Additionally, the Hall of Fame recognized long-standing industry advocate John Lacey with the Industry Leadership Award.
Erasmo “Chico” Becerra also became the first recipient of the newly established Arturo Armendariz Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes exceptional feedyard employees.
“These men each bring a unique offering to our industry, but the common thread among them is their passion, integrity and perseverance,” says Jim Miles, senior marketing manager for Merck Animal Health and Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame founding partner.
“It’s an honor and an inspiration for all of us involved with the Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame to acknowledge and celebrate these outstanding individuals.”
Lee Borck, Beef Marketing Group
Lee Borck, a Kansas native, is chairman of the board for the Beef Marketing Group and President of Innovative Livestock Services, Inc.,
Borck has been instrumental in developing a unique approach to meet the retail customer needs through innovative alignment between the producer and the meat case.
His commitment to food safety, animal care and sustainability are the pillars to many of the specific cattle and beef programs he has been involved with.
A proven leader and advocate for the beef and cattle-feeding industries, Borck has served in many leadership roles, including the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association board (NCBA), the Cattlemen’s Beef Board and past president of CattleFax and the Kansas Livestock Association (KLA).
“Lee’s extraordinary leadership and vision are true assets to cattle feeding and all of agriculture,” says John Butler, CEO of Beef Marketing Group. “Lee is an exceptional cattleman, businessman and person. He is truly deserving of this honor.”
Dave Wood, Harris Farms
Dave Wood has helped Harris Feeding Company and Harris Ranch Beef Company pioneer many firsts in the beef business, including being the first beef processor to enter the market of fully cooked, heat-and-serve beef entrees.
Wood, who has always understood the need to meet the demands of the end user, also developed the Harris Ranch “Partnership for Quality” program, which unites the producer, feeder and packer to ensure the consumers’ demand for consistent, high-quality beef is met.
In addition to leading his company, Wood also has served the industry he is so passionate about, acting as past president of CattleFax and the Western States Meat Association and serving as chairman for many industry associations, including the Cattlemen’s Beef Board.
John Lacey, Lacey Ranch
The Industry Leadership Award is given to distinguished individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, provided exemplary service and have made significant contributions to the advancement of the cattle-feeding business.
John Lacey was chosen by the industry to be honored as this year’s Industry Leadership Award recipient.
Lacey operates several cow-calf, yearling and cattle-feeding enterprises.
He is a past president of the California Cattlemen’s Association and the only person to serve as president of both the National Cattlemen’s Association (NCA) and the NCBA.
He also has served as chairman for the California Beef Council and is currently serving as chairman of the National Cattlemen’s Foundation.
Lacey also has been a committee and/or board member for numerous other organizations ranging from the Chicago Mercantile Exchange to the National Livestock and Meat Board.
Erasmo “Chico” Becerra, Hale Center Feedyard
The Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame honors one deserving individual each year with the Arturo Armendariz Distinguished Service Award. Armendariz, who passed away in 2008, spent nearly three decades at Poky Feeders in Scott City, Kansas.
The first recipient of this award was Chico Becerra, a 32-year cattle-feeding veteran with Hale Center Feedyard, a part of Cactus Feeders, Inc., in Hale Center, Texas.
Despite overwhelming odds, including living with a prosthetic leg for the past 40 years, Becerra has never lost his integrity, sincerity and unparalleled work ethic.
A family man and a good friend to many, those fortunate enough to work with Becerra are quick to praise him for his commitment to excellence and his natural ability to lead and educate others on best practices and safety.
“Chico is a stayer, a committer, a man whose handshake means something,” says Kevin Kuriyama, general manager of Hale Center Feedyard. “In respect, he is quick to give it freely, but never demands it in return; he cherishes it when received, but never expects it.
He is much more than a feedtruck driver and much more than an employee. He is a good man and a good friend.” 
PHOTO:
TOP RIGHT: Dave Wood, left, and Lee Borck were the newest inducted members into the Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame on June 30. Photo courtesy of Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame.
