Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

T. Whit Athey, Jr.

1981
Charter Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

T. Whit Athey, Jr. was born December 18, 1918 at Grady, Alabama, and grew up on a cattle farm there. Graduating from Auburn University in 1939 with a B.S. degree in agricultural education, Athey first worked as an assistant county agent with the Extension Service in Crenshaw County, and later as county agent in Bullock County. He assumed active management of Athey Polled Hereford Farm at Grady in 1947 and has operated the farm since that date. Athey served as president of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association in 1955. Earlier he had held all offices, including president, of the Montgomery County Cattlemen's Association. He helped organize the Alabama Polled Hereford Association, served as the group's first secretary, later as president, and currently as vice president. Athey is a member of the board of directors of Southeastern Livestock Exposition, Montgomery Production Credit Association, and Alabama Rural Rehabilitation Service. He is a member of the Ramer Methodist Church.

David Crawford

1981
Charter Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

David L. Crawford is a native of Perry County, Alabama, where he graduated from the public schools. He received a B.S. degree from the University of Alabama. In 1948 Crawford started a cow-calf operation and immediately joined the Perry County Cattlemen's Association. He served two terms as president of the county association. As an active member of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association, he has served as a state director. Crawford purchased his first registered quarter horse in 1953 in the first quarter horse sale east of the Mississippi River. He was a charter member of the Alabama Quarter Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association and served that organization as president for two terms. He was also an organizer and director of the Southeastern Quarter Horse Association and the Alabama Cutting Horse Association. A charter member of the Southeastern Livestock Exposition, Crawford served as a vice president of the organization from 1970 until 1981 when he was elected president. Crawford has distinguished himself in the insurance field. He currently serves as president of Southern United Life Insurance Company, headquartered in Montgomery. He was one of the organizers of the company in 1956. A member of the Marion United Methodist Church, Crawford serves as chairman of the board of trustees.

RALPH S. EAGLE

1981
Charter Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Ralph S. Eagle was born January 11, 1915, on a farm near Jemison in Chiton County, Alabama. He has lived on a farm near Marion in Perry County since 1935, where he raises cattle and horses. In 1945 Eagle became the first breeder of registered quarter horses in Alabama and was the first member of the American Quarter Horse Association from Alabama. A charter member of the Southeastern Quarter Horse Association, formed in 1945, he was one of the founders and the first president of the Alabama Quarter Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association. General manager of the first Alabama State Championship Rodeo at Montgomery in 1951, he served as president-manager of the Alabama Rodeo Corporation from 1959 to 1977. A charter member of the Southeastern Livestock Exposition, Eagle currently serves as first vice president. Serving as the first secretary of the Perry County Cattlemen's Association in 1944, he later served three terms as president of the county organization. He has served as a regional vice president of Alabama Cattlemen's Association and is an honorary vice president of the state association. Eagle operated a livestock auction market at Marion for 20 years. He served as president of the Alabama Livestock Markets Association and is an honorary lifetime director of that organization. He served as a member of the Board of Agriculture and Industries, State of Alabama, from 1968 to 1971.

W. H. GREGORY

1981
Charter Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

William H. Gregory, Jr. was born April 16, 1906 in Florence, Alabama. He attended Florence public schools and graduated from Coffee High School. He received a B.S. degree in agricultural science from Auburn University in 1928. Gregory started his agricultural career as an assistant agricultural engineer with the Cooperative Extension Service in 1928-1930. He served as county agent in Cherokee County 1930-1933 and in Morgan County 1933-1937. In 1937 Gregory became associate Extension agronomist at the State Extension headquarters in Auburn. He served until 1940 in that post and then served as Extension Animal Husbandman from 1940-1959, when he retired from the Extension Service. Gregory served as livestock advisor to the government of Ghana, West Africa, from 1959 to 1961. Returning to the United States he became chief of the stockyards and brands division and assistant director of the animal industry division of the Alabama State Department of Agriculture and Industries. He served in those positions from 1961 to 1979 when he retired from State service. One of the charter organizers of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association, Gregory is an honorary vice president of the organization. He was also instrumental in organizing the Alabama Association of County Agricultural Agents and the Southeastern Livestock Exposition. He assisted in organizing the Alabama Sheep and Wool Growers Association.

J. ED HORTON, JR.

1981
Charter Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

J. Ed Horton, Jr. was born March 31, 1923, at Athens, Alabama. He attended local public schools and graduated from Columbia Military Academy at Columbia, Tennessee. He received a B.S. degree in animal husbandry from the University of Tennessee in 1944. In 1947 Ed Horton began his farming and cattle operations in partnership with his father, who had founded Macedon Farms with a registered Angus herd in 1925, and the cattle operation has continued since that time. An active leader in Angus breed affairs, Horton served as president of the Alabama Angus Association, and as a member of the board of directors of the American Angus Association from 1971 to 1978. In 1979 he was elected president of the 40,000-member American Angus Association. Horton has served as a director and president of the Limestone County Cattlemen's Association. In 1961 he served as president of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association. Gov. Fob James appointed Horton as a member of the Agricultural Center Board of the State of Alabama in 1981. He also serves as a member of the Agricultural Advisory Committee of Auburn University. From 1963 to 1967 Horton served as a member of the State Senate in the Alabama Legislature.

CECIL LANE

1981
Charter Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Cecil Lane of Benton is a native of Lowndes County, Alabama. He started in the cattle business 50 years ago with a cow-calf operation. In 1955 Lane began a cattle feeding operation in Lowndes County, known as Lane Cattle Company. He serves as president of the company, with his two sons, Tommy Lane and Pierce Lane as partners in the enterprise. Active in a wide range of livestock and civic organizations, Lane has served as director and as president of the Lowndes County Cattlemen's Association. He is a former president of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association. A charter member of Southeastern Livestock Exposition, he serves as a member of the board of directors of the organization. He is a former member of the board of directors of the National Cattlemen's Association. Lane is a past president of Lowndes Academy and is a lifetime member of the board of trustees of the school. He serves as a member of the board of directors of Lowndes County Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, the Equalization Board of Lowndes County, and the Alabama Citizens Action Program. Numerous honors and citations have been accorded to Lane. These include Leadership Award of Lowndes County, 1971; 50th Anniversary Award from Farm Bureau, 1971; "Father of the Year", Lowndes County CowBelles, 1979; "Father of the Year" Alabama CowBelles Association, 1980; Citizen of the Year by the Lowndes County Jaycees, 1981.

C. ED TEAGUE

1981
Charter Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

C. Ed Teague of Montgomery is one of the most widely known Alabamians in the livestock industry. Beginning as a fieldman with the Dairymans Cooperative Sales Association in Charleston, West Virginia in 1932, Teague moved in 1935 to work for the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service, first as assistant county agent, 1935-1942, and as county agent, 1942-1944. From 1944 to 1948 he served as Extension Dairyman. From 1948 to 1952 Teague was farm products agent for Alabama-Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad Company. In 1952 he began a long association with the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, where he served as director of the agricultural division. He retired from that post on December 31, 1974. Teague has served as secretary-treasurer for a wide range of livestock organizations, including Alabama State Steer Show Association, Alabama State 4-H Horse Show, Alabama Livestock Markets Association, Alabama Guernsey Cattle Club, Alabama Jersey Cattle Club, and the Alabama Holstein Breeders Association. A charter member of the Southeastern Livestock Exposition, Teague currently serves as secretary-treasurer. He is a life member and lifetime director of Alabama Cattlemen's Association and has served as secretary-treasurer of the Montgomery County Cattlemen's Association since 1955. Teague has served for many years as livestock superintendent of the South Alabama Fair.

