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
Jack Johnson | Medford, Wisconsin
Johnson has been an active member of the Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association for many years. He is a past board member and currently represents the WCA on the Wisconsin Beef Council Board.
Beef Quality Assurance Award
Josh & Gretchen Kamps | Belmont, Wisconsin
The Kamps own and operate Pleasant View Farms, an expanding Angus cow-calf operation. They calve in both the fall and spring and then finish their cattle.
Friend of the Cattlemen
Jeff Swenson | Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
Swenson is the Livestock and Meat Specialist for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). As part of his role, he works with livestock producers and meat processors, bridging the gap between the two sectors.
Environmental Stewardship Award
Riechers Beef | Darlington, Wisconsin
The Riechers family feeds cattle and cash crops. Riechers Beef has cooperated with Discovery Farm to research sediment loss, potential impacts of hormone implants on livestock manure, and manure handling in the operation.