Hancock County 2025 Cattleman of the Year

Butler Named Hancock County Cattleman of the Year

By Mike McClelland

Michael Butler of rural La Harpe was named the 2025 Hancock County Cattleman of the Year at the Hancock County Beef Association’s 2026 Cattlemen’s Ball in Quincy Saturday, January 31.

To be named Cattleman of the year at this event and in this county to me means several things. First and foremost, they need to be a true cattleman at heart which this year’s inductee is. 

But also, they need to be willing to do the things it takes to better other people in their neighborhoods, their county, their area of reach, and the youth they encounter, and this year’s Cattlemen of the Year certainly qualifies himself in every respect! I have always known of (Michael) since my earliest days in 4-H yet never really knew him. His kids were in 4-H the same time I was, and they showed cattle, and he was there but not until the last few years was I ever around him, but I always knew of him! 

I worked at the sale barn in Carthage and there would be cattle come through that were his, but rarely did I ever see him. I think and from what I can gather all he does is work. I’m not exactly sure but he probably has 300 cows and backgrounds some feeder cattle and has calved large numbers of heifers for other people. He has just done all things cattle his entire life, but it doesn’t stop there!! He still finds time to come support the 4-H premium auction and if a neighbor has a calving problem he will be there to help. He never tells anyone – NO, I don’t have time or can’t help you……it’s not in his genetic makeup!

His neighbors comment on his work ethic, friendly attitude, and willingness to be that neighbor that everyone loves! He is a steward of the land and the creatures on it and LOVES his family fiercely! (Butler) started farming in 1969 and was given an opportunity to do so from the late Ellis Haines. Ellis had several nieces and nephews, but this gentleman became like a son to him as they dove into Charolais cattle and feeding cattle and off it went from there on a wild and crazy ride!

In June he and his wife Carole will celebrate 60 years of marriage! They have 2 children, Nate and Molly and 7 grandchildren and soon to be 4 Great Grandchildren. I can honestly say in 50 years of being in the cattle business myself I have never heard a negative word said about Michael Butler. I ran into him late last fall at a restaurant eating with his family and at that time he probably had 200 acres of corn lying flat, and I mean flat on the ground, to try and salvage but he had a huge smile on his face and the most positive attitude about getting it as any one could have and just said “we will make the most of it and it will be okay!” I think we can all take a lesson from that.

I know his family said he doesn’t like the spotlight, but he is going to have to take it tonight and I know he can deal with it.