JOHN M. TROTMAN

1981
Charter Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

John M. Trotman was born March 12, 1927 in Troy, Alabama. He graduated from Troy High School in 1944, studied agriculture at Auburn University where he was also a member of the varsity football team. Trotman has been a cattleman and farmer for the past 31 years in Pike County and later in Montgomery County, where he moved in 1954. For a number of years, he has operated Trotman Cattle Company, just South of Montgomery. Serving in a wide range of leadership positions in state and national cattle organizations, Trotman began as president of the Montgomery County Cattlemen's Association in 1960, then served as president of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association in 1966. He was a regional vice president of the National Cattlemen's Association in 1968-1970, first vice president in 1970-1972, and served as president of the national organization in 1972-1973. Trotman has served as a vice president of the Southeastern Livestock Exposition for the past 23 years, currently as second vice president. He has held the post of chairman of the board of directors of the Montgomery Production Credit Association for the past 15 years. He is currently first vice president of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce and president-elect for 1982. In other national service Trotman served on the National Advisory Council of the United States Department of Agriculture, 1973-1975, and on the Advisory Committee of the American Farm Foundation, 1980-1981.

EDWARD WADSWORTH

1981
Charter Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Edward Wadsworth was born December 7, 1909, in Prattville, Alabama. He is a life-long resident of Autauga County. He is the owner and operator of Wadsworth Farms, a diversified farming operation. He began his cattle operation in 1932, changed to a cow-calf program in 1933, and has operated that cattle business for 48 years. Wadsworth Farms has been cited by the United States Department of Agriculture as a Century Farm, having operated continuously as a farming enterprise for more than 100 years. Wadsworth was one of the founders and charter members of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association in 1944. He was also an organizer and first president of the Autauga County Cattlemen's Association. In 1980 the Alabama Cattlemen's Association recognized Wadsworth for 25 years of continuous service as an officer of the state association, including service as president in 1960, and as treasurer for the past 20 years. One of the organizers of the Southeastern Livestock Exposition in 1958, Wadsworth served as president of the organization from 1979 through 1981. In 1953 Wadsworth was named recipient of the Master Farmer Award by the Progressive Farmer magazine. In 1968 he was named "Cattleman of the Year" by the Livestock Breeder Journal. In 1979 the House of Representatives of the Alabama Legislature officially, commended Wadsworth for his leadership in the livestock industry in the state. And in 1980 he was honored with a citation by the 4-H Clubs and FFA Chapters in Alabama for his support of youth livestock programs.

E. HAM WILSON

1981
Charter Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

E. Ham Wilson is a native of Greenville in Butler County, Alabama. He attended Georgia Military College and graduated from Auburn University with a B.S. degree in agricultural science. Wilson is executive vice president and chief executive officer of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association, the nation's largest state cattlemen's association. He has served in that position for the past 30 years. He is also publisher and editor of Alabama Cattleman, one of the leading livestock magazines in the nation. One of the organizers and charter member of the Southeastern Livestock Exposition, Wilson is executive director of the organization that sponsors the annual rodeo and livestock week at Montgomery, the state's largest livestock event. Wilson is currently serving as president of the Livestock Publications Council, an international organization of leading livestock magazines and newspapers. In 1967 Wilson was named "Man of the Year" in service to Alabama agriculture by the Progressive Farmer magazine. In 1979 the Ham Wilson Livestock Arena was dedicated on the campus of Auburn University. The honor was bestowed on recommendation of the Board of Trustees and the unanimous action of the Alabama Legislature. In 1981 he was named to the American Polled Hereford Association's Hall of Merit for his outstanding contributions to the field of communications in the livestock industry. Wilson is a member of the Agricultural Center Board of the State of Alabama, responsible for operation of the State Coliseum in Montgomery. He is a member and secretary-treasurer of the board of trustees of the Alabama 4-H Foundation.

V. LAVERN BROWN

1982
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

V. Lavern Brown of Auburn is a graduate of Mississippi State University, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture. Since 1974 Brown has served as head of the Department of Research Operations for the Agricultural Experiment Station of Auburn University. He had the major responsibility for developing the research facilities at the E. V. Smith Research Center on the new experiment station at Shorter. For 25 years prior to 1974 Brown served as superintendent of the Lower Coastal Plain Substation at Camden. He moved to the Camden station after two years as the first superintendent of the Northeast Mississippi Branch Experiment Station. In 1980 Brown was named Man of the Year by the Alabama Crop Improvement Association. He is a member of Gamma Sigma Delta and Alpha Zeta, agricultural scholastic honorariums, and has been named an Honorary State Farmer by the Alabama Association of Future Farmers of America.

FLETCHER CHILDS

1982
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Fletcher Childs of Tuscaloosa, a native of Clarksville, Tennessee, has been a resident of Alabama since 1946 when he moved to Montgomery, Alabama following five years of service in World War II. He is a graduate of Austin Peay State College in Clarksville, Tennessee, receiving a B.S. degree. Childs has served as president and chief operating officer of R. L. Zeigler Packing Company since 1966. He began his meat industry career in 1935 with Davies Meat Packers of Columbus, Ohio. That was interrupted in 1941 for service in World War II. He was discharged in 1946 with the rank of Lt. Colonel in the 701st Tank Battalion. Beginning as sales manager of Frosty Morn Meats in Montgomery in 1946, he became general manager of the firm in 1957 where he served until joining Zeigler in 1966. He has served as a member of the board of directors of the National Meat Association and as vice president of Alabama Meat Packers. He has been elected as a lifetime director of Alabama Cattlemen's Association.

W. R. LANIER

1982
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

W. R. Lanier of Jachin is a native of Choctaw County, where he has lived and worked throughout his life. He is the owner and operator of Lanier Hereford Farm, consisting of 6,000 acres of pasture and woodland acreage, running about 300 registered horned Hereford brood cows, and about 25 registered quarter horses. In addition to his ranching and farming interests Lanier also owns and operates the Jachin Lumber Company, which employs about 85 people, and owns and manages approximately 20,000 acres of timberland. Lanier serves as vice president and chairman of the board of the Choctaw Bank of Butler, and he is a director of Choctaw Industries (Vanity Fair) at Butler. He has served as chairman of the board of directors of Choctaw General Hospital and of the Choctaw County Chamber of Commerce. In 1978 Lanier climaxed a long record of leadership by serving as president of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association.

MACK MAPLES

1982
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Mack Maples of Athens was born in Limestone County, Alabama on December 1, 1914, the son of the late Dr. & Mrs. W. E. Maples. He began his farming operations in 1936 and in 1937 he bought his first registered Angus heifers for $50 each, and established Maples Stock Farms, one of the oldest and most respected purebred Angus cattle operations in the Southeast. Maples served as president of Alabama Cattlemen's Association in 1952. He has also served as president of the Alabama Angus Association and the Alabama Beef Cattle Improvement Association. He has seen service on the executive committee of the American National Cattlemen's Association and as a member of the board of directors of the National Beef Improvement Federation. Maples was chairman of the Limestone County Rural Development Committee that was responsible for building the Feeder Pig Barn and the Farmers Market in Athens. He has also served as chairman of the Athens-Limestone Hospital and the Limestone County Board of Education.

Dr. M. Lawrence Crawford

1983
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Dr. M. Lawrence Crawford was born on February 3, 1920 in Perry County, Alabama. He attended Auburn University and graduated with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree in 1942. Crawford practiced veterinary medicine in Lake Charles, Louisiana and Mobile, before returning home to Marion in 1946. During the next thirty years, Dr. Crawford was a full-time veterinarian and operated a livestock farm. Since his retirement in 1976, he has devoted full time to his beef cattle program consisting of a cow-calf and stocker operation. Crawford has devoted a lifetime of service to the livestock industry serving as an officer in many county and state organizations. He has served as secretary-treasurer and president of the Alabama Veterinary Association; director and past president of the Perry County Cattlemen's Association; director and past president of the Perry County Farm Bureau; charter member and director of the Auburn University Agricultural Alumni Association and a member of the Southeastern Livestock Exposition. In 1982, Dr. Crawford received a service award from the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association. In 1983, he was presented the Centennial Angus Herd Award by the American Angus Association in recognition of his herd's 50 years of continuous production. Dr. Crawford is married to the former Gloria Huey of Enterprise, and they have two children, Shirley Crawford Dorrough of Montgomery and George Crawford of Marion.

