Commercial Producer of the Year
The Iowa Cattlemen's Association annually honors an outstanding commercial cattle producer. Your nominations are critical to recognize those individuals who "give their all" to make our industry the best it can be.
Any producer member of the ICA in good standing with current paid membership (either individual or family) may be nominated for this award by any ICA member or county association in good standing.
Judging will be based on the nomination form. Management practices, involvement in the industry, and achievements among other credentials will be considered in determining a winner. The individual being nominated may fill out the application. Nominations are due to [email protected] by November 1, 2024.
The winners are recognized at the Iowa Cattle Industry Leadership Summit in December. We are very proud of the contributions made by the producers in our industry. This is an opportunity to recognize them both personally and professionally.
Please complete the nomination form online at the link below. If you'd prefer a hard copy, click here to download the nomination form that can be printed, filled out, and mailed in.
"We strive to be progressive producers, active members in our community, focused in our faith, and conscious of our responsibility to our environment." - Curtis Claeys
2023 Outstanding Commercial Producer of the Year
Jim Werner, Werner Family Angus, Diagonal
Jim and his wife, Ann, started their operation when they married in 1975. Ann's dad had registered Angus cattle and Jim's dad had always fed cattle.
Jim's kids shared a long list of accolades and awards that he has received throughout his life. They also shared that hard work, dedication, and family were keys to the operation's success. Jim has been quoted as saying that the fun part of his operation is the process he, Ann, and the kids took to grow it.
"Treat the land like a piece of borrowed equipment, return it in better shape than you received it."
- Myron Guge
2022
Robbins Land & Cattle
Scranton, IA
Since taking part in the Iowa Cattlemen's Leadership Program in 2014, Justin Robbins and his wife, Lacie, have been active members of the organization, serving in many leadership and volunteer roles.
2021
Matt & Cassie Winters
Volga, IA
2019
Jason & Lisa Kurt
Cascade, IA
Jason and Lisa Kurt from Cascade have worked hard over the years to build their cattle business while also working off the farm. They have approximately 230 cows and finish 1,000 head annually.
2018
Belgian Acres
dewitt, IA
Curtis and Diane Claeys' farm started from nothing but determination and sweat equity. It has had ups and downs as it transitioned away from swing production, to dairy steer calves, to dairy heifer replacements, and finally to beef production.
2017
Hibbs Farms
Albion, IA
Jeff and Christy Hibbs have their hands full with their farm, The Market off Main, in Albion. But their passion for the industry and the opportunity to see their product through to the end makes each piece of the full-circle operation worth it.
2016
Walking L Ranch
Greenville, IA
Lyle and Linda Kenobbie have owned and operated Walking L Ranch, a commercial breeding herd of 150 cows and row crops for more than 47 years. Since the 1980's farm crisis, Walking L Ranch has been growing and expanding.
Previous Winners
2023 - Jim Werner, Diagonal
2022 - Justin and Lacie Robbins, Scranton
2021 - Matt and Cassie Winters, Volga
2020 -
2019 - Jason and Lisa Kurt, Cascade
2018 - Curtis Claeys, DeWitt
2017 - Jeff and Christy Hibbs, Albion
2016 - Lyle and Linda Kenobbie, Greenville
2015 - Larry Johnson, Maquoketa
2014 - Russell Cook, Mechanicsville
2013 - Aaron Amstutz, Bloomfield
2012 - Lee Faris, Mount Ayr
2007 - Jack Giltner, Elliott
2005 - Keith VanWaardhuizen, Oskaloosa
2004 - Martin Green, Grand Mound
2003 - CHIPS Organization
2002 - Craig White, Estherville
1996 - Dave Petty, Eldora
How to nominate
Iowa is home to many outstanding commercial cattle producers who value the land, provide great care for their cattle, and work every day to improve their operation and the cattle industry as a whole.
Know someone who fits this description? Nominate them today!
Award:
The Iowa Cattlemen's Association honors an outstanding commercial cattle producer. Any person may be nominated by an eligible producer for this award.
Entrants:
There is no limit on number of entries.- A nomination form shall be submitted based on the entrant's involvement in the beef cattle industry. Candidates are nominated by completing the form below.
- A minimum of 3 years in the cattle business.
- Any entrant may win the State Award only one time; other entries will remain in consideration for a three-year period.
Judging:
Judging will be based on management practices, involvement in the industry, and achievements amongst other credentials will be considered in determining a winner.Deadlines:
Realizing the nomination forms somewhat limit your comments, we would encourage you to send any photographs, newspaper clippings, letters of recommendation, etc. with this nomination form.
Entry forms may be submitted at any time but they must be sent to the Iowa Cattlemen's Association by November 1. Any form received AFTER that date is ineligible for this year.