BRANGUS ASSOCIATION AWARDS CATTLEMEN
By Mallory Newsom, IBBA Communications Coordinator
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS [March 13, 2015]– Five of the most elite cattle producers and Brangus breeders were honored by the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the Brangus breed and the beef cattle industry. Year after year someone that personally knows the winner of the award presents it to them and addresses their contributions to the Brangus breed.
The Pioneer Award recognizes an IBBA member, past or present, for his/her service, loyalty and contributions to the Brangus breed. Mr. Vern Suhn presented this award to the late David Schubert. There to accept the award on Mr. Schubert’s behalf was his nephew and his wife, Gordon and Ann Schubert. David Schubert served as the IBBA President in 1982-1983 as well as serving on the IBBA Board of Directors for seven years. Schubert’s operation, Chair Brand Cattle, was out of Mississippi and he was involved in all aspects of the Brangus breed. Schubert’s nephew, Gordon, humbly accepted the award on his late uncle’s behalf.
The IBBA Breeder of the Year Award was established in 1981 to annually honor a person in the breed who has shown outstanding leadership in the association and who has been truly progressive in the promotion, production and advancement of Brangus cattle. This year, John Milam with Draggin’ M Ranch was presented this award by Bill Davis. Davis gave credit to Milam for his display of cattle and experience in the Brangus breed in the pasture of the Draggin’ M Ranch and the sale ring. Milam graciously accepted his award alongside ranch staff Grady and Sara Green, giving them the credit for him being as accomplished as he is.
Alex Johns and Chris Heptinstall presented the Commercial Producer of the Year award to the late Donald “Don” Robertson. There to accept the award on Robertson’s behalf was his son Donnie and his wife, Clare, and daughter, Ragan. Robertson worked for the Seminole Tribe of Florida Inc. for 23 years and helped transform the herd to predominately Brangus cattle. His legacy continues to live on at the ranch.
Award recipients were presented their awards Saturday, March 7, 2015, by the IBBA in Houston, Texas, at the IBBA annual meeting. Award recipients are nominated and selected by the IBBA Awards Committee. Please visit www.gobrangus.com for more information.
