WCA Annual Awards
Each year, the Wisconsin Cattlemen's Association honors a Cattleman of the Year, Friend of the Cattlemen, BQA Award and Environmental Stewardship Award. WCA award recipients were recognized at the 2022 Summer Tour.
CATTLEMAN OF THE YEAR
This award honors a cattle producer from Wisconsin who excels in various areas of the state’s industry and exemplifies the ideals of WCA. Areas of excellence may include: accomplishments within a beef or dairy operation, including
Beef Quality Assurance Award
This award recognizes Wisconsin beef producers who have implemented BQA practices on-farm, helped in the promotion of the BQA program in Wisconsin and helped improve animal care practices for the beef and/or dairy industry. Nominees must possess a current BQA certification to be considered for the award. This award is sponsored by Wisconsin Beef Council.
FRIEND OF CATTLEMEN
This award honors an organization or individual that has gone above and beyond to support the Wisconsin beef industry. This might include involvement with the WCA Steak Trailer, legislative efforts, educational events, and more. Support to the state’s beef industry may also include support of fellow beef producers or other organizations and events, such as the Wisconsin Beef Council, Wisconsin State Fair, UW-Extension or other academic institutions. Award criteria are broad in order to allow the selection of any deserving recipient who has made a positive impact on WCA, individual cattlemen, and Wisconsin's beef industry as a whole. This award is sponsored by IDEAL Agriculture and Marine Insurance.
Wisconsin Environmental Stewardship Award
The award recognizes a Wisconsin cattle producer for their outstanding environmental stewardship practices and conservation achievements. At the national
2022 WCA Award Winners
The following individuals were honored for their outstanding contributions to Wisconsin's beef industry at the 2022 WCA Summer Tour.
Cattleman of the Year
Steve Springer | Linden, Wisconsin
Springer is a third-generation beef farmer who has been in the cattle business for approximately 40 years. He runs a commercial cow-calf operation with nearly 250 cows.
Beef Quality Assurance Award
Jim and Roxanne Lund | Woodville, Wisconsin
K-Lund is a commercial cow-calf operation with 170 pairs of Angus females. Spring calving occurs from March to April utilizing a specially designed hoop barn facility.
Friend of the Cattlemen
Craig and Vickie Dunnum | Westby, Wisconsin
The Dunnums earned the 2022 Friend of the Cattlemen award after managing the WCA Steak Trailer for 3.5 years. The Dunnums operate an organic cow-calf operation near Westby, Wis. and sell most of their cattle locally as freezer beef.
Environmental Stewardship Award
University of Wisconsin-Platteville Pioneer Farm | Platteville, Wisconsin
The UW-Platteville Pioneer Farm includes a herd of 50 Angus and Red Angus cows. The herd provides hands-on training for students as well as provides the ability to do grazing and environmental research.