Joseph P. Givhan

1983
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Joseph P. Givhan is a native of Safford in Dallas County and has been a resident of Mobile 30 years. He graduated from Alabama Polytechnic Institute in 1930 and the University of Chicago in 1931. In 1977, Givhan retired after 43 years of service to Alabama beginning with the Soil Conservation Service in 1934 and the Cooperative Extension Service in 1935. From 1977 to 1979, Givhan served as Director of the Alabama Foreign Trade Relations Commission. Givhan has spent a lifetime involved with the beef cattle industry, beginning as a 4-H boy in Dallas County. He showed cattle in the first state steer show and exhibited five Grand Champions in succession through the years 1925-29. In 1954, Givhan was one of the six founders of the Red Angus Association of America, serving two terms as its president. He was also a charter member of the Southeastern Red Angus Association and the Alabama Red Angus Association, serving as president of both. In 1962, Givhan instituted his own Good Neighbor Program by donating a Red Angus Bull from his own herd to fifteen foreign nations, including Brazil, Russia and South Africa. In 1964, Givhan, with several others, saw the need to develop an export market for Alabama agricultural commodities. He helped secure $15 million to construct grain elevators at seven inland river ports which were subsequently responsible for the expansion of the state's soybean industry.

J. D. Grimes

1983
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

J. D. Grimes was born in Wilhentown (Coffee County) on July 5, 1910. He attended the public schools in Coffee County: He is a veteran of World War Il. Mr. and Mrs. Grimes owned and operated Grimes Restaurant and Motel for 28 years in Troy Grimes is an outstanding leader and cattleman of Pike County. He has been in the cattle business for some 22 years and has produced purebred Polled Hereford cattle for 20 years. He has served the County Cattlemen's Association in all its offices and was its president for three different terms. He also served as regional vice president of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association and was elected lifetime director of the association in 1983. Grimes has been a tremendous supporter of the Pike County 4-H Club and FFA members beef cattle projects, helping them to locate good calves to feed and assisting in the selling of their steers to local buyers prior to the state show and sale. He was elected "Father of the Year" in 1983 by the Pike County CowBELLES. The County 4-H Clubs have awarded him plaques on two occasions. He received the Extension Service Leadership Award in 1970 and the President's Award from Troy State University in 1970. J. D. is married to the former Flois Chancellor of Troy. J. D. is the father of one son, Lovil D. Grimes of Dothan and he has two grandsons. Mr. and Mrs. Grimes are members of the First Baptist Church and are outstanding citizens of Pike County.

Aubrey Smith

1983
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Aubrey Smith is a native of Eclectic in Elmore County, Alabama. He attended Auburn University where he received a B.S. Degree in Agricultural Science in 1943. Since 1957, Smith has been employed by Auburn University as superintendent of the Black Belt Substation in Marion Junction. He was assistant superintendent from 1951 to 1956 and worked with the Soil Conservation Service from 1946 to 1950. During his 27 years as superintendent, Smith has done much research work on beef cattle. The first crossbreeding research in Alabama, and some of the earliest work in the nation, was done at the Black Belt Substation with Smith's assistance. He reported weaning weights of 650 pounds and cattle finished from the feedlot at 13 months of age. Smith assisted with extensive research on creep feeding of beef calves and systems for harvesting, storing and feeding hay. The Black Belt Substation, and Smith, have received national attention for doing the initial work on fungus free fescue. Smith has been author or co-author of numerous publications pertaining to forage production, hay harvesting, crossbreeding of beef cattle and animal nutrition. He is a lifetime honorary member of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association and currently serves as director and vice-president of the Auburn University Agricultural Alumni Association.

Julio Corte, Sr.

1984
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Julio Corte, Sr., a name in Baldwin County that will conjure up a lot of images - sweet corn, potatoes, beef cattle, soybeans and pecans. Because for most of the 20th century, the farming operation of A. A. Corte & Sons at Loxley has been one of the most diversified to be found. But it's been the cattle business - especially the purebred Angus business - where this operation has really made its mark. And it's been Julio Corte, Sr. who's been most closely identified with the cattle. One of six children involved in the A. A. Corte & Sons partnership, Julio has been interested in purebred Angus for several decades. In fact, some of the first Angus in Alabama were shipped to the Corte operation more than 60 years ago. Today, Corte is recognized as a Centennial Angus Farm by the national breed association. And Corte has always been ready to serve when the cattle business called. He was a pioneer promoter of the Angus breed of cattle, and a past President of the Alabama Angus Association. Corte worked to help organize the Robertsdale Stockyard so that cattlemen in his area would have a good market. He was also one of the primary organizers of the Baldwin County Fair. Corte is the father of three children, one of whom, Julio, Jr., is a past President of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association. Julio Corte, Sr. is married to the former Goldie Smith.

Collier Freeman

1984
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Collier Freeman, a lifelong cattleman of Dothan, has served the industry well for many years. This service includes seven terms as President of the Wiregrass Polled Hereford Association, as well as President of the Alabama Polled Hereford Association. In addition, Freeman served for a number of years on the Board of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association and was honored with a Lifetime Directorship with ACA. Always interested in encouraging young people, Freeman has been Chairman of the Tri-State Fat Stock Show and a 4-H Fat Stock Sale. However, Freeman's interest in agriculture goes beyond the cattle business. He was Chairman of the Dothan-Houston County Chamber of Commerce for three years and spearheaded the building of the Wiregrass Farmer's Produce Market. He served as President of this market for 22 years. Because of this effort, Freeman was named Dothan's "Man of the Year" in 1961. Freeman also served as President and Agri-Chairman of the National Peanut Festival. He was a charter member of the Houston County Farm Center Board and served on the State Center Board. He also spent five years as a member of the State Market Authority Board. A Dodge dealer for 33 years, Freeman was President of the Alabama Automobile Dealers Association in 1961 and was on the Board of this organization for 29 years. Freeman has been a member of the First Baptist Church of Dothan for more than 50 years. He is a deacon, usher, and member of the benevolence committee.

Dr. Billy Powell

1984
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Billy Powell, a native of Leroy, grew up with Red Angus cattle and tall pines. Under the watchful eye of Powell and his family, the Red Angus herd grew to be one of the largest such herds in the Southeast. The pines grew on their own. Powell left Washington County in the early '60's headed for Auburn University. After receiving a Ph.D. from Auburn in Animal Science, Powell served as an assistant professor, and later joined the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service as a Food Science Specialist. In 1975, he became Vice President of Lapeyrouse Feed, Inc., of Mobile where he was responsible for formulating livestock rations, buying ingredients, organizing production and coordinating sales. But all the while, he was quite involved with the family cattle operation and Red Angus activities. He served as National President of the Red Angus Association and in 1983 was awarded the "Personality of the Year" by the national association. In 1982, he served as President of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association. He currently serves as First Vice-President of the Southeastern Livestock Exposition. He was also the first President of the Auburn University Agricultural Alumni Association. Today, Powell lives in Montgomery where he is Assistant Executive Vice-President of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association. Active in the Methodist Church and Kiwanis Club, Powell is married to the former Elizabeth Crawford. He and Beth have three sons.

Billy Robertson

1984
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Billy Robertson has been a mainstay of West Alabama's beef cattle industry for more than 40 years. It was in Baldwin County where Robertson got his first taste of raising cattle - and he's seen a lot of changes since then. Not the least of which has been fences. When Robertson was a youngster, cattle still roamed the open range and pine thickets of the Coastal Plain. Robertson came to the Black Belt as a student - not a cattleman. He graduated from Marion Military Institute's Junior College in 1938. After finishing Auburn University in 1940, he headed back to West Alabama and bought what is now MARBILU RANCH at Gallion in 1943. Since then, Robertson has put down deep roots, both in his community and his industry. Active in agricultural organizations, Robertson served as Chairman of the Hale County ASC Committee for 12 years and area supervisor of the Hale County SCS for seven years. He's also served as Vice-President and Director of the Canebrake Bank for 32 years and Director of the Black Warrior Electric Membership Cooperative for eight years. He was also a Director of the West Alabama Mental Health Association for 10 years. Naturally, Robertson has been active in cattle association activities. He's a past President of the Hale County Cattlemen and was State President of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association in 1968. He is married to the former Louise Monroe, and they have two children.

