Distinguished individuals and businesses were recognized for their contributions and dedication to the cattle industry during the Michigan Cattlemen's Assn. Summer Round-Up in Lansing. MCA "Member of the Year" was awarded to Kevin Small of Curran; "Agribusiness of the Year" was awarded to Zoetis; Gerald and Lindsay Green of DeWitt were awarded "Young Producer of the Year"; Endsley's Charolais of Hastings received "Seedstock Producer of the Year"; and "Commercial Cattleman of the Year" was awarded to Sid and Pat Murphy of Olivet.
Round-Up participants leaned about the MSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, cattle traceability requirements, RFID capabilities, vaccination and implant techniques. MSU faculty and graduate students presented overviews of research projects conducted at the MSU Beef Center; topics included bovine diseases, reproduction, feedlot diets and antibiotic resistance. The Round-Up included agriculture tours at GGS Genetics, Stoney Creek Essential Oils and AgroLiquid.
The Michigan Cattlemen's Assn's. "Member of the Year" is Kevin Small. Kevin has served on many MCA committees over the years, but his involvement in the cattle industry and community doesn't stop there. Kevin is currently serving as Chairman of the state-wide TB Advisory committee, President of the West Branch Feeder Cattle Sale, a member of the North Country Beef Producers group, and has been re-elected to a fourth term as the Mitchell Twp. Treasurer. Kevin was the 1991 MCA Young Cattleman of the Year, and Chairman of the 2016 Summer Round-Up Committee. He regularly volunteers his time to teach fellow producers about reducing the risk of TB. He is a respected leader in his community with a strong commitment to Michigan's cattle industry.
The Michigan Cattlemen's Assn. awarded the distinction of "Agribusiness of the Year" to Zoetis. Zoetis is a global animal health company dedicated to supporting veterinarians and animal producers and their businesses. For the past 20 years, Zoetis (formerly Pfizer) has work with the Michigan Cattlemen's Assn. on many events and activities. Zoetis has been a major sponsor for the Michigan Beef Expo, Summer Round Up, and the MCA Gold and Silver Vac Preconditioning Programs. Zoetis has provided the Cattlemen's College Grant for the MCA Annual Meeting for many years.
The Michigan Cattlemen's Assn. awarded the "Young Producer of the Year" honor to Gerald and Lindsay Green of DeWitt. Gerald and Lindsay operate GG Cattle Co., which includes approximately 150 head. Their goal is to produce calves that excel in both the show ring and the pasture. In addition to their own herd, the farm's facilities and management are utilized to provide donor housing and care for the clients of GGS Genetics.
Gerald recently attended the NCBA Young Cattlemen's Conference, the primary leadership development program for the cattle industry.
Lindsay also works in agriculture, as an animal care coordinator for the Michigan Milk Producers Assn. The couple enjoys giving back to the industry. They coordinated a silent auction at the Michigan Beef Expo to raise funds for victims of the wildfires earlier this year and continue to support local 4-H and youth livestock organizations.
The Michigan Cattlemen's Assn. awarded Gordon and Pat Endsley of Endsley's Charolais the honor of "Seedstock Producer of the Year." Endsley's Charolais Farms began in 1955, when Gordon E. and Robert