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 will be recognized at the 2027 Summer Tour.

Nominations are open for the 2027 awards. Help us celebrate the leaders, advocates and stewards who are shaping the future of Wisconsin's cattle industry by submitting a nomination by June 5.

 download the nomination form 


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). 

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. 

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. 

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. 


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2026 WCA Award Winners

The following individuals were honored for their outstanding contributions to Wisconsin's beef industry at the 2026 WCA Summer Tour.

 previous wca award winners 


Cattleman of the Year

Hallstrand Angus | Ogema, WI 

Friend of the Cattlemen

Larry Parr | La Farge, WI


Beef Quality Assurance Award

Dr. Sandy Stuttgen | Colby, WI