Milton Wendland

1984
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Milton "Buzz" Wendland operates one of the larger, more diversified crop and livestock farms in Alabama and is active in agricultural organizations at the local, state, and national level. A native of Randolph, Kansas and a graduate of Kansas State University, Wendland owns Autauga Farming Company in Autaugaville. Wendland was President of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association in 1979. He has also served as President of the Alabama Crop Improvement Association, as a member of the Auburn University Agricultural Advisory Council, on the State Board of Agriculture and Industries, and on USDA's National Cotton Advisory Council. He is a member of the Southeastern Livestock Exposition, the Alabama Beef Cattle Improvement Association, and is Secretary-Treasurer of the Autauga County Soil Conservation District. Wendland's innovative approaches to agricultural production and his willingness to take on leadership roles haven't gone unnoticed. In 1976 he was chosen "Cotton Farmer of the Year" by COTTON FARMING magazine. In 1980 he received the Free Enterprise Award from the Farm-City Committee of Alabama. The PROGRESSIVE FARMER named him "Man of the Year in Service to Alabama Agriculture" in 1981, and the Alabama Crop Improvement Association honored him as "Man of the Year" in 1982. Wendland serves as President of Montgomery Tractor Company and Dallas Compress Company in Selma. He also serves as a Director of the Bank of Prattville and of First Alabama Bank of Montgomery. He is married to the former Diane Smith, and they have four children.

Dr. Troy B. Patterson

1985
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Dr. Troy B. Patterson, Auburn, served as Professor of Animal Science at Auburn University for 29 years. Prior to joining the Auburn staff in 1957, Patterson served in the same capacity at Mississippi State University for six years. He retired in February 1986. During his long tenure of service, Patterson was a leader in the growth and development of the state's billion-dollar beef industry. He has taught many Alabama cattlemen courses in beef cattle production and animal breeding. Dr. Patterson was in charge of the beef cattle breeding research at Auburn and is nationally known for his early work showing the advantages of crossbreeding. For 23 years he directed the Auburn University Bull Test Program, which is the oldest continuing bull test program in the nation. He is a member of Alpha Zeta and Gamma Sigma Delta, national honorary agricultural societies and Sigma Xi national research society. He is listed in Who's Who in America. Patterson is a past president of the Lee County Cattlemen's Association and served as a regional vice president of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association. He also helped organize the Alabama Beef Cattle Improvement Association and served on its board of directors since its inception. A native of Columbus, Mississippi, he graduated from Mississippi State University in 1947 and received his master's and Ph.D. degrees from Texas A & M University. Patterson's wife, Betty, is very active in the Alabama CowBelles. They have four grown children.

H. "Pete" Reynolds

1985
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

H. "Pete" Reynolds, Eutaw, is truly one of the last of the old-time cowboy... the men who rode the old western trail drives and lived with the cattle day and night. Reynolds spent 20 years ranching in Mexico. He crossed the Rio Grande on January 1, 1925, and ranched on 250,000 acres 140 miles south of the U.S. border until 1945. He ranched in Montana from 1946 to 1948 and in New Mexico from 1948 to 1951. In 1951, Reynolds moved to Alabama near Demopolis and operated ranches in Greene, Marengo and Hale counties. He operated the Eutaw Stockyard, Demopolis Stockyard and Linden Stockyard from 1954 to 1974. Reynolds brought some of the first Registered Quarter Horses to Alabama and was one of the first directors of the American Quarter Horse Association. He was one of the founders of the Alabama Quarter Horse Association. Active in rodeoing, Reynolds won the Montgomery Rodeo calf roping in 1952 and 1953. He presently operates, with his son, a 700-acre ranch in Greene County with an additional 2,500 leased acres including a 250 brood cow herd and a 2,000-head grazing program. He also operates a 4,000-head capacity feed lot.

W. Comer Sims

1985
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

W. Comer Sims, Selma, prominent Dallas County civic leader and cattleman, has been a longtime leader in cattle and agricultural affairs in the State of Alabama. He operates an extensive cattle and farming operation southeast of Selma. Sims is a native of Covington County and graduated from the University of Alabama where he played football and was a member of the Rose Bowl Team of 1931. He served as high school coach and teacher at Abbeville, Greenville, Albertville and Selma. For 26 years he was superintendent of Parks and Recreation for the city of Selma. He is a past president of the Dallas County Cattlemen's Association and, in 1969, was elected president of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association, having held every office in the state organization. Sims served as Assistant Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries from 1974 to 1983. Active in civic affairs, Sims is a past president of the Selma Exchange Club, director of the Citizen's Bank and Trust Company of Selma, past president of the Alabama Parks and Recreation Society and a member of many other civic and agri-business organizations. He is married to the former Eleanor Strickland.

Charles A. Webb

1985
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Charles A. Webb, Marion, is a partner in Webb Brothers, one of the state's oldest and largest cattle farming and timber operations. This vast 25,000-acre ranch is located in the heart of the Black Belt, eight miles west of Marion. It was homesteaded in 1819 and the family still has the original sheepskin deed signed by the late President Andrew Jackson. Charlie joined the Webb Brothers' cattle and farming operation in 1931. His uncle, J.M. Moore, gave him and his brother, J.C., their first registered Hereford Cattle and the gift was the beginning of beef cattle on the Webb Brothers' farm. In 1944, Charlie Webb organized the Perry County Cattlemen's Association and served as its first Vice President. He was a charter member of the Alabama Hereford Breeders Association which was founded in 1943 and he attended the organizational meeting of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association in Demopolis. At that meeting he was elected county director from Perry County. In 1947, he was instrumental in establishing the first Hereford Futurity in the Southeast. Webb graduated from Marion Military Institute and attended both Auburn University and the University of Alabama. Charlie Webb has played an important role in the development and organization of Alabama's beef cattle industry for the past 60 years. His leadership and that of Webb Brothers contributed much to making beef cattle one of the state's largest and most important industries.

John C. Webb

1985
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

J.C. Webb, Marion, is a partner in Webb Brothers, one of the state's oldest and largest cattle farming and timber operations. This vast 25,000-acre ranch is located in the heart of the Black Belt, eight miles west of Marion. It was homesteaded in 1819 and the family still has the original sheepskin deed signed by the late President Andrew Jackson. J.C. joined the Webb Brothers' operation in 1931 along with his brother, Charlie. In 1934, their uncle gave them four registered Hereford heifers and one bull. The gift was the beginning of a long history of Hereford cattle production on this ranch. Today it stands as one of the largest and oldest Hereford operations in the southeast both purebred and commercial. J.C. graduated from Marion Military Institute and attended Auburn University. He was a charter member of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association and a charter member of the Perry County Cattlemen's Association, which he served two terms as president. He was an organizer of the Black Belt Feeder Calf Association in 1944 and worked for the construction of the cattle show barn in Demopolis. He is a past chairman of the board of directors of Marion Military Institute and for 24 years was a director and chairman of the Perry County Soil Conservation Committee. In 1933, Webb helped organize the Alabama Hereford Breeders Association. The first meeting was held on the Webb farm. J.C. Webb has played an important role in the development and organization of Alabama's beef cattle industry for the past 60 years. His leadership and that of Webb Brothers contributed much to making beef cattle one of the state's largest and most important industries.

John B. Armstrong

1986
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

John B. Armstrong, Kingsville, Texas, is one of the nation's most outstanding and respected cattle leaders. He now serves as president of the famed King Ranch with headquarters in Kingsville, Texas. In 1950, Armstrong purchased the Day's Bend Ranch in Autauga County and on Thanksgiving Day, I950, he arrived in Alabama with eight railroad carloads of Santa Gertrudis brood cows from his Texas Ranch. During the next 15 years he and his family worked to develop one of the top Santa Gertrudis herds in the Southeast. While living in Alabama, he was very active in the production and promotion of the state beef industry. In 1952, he was president of the Autauga County Cattlemen's Association and from 1953-62, was a member of the Executive Committee of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association and served as chairman of the state Beef Promotion Committee. In addition to his leadership in Alabama, Armstrong served as president of the Santa Gertrudis Breeders International from 1957 to 1959 and regional vice president of the National Cattlemen's Association. In 1979, Armstrong was recognized as Man of the Year in Service to Texas Agriculture by the Progressive Farmer Magazine. Me served as chairman of the Beef Industry Council of the National Livestock and Meat Board from 1962 to 1969. He is also a past president of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. His wife, the former Henrietta Kleberg Larkin, died in 1986. They were the parents of three sons and one daughter.

