Manatee County Cattlemen team excels at cooking, whip popping

 Manatee County  whip poppers, from left, Clay Wingate, Cully Rowell, Manatee Cattlemen's president, Jessie Embach and Clint Thum. (provided photo)

The Manatee County Cattlemen took part in the 2012 Ranch Rodeo Finals and Heritage Festival held recently in Kissimmee.

 Beef brisket cook team sponsors.  (provided photo)

Two rodeo teams from Manatee County placed in the top 10 overall. Jessie Embach won third place in the whip popping contest at the Heritage Festival.

 The beef brisket cook team of Craig Wolfe, Steve Thum, Gene Wingate, Wayne Wingard and Eric Hoying won first place in the brisket cooking and second place in the people's choice contest.

Beef brisket cook team, from left, Craig Wolfe, Steve Thum, Gene Wingate, Wayne Wingard, Eric Hoying and Cully Rowell, Manatee Cattlemen's president. (provided photo)