September 14, 2019

Joe Kirchdoerfer marks 70 years as jersey cattle exhibitor

Joe Kirchdoerfer was 14 when he started showing jersey cattle at the SEMO District Fair, but that was 70 years ago. The dairy farmer can now boast seven decades under his belt as a jersey cattle exhibitor at the annual fair. On Monday at the fair, the Kirchdoerfer family showed in the jersey competition and celebrated Joe's achievement during a following meal.

Joe Kirchdoerfer stands next to his family's jersey cattle before they are shown in competition Monday, Sept. 9, 2019, at the 2019 SEMO District Fair at Arena Park in Cape Girardeau. This year marks 70 years that Kirchdoerfer has been an exhibitor of jersey cattle at the fair.

Tyler Kirchdoerfer, Joe's grandson, washes a jersey cow during the 2019 SEMO District Fair on Monday, Sept. 9, 2019, at Arena Park in Cape Girardeau.

Joe's son Carl Kirchdoerfer, right, and Evelyn Roedl of Edgewood, Illinois, left, let cows get a drink before a showing during the 2019 SEMO District Fair on Monday, Sept. 9, 2019, at Arena Park in Cape Girardeau.

Joe's son Eddie Kirchdoerfer shows a jersey cow in competition during the 2019 SEMO District Fair on Monday, Sept. 9, 2019, at Arena Park in Cape Girardeau.

Joe Kirchdoerfer watches as family members show jersey cattle during the 2019 SEMO District Fair on Monday, Sept. 9, 2019, at Arena Park in Cape Girardeau. 

Joe's son Eddie Kirchdoerfer takes jersey cattle back to a their tent after showing in competition during the 2019 SEMO District Fair on Monday, Sept. 9, 2019, at Arena Park in Cape Girardeau.

Images of Joe Kirchdoerfer through the years are seen on display during the 2019 SEMO District Fair on Monday, Sept. 9, 2019, at Arena Park in Cape Girardeau.

Siblings from left: Adella Frank, Joe Kirchdoerfer and Marie James get ready to have photos taken as Joe's niece Liz Aufdenberg, standing, helps them get ready for photos during the 2019 SEMO District Fair on Monday, Sept. 9, 2019, at Arena Park in Cape Girardeau.

Mildred Kirchdoerfer speaks about her husband Joe, left, to a group gathered for a meal after the jersey cattle showing during the 2019 SEMO District Fair on Monday, Sept. 9, 2019, at Arena Park in Cape Girardeau.

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Joe Kirchdoerfer was 14 when he started showing jersey cattle at the SEMO District Fair, but that was 70 years ago. The dairy farmer can now boast seven decades under his belt as a jersey cattle exhibitor at the annual fair. On Monday at the fair, the Kirchdoerfer family showed in the jersey competition and celebrated Joe's achievement during a following meal.

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