Rain doesn't dampen the spirit at the 2025 Cattlemen's Ball near Blue Springs

Despite soggy conditions Saturday morning, the Cattlemen’s Ball east of Blue Springs pushed forward with day two of the event, thanks to some fast footwork by organizers. After an early morning downpour, volunteers quickly covered muddy paths and gathering areas with wood chips, allowing most festivities to go on as planned. The only event scratched due to field conditions was the ranch rodeo.

This year’s hosts, Terry and Bev Acton, said it was an honor to welcome the event to their farm. As lifelong cattle producers, the couple hoped to showcase not just Nebraska beef, but the strength of rural communities—and raise vital funds in the fight against cancer.

“We’ve both lost loved ones, and we just wanted to make someone’s life easier down the road,” Bev said. She added that the weekend’s success wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of countless volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes.

The Cattlemen’s Ball is a major fundraiser for the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center. Since its inception in 1998, the event has raised more than $21 million for cancer research. Ninety percent of the proceeds support the cancer center, with the remaining 10 percent staying in the host region for local health and wellness programs.

While final fundraising totals are still being tallied, organizers say the turnout was strong—and the mission remains the same: to fight cancer through cattle, community, and country hospitality. They expect to announce this year’s total by mid-July.