA annual meeting, banquet and benefit auction. Paul Junkans of Henley, Missouri, gave the presentation.
The theme for the award ceremony was “Where’s the Beef”. The answer, Mike and Betsy Cravens “Have the Beef”. It is a real “team effort” for Mike and Betsy, raising cattle for many years. They were recognized several years ago as the North American Limousin Foundation (NALF) “Commercial Producer of the Year.”
In the late 1980s the Cravens purchased several farms near Pittsville and Kingsville, Missouri. They currently run a 300-cow operation. The majority of their cattle are commercial; however, they do have 120 registered Limousin cows. All their cows are bred to red, registered Limousin bulls. They calve in the spring and fall, weaning the calves off the cows to ship to Wulf Cattle Feedlot in Atkinson, Nebraska and Morris, Minnesota. In previous years, they also sent cattle to Laura’s Lean Beef and Strauss Veal.
Mike says docility is one of their main priorities when selecting cattle to buy. They appreciate the heavy muscle and longevity of the Limousin cattle. They have cows in their herd who are 17+ years old. They buy half of their hay and creep feed from Callahan Brothers in Centerview, Missouri.
The Cravens purchase all their cows from other producers, including Leonard Limousin in Holstein, Iowa; GV Limousin in Garnett, Kansas; Pinegar Limousin in Springfield, Missouri; Glendenning J Bar J Limousin in Lebanon, Missouri; Little’s Limousin Farm in Eldon, Missouri; the MLBA State Sale and Great American Pie Sale in Lebanon, Missouri.
Mike and Betsy met in high school and have been married for 56 years. Mike has a degree in animal science and for 38 years, he was the owner/operator of Old Mill Grain and Seed Co. Betsy has a degree in mathematics and taught for 46 years, the last 26 of which were at Longiew Community College. They have two daughters, a son and two granddaughters.
As the ceremony ended, Paul said, “After all these years, the Cravens are still passionate about their Limousin cattle and so grateful for the friendship of so many great Limousin cattlemen and women.”
Congratulations, Mike and Betsy!