Carlton R. Larkins

1986
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Carlton R. Larkins, Elba, prominent Coffee County cattleman, businessman and civic leader, has been active in cattle and agricultural affairs for more than 35 years. He operates the Circle L Ranch, producing purebred Santa Gertrudis cattle. Larkins pioneered the Santa Gertrudis breed in Alabama. He was the fourth breeder in the state and the first in Coffee County. He was a founder of the Alabama Santa Gertrudis Association and served as its first president. He was named "Man of the Year" in 1980 by the association. He served as a member of the board of directors of the Santa Gertrudis Breeders International, Kingsville, Texas for a number of years. He is a past president of the Coffee County Cattlemen's Association and served as regional vice president of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association. He managed the Coffee County stockyard for seven years and was manager of the Frosty Morn Packing Company's livestock promotional program in the Southeast. Active in Civic Affairs, Larkins was a charter member of the Elba Rotary Club and is a past president. He is a member of the First Baptist Church of Elba and serves on its board of trustees. He is married to the former Margaret Lucille Taylor. They have one son and one daughter.

Dr. A.W. Patton, Jr.

1986
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Dr. A. W. Patton, Jr., Tuscaloosa, owns extensive cattle and farming operations in Tuscaloosa County. He produces purebred Angus cattle and has been active in Angus circles for more than 30 years. He is a past president of the Alabama Angus Association and is a member of the American Angus Association. Dr. Patton has been a dedicated leader of the Tuscaloosa County and Alabama Cattlemen's Associations. He served three terms as president of the Tuscaloosa County Cattlemen's Association and is a lifetime director of the county group. On the state level, Dr. Patton served two terms as regional Vice President of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association. Active in civic affairs, Patton has practiced dentistry for more than 40 years in Tuscaloosa County. He attended the University of Alabama and graduated from Emory University with a DDS degree. He is a past president of the Exchange Club, former director of Central Bank of Tuscaloosa and is a member of several dental associations. He also serves as an elder in the Presbyterian Church. He is married to the former Regina Ingram.

John T. Jenkins

1987
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Johnny Jenkins, Macon, Georgia, is one of the most outstanding and best-known agricultural journalists in the South and nation, specializing in beef cattle and livestock writing and magazine publishing. Jenkins is a native of Alabama and moved to Florida at an early age. He graduated from the University of Florida with a B.S. in Journalism. After graduation he joined the staff of the Florida Cattleman Magazine. In 1948, he purchased the Southern Livestock Journal and established headquarters in Macon, Georgia. Thus began his career as a spokesman for beef cattle in the South. In 1958, he combined his magazine with The Breeder Stockman of Virginia under the name of Livestock Breeder Journal with Jenkins as editor. This merger enlarged circulation to cover all of the east coast from New York to Florida. Livestock Breeder Journal was the voice of the East and Southeastern cattle and livestock industry. In 1983, the magazine became the weekly, Beef Week, which is now a monthly publication. Jenkins has been recognized and honored by numerous cattle groups. He is a founder and past president of the National Livestock Publications Council. He was the recipient of the first American Polled Hereford Association Hall of Merit Award in Communications and the American Angus Association Award of Merit. He is a member of the Georgia Cattlemen's Association Hall of Fame and in 1974, he was named a life member of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association. For more than 30 years Johnny Jenkins has been a friend and great supporter of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association and the state's livestock industry. He is married to Libby K. Jenkins, and they have one daughter, Jennifer.

Dr. George S. Killian

1987
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Dr. George Killian, of Fort Payne, is a prominent DeKalb County veterinarian, cattleman and civic leader. Dr. Killian graduated from Auburn University in 1948 with a degree in veterinary medicine and has extensive large and small animal practice in DeKalb County. In addition, he has extensive farm and cattle operations producing purebred Limousin Cattle. He was one of the first to record Limousin in Alabama. Dr. Killian has been a longtime cattle leader in Northeast Alabama. He served two years as president of the DeKalb County Cattlemen's Association, was Regional Vice President of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association and in 1983, was elected president of the ACA. He was instrumental in establishing the Diagnostic Laboratory at Auburn University and was chairman of the American Veterinary Medical Association's Brucellosis eradication program. In 1983, he was named Cattleman of the Year by the Alabama Cattleman Magazine. He has been honored by State 4-H and F.F.A. organizations for outstanding service. He is a past president of the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce and was a founder and president of the DeKalb County Auburn Club. Dr. Killian served in the Armed Forces during World War II and as a Captain in the Army Veterinary Corp during the Korean Conflict in 1953-55. He is married to the former Virginia Payton, and they have four daughters.

Harold Pate

1987
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Harold Pate, prominent Lowndes County cattleman and civic leader of Lowndesboro, owns and operates the Harold Pate Ranch, producing purebred Charolais, Limousin and Simmental cattle. For more than 20 years, Harold Pate has been a leader in county, state and national cattle circles. He has served as president of the Lowndes County Cattlemen's Association and as Regional Vice President and state president of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association. He is currently serving as First Vice President of the Southeastern Livestock Exposition. Pate, a graduate of Auburn University with a B.S. degree in agriculture with a major in animal husbandry and nutrition, was named Cattleman of the Year by the Alabama Cattleman Magazine in 1977 and in 1987 was selected as Seedstock Producer of the Year by the Alabama Purebred Beef Breeds Council. He is a past president of the Alabama Charolais Association. He has served as a member of the board of directors of the American-International Charolais Association and as Vice President of the American Chianina Association. In addition to his cattle leadership, Harold Pate has found time to serve his county, state and nation. In 1951, he entered the Alabama National Guard as a PFC and rose to the rank of Colonel, commanding the 31st Aviation Battalion. At present he is an aviator for the Alabama Air Reserve National Guard. He has served as a member of the State Agricultural Center Board which operates the coliseum and agricultural center. He is active in the Lowndesboro Baptist Church and Lowndes Academy. Harold is married to the former Joan Holland, who is a past president of the Alabama Cow Belles Association. They have five children.

M.W. (Warren) Hall

1988
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

M.W. (Warren) Hall is a native of Midway in Bullock County and the third generation to breed registered cattle on the farm known as Bermuda Polled Herefords. In 1948 he became a partner in the M. W. Hall & Son operation. After his father's death in 1956, Warren continued to operate the farm and today manages 1,100 acres with two registered breeds, Polled Herefords and Gelbviehs. Performance has always been important at BPH and in 1958 official documentation of performance began. Rising feed costs and concern for the practicality of the operation caused Warren to look for an alternative to grain tested animals. In 1978 he began an all-forage test for measuring performance. This seemed the most economical and practical program for the commercial buyers. The concept proved to be successful and continues to be practiced at BPH. He is a charter member of the Alabama BCIA and has served it from director to presidency. In 1986 the organization named him seed-stock producer of the year and in 1988 he received the Richard Dees Award for outstanding service. Warren was instrumental in the organization's development of all forage test at two sites in the state. In addition to his participation in BCIA, Hall is an active member of the local cattlemen's association, two breed associations, Polled Hereford and Gelbvieh. In 1969, he was named Cattleman of the Year by the Livestock Breeder Journal. Hall is a member of Midway Baptist Church where he teaches a Sunday School class and has served as a deacon for 35 years. He and his wife have two children.

