Cows take over Brandt Field

Brandt Field had some unusual bovine visitors on Tuesday, April 24, as the SEMO Collegiate Cattlemen’s Association hosted its first ever Cow Pie Bingo fundraiser.

The rules of the game were simple. Students could bid $5 on a one-square-foot piece of grass, and if the cow did its business there, they would win a $50 gift card to Texas Roadhouse.

However, if another student had their mind set on a square that already was bid on, they could outbid the other students for an additional dollar.

The event began at 10 a.m. and students could meet the two cows provided by Southeast’s university farm while they chose where to place their bids.

“It’s such a unique thing to see on campus,” freshman Bayli Brewster said after bidding on a square. “Everybody is walking around stressed about finals and then they just see two cows hanging out. It was a fun distraction to help relieve stress.”

Around noon, a cow was released and grazed the pen for an hour before finally choosing the winner. The prize went to freshman Jed Starkey, who also is a member of Cattlemen’s Association.

Other than Cow Pie Bingo, the Cattlemen’s Association also works around the Cape Girardeau community to educate the public on agriculture.

“We just try to bring awareness to the industry,” Cattlemen Association member Mara Mayo said. “Some students don’t have any idea where their food comes from or how things grow.”

Rachel McNamara, SEMO Cattlemen’s Association’s president, said students interested in joining the organization should check out their Facebook page or attend their meetings every third Thursday of the month.