Grand Marshals for the 2023 annual Cattlemen’s Day Event are Larry and Betty Richardson of rural Eureka.
Born and raised in Greenwood County, Larry has spent the last 50 years working in the cattle industry. Following his service in the National Guard, including a tour in Vietnam, Larry returned to Greenwood County and began working for the Dead End Ranch and for additional cattlemen as well.
In addition to memories of helping his father, among others, drive cattle on horseback to Reece where they were shipped by train, Larry recalls kids riding their horses to attend class at Honey Creek School and at times arriving late.
After attending farrier school in Texas, Larry shod horses for farmers, ranchers and race horse trainers for 35 years.
He has served multiple terms on the Greenwood County Cattlemen’s Association Board of Directors.
Betty was born and raised in Wilson County. Her parents owned and operated the Fredonia Packing Company for over 30 years, processing beef and pork throughout that time.
She attended Kansas State Teachers College, now Emporia State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Following the completion of her degree, Betty taught second grade in Eureka schools for 32 years. She served as president of the Cattlewomen’s Association in 1996.
The couple met in Emporia after Betty’s dad asked Larry to shoe her horse, later marrying on August 14, 1971 in Fredonia. They have one son, Troy Richardson of rural Greenwood County. Together he and wife Jennifer have one daughter, McKenna.
In the late 90s, the couple joined the Kansas Old Timers Invitational Rodeo Association. Larry did tie-down calf roping and the pair teamed up to do Ribbon Roping and Team Roping. Currently, the Richardson’s have a few yearlings and Larry trades a few cows.
The couple has also served as club leaders for Bachelor Buttons and Willow Valley Go-Getters and served as 4-H Show Superintendents for several years alongside Wayne and Marcia Bailey.
“Ouremphasishaschanged to working alongside Troy, Jennifer, McKenna and Eric Schafer on breeding, raising, showing and selling Angus, Limousin and Simmental show heifers.”
The second annual Richardson Cattle Show Heifer sale will be held this November.
“We continue to enjoy watching young people become involved and successful in all aspects of agriculture, ranging from the local level to the national level.”
A schedule of events for the annual Greenwood County Cattlemen’s Day can be found on page 5.