Raymond B. Jones

1988
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Raymond B. Jones, Huntsville, is president of G. W. Jones and Sons, one of the largest and oldest cattle operations in the state. In 1986 they celebrated their 100th Anniversary. Jones manages more than 10,000 acres of farmland in North Alabama, producing commercial Hereford cattle and Kentucky 31 fescue seed. He and his family were pioneer breeders of fescue and were responsible for its popularity in the State. In addition to their farming operations, G. W. Jones & Sons offers Civil Engineering, Insurance and Real Estate Sales in the Huntsville area. The company owns 40,000 acres of mineral land in Northeast Alabama which produces steam coal. Jones graduated from Auburn University with a B.S. degree in Animal Husbandry. In addition to his many business activities, he finds time to support his county and state. He is a past president of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association, Madison County Cattlemen, President of the Huntsville Rotary Club, past Chairman of Ducks Unlimited. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of David Lipscomb College and the University of North Alabama in Huntsville. In 1968 Jones was named Huntsville's Outstanding Young Man of the Year. Raymond Jones is recognized as one of the top cattle producers in the Southeast and has contributed much to the growth and development of the state's cattle industry during the past 30 years. He is married and he and his wife, Libby, have three children, Lisa, Mary and Raymond.

Dr. W.M. (Bill) Warren

1988
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

William Michael Warren was born July 5, 1917, in Bancroft, Michigan, on the family farm his great grandfather established in 1836. He received a B.S. degree in Animal Husbandry in 1940 from Michigan State University, a M.S. in Animal Breeding from Texas A&M University in 1948, and a PhD from the University of Missouri in Animal Breeding in 1952. He served as a line officer in the U.S. Marine Corps in World War II, and saw duty on Okinawa, Peleliu, New Britain, Guadalcanal, and in China. He coached the livestock judging teams and taught Animal Husbandry at Texas A&M during the years 1940-42, 1946-50, and 1952-55. In 1955, he joined the Animal Sciences Faculty at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, and served there for 25 years as professor and department head. In 1979, he was named Alabama Cattlemen's Association's distinguished professor of Animal and Dairy Sciences. He retired from Auburn in June of 1980. He was Executive Director of the Santa Gertrudis Breeders International in Kingsville, Texas, from 1980 until his retirement August 1, 1988. He is a member and former officer of several agricultural organizations and has published numerous research papers and popular articles in various livestock publications throughout the years. He chaired the American Quarter Horse Research Committee for 15 years and is a lifetime member and honorary vice-president of the American Quarter Horse Association. He has judged beef cattle, horse, sheep, and swine shows in the United States and foreign countries.

Glynn C. Debter

1989
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Glynn C. Debter has been a breeder of registered Hereford cattle since 1948. He began with two bred heifers, a planned breeding and merchandising program and a desire to produce functional, efficient Hereford cattle. Deter Hereford Farm has grown to 265 registered cows and 100 commercial cows that must meet strict performance standards to stay in the Deter program. Individual performance records have been kept on all cows and calves for 25 years. Debter's complete performance program mandates that as much data be collected as possible and used objectively to breed an elite set of functional Hereford cattle. He is recognized as a leader in the American Hereford Association's Total Performance Records Program. In addition to being a dedicated cattleman, he has served his industry in an unselfish manner promoting the beef industry whenever and wherever possible. Debter is a lifetime Director of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association and is currently 2nd Vice President of the organization. He was a Director of the American Hereford Association from 1984-89 and served as its President in 1988. Debter is also active in community and county affairs. He is a Director of Community Bank of Snead, Alabama, Chairman of the livestock committee of the Blount County Agribusiness Center and lends support to youth programs whenever possible. Field days and judging contests are yearly events at Debter's Hereford Farm. Glynn and his wife Bobbie are the parents of two sons and grandparents of four.

Ann Samford Upchurch

1989
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Ann Samford Upchurch, a native of Birmingham, Alabama since the age of two, attended Brooke Hill School for girls and Sweet Briar College in Virginia, majoring in philosophy. In 1962 she and her husband, the late Dr. Sam Upchurch, acquired the property in Autauga County now known as Grey Rocks Ranch. It has since grown to be one of the largest purebred Santa Gertrudis cattle operations in the state, carrying a total registered herd of approximately 600 head. Mrs. Upchurch participates in a "hands on" fashion in the daily ranch decisions and operations. She was one of the first breeders to promote grazing tests in the West Central area and has continued to run grazing tests on her own ranch. Mrs. Upchurch started and has managed her own Production Sale each year. She recently completed her twelfth successful sale making it the longest running Santa Gertrudis Production Sale in the state. Her SGBI sanctioned sale cattle have won several State Grand Champion titles. Mrs. Upchurch is a longtime supporter of FFA, 4-H, and the Alabama Cattlemen's Association programs. She spearheaded a Youth Endowment Fund for the Alabama Junior Santa Gertrudis Association in 1989, of which she was made an honorary member. She is also a supporter of Auburn University and its Animal Science Department. Recently, Mrs. Upchurch started the Samuel Earl Upchurch Endowment Scholarship in Agriculture and Agribusiness at Auburn. "Miss Ann" as she is known to her friends and fellow cattlemen, has always been a leader in everything she undertakes. She is the mother of twin daughters and a son.

Dr. Jim Hicks

1990
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Dr. Jim Hicks is founder and owner of the world famous Briarhill Angus Farm located in Bullock County near Union Springs. Briarhill Angus Farm was recognized as one of the top Angus herds in the United States. Every year in their annual production sales, Briarhill Angus cattle were sold at record breaking prices. Dr. Hicks purchased his first Angus cows in 1950 and for the next three decades he built the premier Angus herd in America. His cows were shown at all the major shows in the United States and Canada and brought home countless championship trophies and ribbons. In 1980 his bull, Briarhill Jay, was Supreme Champion of the All-American Angus Futurity. In 1981 Dr. Hicks sold the highest priced Angus cow in history for $300,000. When the Briarhill herd was dispersed, it was the largest Angus sale in the United States with more than 700 head of registered Angus cows selling at auction. Dr. Hicks was a very active supporter of youth livestock programs in the state. For many years, he donated registered Angus bulls to FFA Chapters throughout the state. The Birmingham Chamber of Commerce cited Dr. Hicks as "Man of the Year" for his contributions to rural Alabama. Because of his many years of contributions to the Alabama Cattlemen's Association and the beef cattle industry, he was elected Lifetime Honorary Vice President of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association.

Dr. Dale Huffman

1990
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Dale L. Huffman was born in Churchville, Virginia and was raised on a dairy farm in central New York. He served with the U.S. Air Force and saw service in Korea prior to completion of the B.S. degree from Cornell University. He received the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Meat and Animal Sciences from the University of Florida. Dr. Huffman worked in the meat industry prior to moving to Auburn University in 1963 as a Professor of Meat and Animal Science. During his tenure at Auburn, Dr. Huffman has won numerous awards and recognitions for his research. His recent research studies on lean ground beef have received international headlines. Dr. Huffman developed the technology resulting in the low fat hamburger that McDonald's Corporation test marketing. He also worked on restructured beef products and utilizing the muscles from the chuck. The American Meat Science Association has recognized Dr. Huffman for his outstanding research. He has served as President of the Reciprocal Meats Conference and has been a consultant to several national food manufacturers. Dr. Huffman is a member of several professional and honorary organizations and has received awards for his professional contributions. He is active in the Methodist church and community affairs. He and his wife, Jo-Ann, are the parents of three children.

Claude Hardee

1991
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Claude Hardee, prominent Monroe County cattleman and agricultural leader, graduated from Auburn in 1938 with a B.S. degree in Agriculture. Hardee taught high school vocational agriculture for more than thirty years in Alabama. During his career, many of his students won high honors in all of the FFA sponsored projects and contests. He was responsible for sending many rural students to Auburn University. Over the years, Hardee built a large cattle and timber operation in Monroe County. He was a pioneer in cross breeding, the feeding of silage and the use of winter grazing in his beef cattle operation. He developed one of the first herds of Santa Gertrudis in Alabama. In addition to cattle, Hardee has been breeding quarter horses since the mid-1950s. In 1988, the world champion $10,000 non-pro cutting horse was bred and raised by Hardee. Hardee is a charter member and past president of the Monroe County Cattlemen's Association. He has received many county and state honors for his outstanding contributions to the Beef Cattle Industry. He was presented the first "Cattleman of the Year Award" and has been honored with this award a second time. Several years ago, Hardee was honored as "Farmer of the Year" by the Monroeville Kiwanis Club. For more than twenty years, Hardee served as Director of the Production Credit Association, some of this time as Chairman of the Board. He was elected and served on the advisory board to the New Orleans Federal Intermediate Credit Board representing Alabama for several terms.

