2014 Hall of Fame nominees:
Earl Brookover – Brookover Feed Yards
In 1947, Earl Brookover moved to Garden City, Kansas, seeking more refined irrigation methods that resulted in the infinite production of feed grains. He envisioned that the irrigated High Plains — with its grain potential and moderate climate — would be ideal for commercial cattle feeding. In 1951, Earl built his first feedyard, successfully establishing his goal to meet the emerging demand for commercial cattle feeding.

Roy Dinsdale – Dinsdale Brothers, Inc.
In 1948, Roy Dinsdale received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska and returned to the family’s cattle operation in Palmer, Nebraska. In the six decades since, Roy has nurtured Dinsdale Brothers into a large, diverse company involved in cattle feeding, ranching, farming, banking and other ag-related businesses. Third and fourth generation Dinsdales now oversee the 75,000 head located in Colorado and Nebraska, while Roy still keeps a watchful eye on the Palmer feedyard.

Robert “Bob” Josserand – AzTx Cattle Co.
Bob Josserand is the chairman of the board and founder of AzTx Cattle Co., a family cattle operation with feedyards in Texas and Kansas. The AzTx Cattle Co. is known in the industry for developing a specialized branded beef program. Bob has been a devoted member of the cattle-feeding industry and is a past president of the Texas Cattle Feeders Association and the National Cattlemen’s Association.

J. R. “Jack” Simplot – J.R. Simplot Company
Jack Simplot revolutionized the food industry with the first commercially viable frozen french fries, carved a cattle empire out of sage brush and desert, and built a vast agribusiness that employs more than 10,000 people worldwide. Today, his company’s land and livestock holdings include extensive farm and ranch properties in the western United States with two large feedyards, nearly 40 farms and over a dozen ranches.

Carl Stevenson – Red Rock Feeding Co.
Carl Stevenson moved to Continental, Arizona, in 1951 at the request of Farmers Investment Company to begin a cattle-feeding operation. Under his reign, two feedyards were built with a total capacity of 18,000 head. In 1964, Carl went out on his own to purchase corrals in Red Rock, Arizona, which would hold 1,000 head. Today’s operation includes a 30,000 head capacity yard and farm ground in Red Rock and a leased yard in Willcox, Arizona.

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Industry Leadership Award voting
In addition to the 2014 Hall of Fame nominees, voting also is open for the 2014 Industry Leadership Award nominees. The 2014 nominees for the Industry Leadership Award have contributed to the cattle-feeding industry through outstanding advocacy and leadership. Their efforts embody our core beliefs and help us communicate our message within the industry to our end-users – American families. Please vote for one of the following nominees on the Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame website

2014 Hall of Fame Industry Leadership Award nominees:

  • Betty Jo Gigot is the editor and publisher of CALF News, a magazine she has served for more than 23 years. She became involved in the cattle-feeding industry in 1980, when she founded her own computer company and began writing and installing programs in feedyards across the country.
  • Randy Blach is CEO of CattleFax, an organization he has been with since 1981. Randy was raised on his family’s ranch in Yuma, Colo., and today, he and his family remain actively involved in cattle ranching with cow/calf, stocker and finished cattle.
  • Topper Thorpe was the first market analyst hired by CattleFax and was the company’s former CEO.  In his 32-year tenure with the company, he provided the cattle industry with invaluable market information.

Arturo Armendariz Distinguished Service Award
The Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame established an award to honor the heart and soul of the cattle-feeding industry — feedyard employees. The Arturo Armendariz Distinguished Service Award was established in honor of the late, long-time employee at Poky Feeders. His role as a devoted employee, family man, friend and longtime member of the beef industry made him an ideal namesake for the award.

To nominate outstanding members of your operation, visit the Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame website or email nominations to info@cattlefeeders.org.         

Voting for the 2014 Hall of Fame inductees and Industry Leadership Award nominees and nominations for the Arturo Armendariz Distinguished Service Award will close March 31.

About the Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame
The Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame was established to honor the exceptional, visionary men and women who have made lasting contributions to the cattle-feeding industry. Each year, two pioneers are inducted into the Hall of Fame. Additionally, a recipient for the Industry Leadership Award and the Arturo Armendariz Distinguished Service Award is chosen.  

For more information on the inductees and award winners, visit the Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame Facebook page.   end mark

—From Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame news release