A long line of riders and Longhorn cattle traveled through Malta Bend during the annual Houston E. Mull Memorial FFA Scholarship Cattle Drive last year. The Fifth Annual Cattle Drive is set for Nov. 1 at the Mull Farm again near Malta Bend. Last year over 300 riders, including many on wagons, took part in the drive. (Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Last May 20, area students were awarded $13,750 to help with their college educations.

This year, the Fifth Annual Houston Mull FFA Memorial Scholarship Cattle Drive, which funds the scholarships, is set for Friday, Oct. 31, through Saturday, Nov. 1.

The drive began in 2004, shortly after the July traffic accident death of Houston Mull, a 15-year-old Marshall High School student and FFA member.

Radio personality and agriculture activist Trent Loos, who met Houston when he spoke at the Mull's farm in March 2004, came up with the idea and promotes the event nationally.

Last year, more than 300 people from across the United States drove 55 Longhorn steers six miles, including through the town of Malta Bend.

Another approximately 700 people gathered at the Mull's farm for a steak dinner following the drive.

This year's drive will begin Saturday, Nov. 1, at 9 a.m. after a breakfast served by chuck wagon cook Kenny Gordon, who also served breakfast last year. A lunch of sandwiches, cookies, apples and drinks will be served on the trail. A steak dinner, prepared by the Saline County Cattlemen, will be served Saturday evening beginning at approximately 6 p.m.

There are also wagons available for those who don't have horses, but want to go along on the drive.

Camping is available at the farm on Friday and Saturday night, but there are no hookups available. Generators can be used, but they ask campers be considerate of each other.

As in past years, there will be a Friday night "cook-off" at the farm. Cash prizes will be awarded for the first three winners in the categories of meats, soups/stews and desserts. Dishes need to be there by 6:30 p.m. and dinner will be at 7 p.m.

For anyone interested in dining, but not bringing a dish, a free-will donation is suggested to cover the cost of plates and utensils.

The pre-registration entry fee for the ride, due by Oct. 10, is $25 per person or $100 for an immediate family of five people.

On the day of the event the fee will be $30 per person or $140 for an immediate family of five.

The fee includes breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday.

For more information, contact Brenda or Robin Mull at 660-886-7563 or at bmull@airxn.net. Information is available at Loos' website, www.FacesofAg.com Anyone interested in bringing a wagon, is also encouraged to contact the Mulls.

Contact Marcia Gorrell at marshallag@socket.net