J. Lem Morrison

1991
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

J. Lem Morrison, Greensboro, was Chairman of the Board of The Dairy Fresh Corporation, a large multi-state, multi-million-dollar milk processing and distribution company doing business in several southeastern states, with headquarters in Mobile and Greensboro. Mr. Morrison was active in business, church, civic and agricultural affairs in Alabama for more than 56 years. He operated a large dairy and beef cattle operation in west Alabama near Greensboro. Morrison was Chairman of the Board of the Alabama 4-H Foundation for 28 years and was primarily responsible for building the four-million-dollar Alabama 4-H Center in Shelby County. He served as a member of the State ASCS committee for eight years and 16 years as a member of the Alabama State Board of Agriculture. Morrison was a charter member of the Southeastern Livestock Exposition. He served as president of the Hale County Farm Bureau 1946-1950. In 1971 he was named Alabama Small Businessman of the year. In 1983, Auburn University awarded Lem Morrison an Honorary Doctorate of Science for his outstanding contribution and service to the University and State of Alabama.

Steve Tondera

1991
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Steve Tondera, prominent Madison County cattleman and widely known civic and church leader, lives in Huntsville, Alabama. A native of Waco, Texas, Tondera attended Texas A&M University and graduated from Baylor University with a degree in Mathematics and Physics. Tondera owns and operates Diamond T Ranch near Huntsville. He runs a herd of registered Santa Gertrudis cattle. He has been very active in Alabama's cattle industry. He is past president of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association, past president of Alabama Santa Gertrudis Association as well as the Madison County Cattlemen's Association. He was elected the first president of the Alahara Purebred Beef Council. Tondera has been active in the National Cattlemen's Association serving as president of NCA's Region I and long-time member of the National Executive Committee. In addition to his cattle interest, Tondera has been very active in church and civic projects. In 1976-78 he served as president of the Alabama Baptist State Convention. In 1975-76 he served as District Governor of Alabama Lion's Club. Tondera is presently serving as Senior Engineer at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville. He is married with one daughter and two sons.

Dr. J. Lee Alley

1992
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Dr. Lee Alley of Montgomery has a long and distinguished career serving the state and nation's livestock industry. He has served as the State Veterinarian for the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries since 1979. A native of Bullock County, Dr. Alley received his D.V.M. degree from Auburn University in 1956. He has done post-graduate work at Michigan State, Vanderbilt, and Auburn. Dr. Alley worked 13 years with the United States Department of Agriculture prior to becoming the Extension Veterinarian for the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service at Auburn University. After seven years with Auburn, he worked as brucellosis coordinator for the USDA. Under Alley's leadership, Alabama has become a Class A state under the brucellosis eradication program; been declared free of bovine tuberculosis; and has eradicated an outbreak of exotic Newcastle disease in poultry. He has written the monthly column "Animal Health News" in the Alabama Cattleman magazine since 1970. Dr. Alley has also been an outstanding cattle producer and was a pioneer in establishing stocker calf board sales across Alabama. He has been active with the Alabama Cattlemen's Association, serving two terms as regional vice president and representing the state on the National Cattlemen's Association's Animal Health Committee. He is an honorary member of the Southeastern Livestock Exposition and is a past president of the United States Animal Health Association. He has chaired numerous committees with the American Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Alley and his wife, Eleanor, have two daughters.

Ned Ellis

1993
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Ned Ellis, of Fort Deposit, is an outstanding state and national cattle industry leader. He has developed one of the top Chi Angus programs in the country at Circle E Farms where he also incorporates broilers and timber into the family livestock operation. Ellis also owns Priester's Pecan Company, a pecan candy manufacturer with national mail order sales and a retail outlet in Fort Deposit. Ellis graduated with a degree in animal science from Auburn University where he was recognized as a student leader. He has been very active in leadership positions for a number of livestock organizations. He served as president of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association and as chairman of the board of the American Chianina Association. Ellis currently serves as the Alabama director of the Beef Industry Council and is on the Executive Committee. He is third vice president of the Southeastern Livestock Exposition and serves as chairman of the State Steer Show Committee. Ellis has been president of the Lowndes County Cattlemen's Association and regional vice president of the state association. He also served on the board of directors for the National Cattlemen's Association. He serves on the board of directors of the Alabama Poultry and Egg Association and on the First Lowndes Bank, where he was one of the principal organizers. Ellis and his wife, May, have three daughters and a son along with several grandchildren.

Ida Belle Young

1993
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Ida Belle Young is a longtime cattle rancher and notable philanthropist from Montgomery. Miss Young has been an active participant in the Alabama Cattlemen's Association and the National Cattlemen's Association for over 30 years. Miss Young says that she gained her knowledge of treating and caring for cattle from her father and the love of cows and calves from her mother. Mr. Young ran steers on his east Montgomery ranch in the 1940s, but Mrs. Young's enjoyment of cows and calves caused him to convert to a cow-calf program. Ida Belle's father ran an ag supply business in downtown Montgomery. He sold equipment, feed, and fertilizer before retiring to the family farm due to health reasons. Following Mr. Young's death, Ida Belle began to improve the herd. She went to see Clarence Cross in Colquitt, Georgia, at the well-known Josuli Hereford Farm. There she purchased some top bulls. Her mother, who collected silver dollars over the years, gave them to Ida Belle to purchase 50 head of good cows. This was the beginning of the development of a top Hereford herd. During the 1960s, many 4-H'ers came to Young Ranch to select their club calves. Also, during this time, Ida Belle's southern hospitality opened her ranch to cattle tours. In fact, she hosted 11 Southern Railroad bus tours in one year, with one group being from Brazil. Ida Belle was a major contributor to the Cattlemen's Building Capital Campaign for the children's educational center.

William H. Johnson, III

1994
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

William H. Johnson, III, of Montgomery, owns and operates a farm in south Montgomery County where he has a Red Angus and Brangus herd and quarter horses. Bill has served as president of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association, a regional vice president of the ACA and president of Montgomery County Cattlemen's Association. Bill served two terms as president of the Alabama Red Angus Association and has been a board member of the Alabama Brahman Association and the Alabama Quarter Horse Association. He also has served as a director of the National Cattlemen's Association. Johnson is currently first vice president of the Southeastern Livestock Exposition and serves on the Rodeo and Horse Show Committees. Bill is the manager of Garrett Coliseum where he has done an outstanding job upgrading the facility. Bill grew up on a livestock farm in Eutaw where his father served for over 40 years as the county Extension agent. Johnson graduated from Livingston University where he was an all-conference football player and afterward played in the National Football League for several years. He is married to Cissy McLendon, and they have two sons, Hank and Walt.

Jim Adams

1995
Pioneer Award
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

This year, the Hall of Fame is pleased to announce the first winner of the Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame Pioneer Award. This award was started to recognize those industry pioneers who are now deceased. It is fitting that the first recipient is an individual who was a pioneer in both the cattle and horse industries in the state, as well as an innovative association leader. Jim Adams was a widely known cattleman, quarter horse breeder and successful businessman from Dothan. He was a pioneer in the quarter horse business in the Southeast and for many years had one of the largest annual production sales in the country. He served as president of the Alabama Quarter Horse Association and was a major supporter until his death in 1979. Adams served as president of the American Shorthorn Association and the National Peanut Festival for many years. Adams represented Houston and Henry counties in the Alabama State Senate for four years. Adams made his most significant contribution to the livestock industry while serving as president of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association in 1958. During his term in office, the Alabama Cattleman magazine became a monthly publication, the legislation for the first beef checkoff program was started and the Southeastern Livestock Exposition was formed. Adams was elected the first president of the SLE and served until his death.

