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 seedstock or commercial production; recognition for cattle exhibited on a state or national level; cattle achieving recognition in a performance test or other marketing programs and other related accomplishments. Other qualifications might include service to the Wisconsin beef industry through involvement in local, state, and national organizations - such as WCA, Wisconsin Beef Council, World Beef Expo, or the Cattlemen's Beef Board (CBB). This award is sponsored by Quality Liquid Feeds and Form-A-Feed

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 level, these awardees are commended for their commitment to protecting the environment and improving fish and wildlife habitats while operating profitable cattle operations. This award is sponsored by U.S. Premium Beef. 


1
2

2022 WCA Award Winners

The following individuals were honored for their outstanding contributions to Wisconsin's beef industry at the 2022 WCA Summer Tour.

 previous wca award winners 


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. 

Learn More

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. 

Learn More

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. 

Learn More

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. 

Learn More