Buck Compton

1995
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

A.W. "Buck" Compton, Jr., of Nanafalia, is actively engaged in the purebred cattle business and has been a longtime leader in the cattle industry. Buck owns Compton Charolais Farm, calving 160 cows annually, Compton Timber Company and Compton's Country Store. He has served in many leadership capacities, including president of the American-International Charolais Association, the Alabama Cattlemen's Association, the Alabama Charolais Association and Alabama Beef Cattle Improvement Association. Compton has been a long-time leader in performance testing with bulls, topping several BCIA tests and sales. He has been a member of the Cattlemen's Beef Board, the Auburn University College of Agriculture Advisory Committee, the Demopolis PCA, the Marengo County FMHA, the Marengo County Forestry Committee and the Soil Conservation Committee. He is a director for the Sweet Water State Bank. Compton graduated from Auburn University, where, as a junior, he served as president of the School of Agriculture and vice president of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity.

Dr. Tom Vaughan

1995
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Dr. Tom Vaughan, a native of Tuskegee, is nationally known as an outstanding equine and bovine veterinarian and administrator. He received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University in 1955 and served in the Department of Large Animal Surgery in the College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Vaughan moved to Cornell University in 1970 to become professor and director of the Department of Large Animal Surgery and Medicine at the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine. He served in this capacity until his retirement. Dr. Vaughan has authored 22 chapters in textbooks, along with numerous articles. He served at many leadership positions, both at the state and national levels. He was elected president of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 1980 and president of the American Association of Equine Practitioners in 1981. Dr. Vaughan was named Alabama Veterinarian of the Year in 1985. Over the years, Vaughan has significantly influenced Alabama's animal health activities for the benefit of the total livestock industry in the state, as well as nationally. He has directly influenced Alabama's efforts to prevent and eradicate costly livestock diseases. His efforts have helped ensure that we have a continuous supply of well-trained veterinarians to maintain effective animal health programs for Alabama's livestock producers.

W.O. Crawford

1996
Pioneer Award
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

William O. Crawford was one of Alabama's early livestock industry leaders. W.O. was unique. Not only was he a pioneer in the cattle industry, but he was also instrumental in the development of the American Quarter Horse and the Tennessee Walking Horse industries in Alabama. In 1937 and 1938, Crawford served as vice president of the state Future Farmers of America. He studied agriculture at Alabama Polytechnic Institute (now Auburn University). There he joined two brothers, Norman and Lawrence, as a member of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. Following his father's death, he returned home to run the family farm. In 1944 he helped organize and was elected president of the Perry County Cattlemen's Association. He was also elected vice president of the Alabama Angus Association. Crawford brought some of the first registered quarter horses east of the Mississippi River. In addition to breeding champion horses, he was also a well-respected quarter horse judge. The Alabama Quarter Horse Breeders Association was organized at a meeting at Spur Ranch. That was also the site of the first registered quarter horse sale in the state. In addition, Crawford helped organize the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders Association and was a noted breeder. His children, Beth, Ellen and Roy, showed many blue-ribbon winners and his wife, Betty, rode Gypsy Lee to the Ladies' World Championship in 1954. And Crawford was always ringside for the Walking Horse Celebration in Shelbyville, Tenn. In 1958 Crawford helped found another organization, the Southeastern Livestock Exposition. He served as SLE vice president until his death in 1978.

Henry B. Gray III

1996
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Henry B. Gray III of Eufaula has owned and directed a large commercial cattle operation in Barbour County since the early 1950s. He has a long and distinguished career of service to the cattle industry, the Alabama Cattlemen's Association and the State of Alabama. Gray was elected president of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association in 1972, served on the state executive committee a number of times and was president of the Barbour County Cattlemen's Association. An industry leader, Gray was one of the first cattlemen in Alabama to carry his weaned calves to heavier weights through a stocker program. He helped organize and develop the board auction system for marketing cattle. Since 1992 he has been an advocate for retained ownership through the feedlot phase so the producer can reap the rewards of added value. General, he served as a member of the Alabama National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve for 33 years. Gray served as Adjutant General, State of Alabama, where he directed a 20,000 person Army and Air National Guard. Gray has held numerous positions in local civic and community activities as well. He continues to serve his state as vice chairman of the State Ethics Commission. He has also received the Auburn University Extension Service Leadership Award and has been named Eufaula Citizen of the year. He is married to the former Mary Adams and they have three children.

Dr. Phil Hardee

1997
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Dr. Philip C. Hardee grew up on a large, diversified cattle ranch in Monroe County. Double Five Ranch includes a large commercial cow-calf herd, a stocker program, quarter horses and timber. In 1967, Hardee received a B.S. degree in animal science from Auburn University where he was student body president. He received his MD from the University of Alabama in Birmingham then served on the faculty for three years. Hardee is currently a practicing orthodontist with offices in Andalusia and Monroeville. In addition, Hardee is a licensed auctioneer. He served as president of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association in 1994 and was previously a regional vice president of the state organization and president of the Monroe County Cattlemen's Association. Hardee has served on the National Cattlemen's Association Board of Directors and as vice chairman of the Private Lands and Environmental Management committee. In 1997 he was elected to a three-year term on the National Cattlemen's Beef Association Executive Committee as a representative of Region II. Hardee has also served as president of the SLE.

Dr. Bob McGuire

1997
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall

Dr. Bob McGuire, a native of North Carolina, came to Alabama in 1974 to head the Auburn University Extension Animal Science Department. He remained at Auburn University until his retirement in 1994 after a distinguished career which spanned 37 years of service to beef cattle producers. McGuire wrote a monthly column in Alabama Cattleman for 20 years. He served as the supervisor of the A Bull Test for 10 years and was instrumental in the expansion of the Alabama Beef Cattle Improvement Association. Under McGuire's leadership, the Alabama Purebred Beef Breeds Council was established, and the popular Stocker 700 was implemented. He served on numerous regional and national committees and held regional and national offices in the American Society of Animal Science. He served as president of the Lee County Cattlemen's Association and is a Lifetime Director of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association. McGuire is also a member of the Southeastern Livestock Exposition. Since his retirement he has remained in Lee County and is a fulltime cattleman. He is also a past president of the Alabama Limousin Breeders Association.

Will Howard Smith

1997
Pioneer Award
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

William Howard Smith was a pioneer leader in Alabama agriculture. A native of Autauga, he studied agriculture at Iowa State College before returning to the family farm in 1919. He participated in the day today activities of the farm, which was 6,000 acres at its peak, and remained active until his death in 1973, six weeks after the death of his wife of 62 years. Smith, known by his many friends and acquaintances as Mr. Will Howard was one of Alabama's leading farmers and businessmen as well as a dedicated humanitarian and philanthropist. As a farmer, he had great respect for agricultural research which resulted in his being an early adopter of scientific principles. He was the first to turn from the custom fencing of native grasses to carefully selecting and preparing land, fertilizing, liming and seeding pastures. The results of this practice would come to be known as improved pastures. Smith was a pioneer leader within many agriculture organizations. He helped charter and organized the Alabama Farm Bureau; served as the first president of the Alabama Crop Improvement Association; served on the first board of the National Cotton Council; served for seven years on the board of the Birmingham branch of the Federal Reserve Board and served on the Muscle Shoals Commission in 1931. He was president of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association in 1949. In 1961 Smith was presented with the Honorary Doctorate of Laws degree from Auburn University; he was the first farmer to receive this honor.

Emory F. Behel

1998
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

In 1946, Florence native Emory Behel started a 200-head dairy. He converted the farm to a beef cattle program in 1970. He ran the North Alabama Beef Cattle Improvement Association bull test on his farm for 18 years. Behel is a longtime member of the Lauderdale County Cattlemen's Association, serving as president in 1974. He helped organize, and served as president of, the Northwest Alabama Livestock Association which owns and operates a stockyard in Russellville. As a producer, Behel closely followed the modern management practices as advocated by Auburn University. In 1970 he received the Master Dairyman of the Year Award from the Cooperative Extension Service. Behel was recognized for his involvement in the beef cattle industry in 1991 when he received the Richard Deese Award from the Alabama BCIA. He served as president of the Alabama Farmers Cooperative Board and was a director for the Lauderdale County Farm Bureau. He served on the local Soil Conservation Board and the Alabama Farmers Federation. Behel serves as an Elder in the Lone Cedar Church of Christ and is past chairman of the Mars Hill Bible School.

Paul Fuller

1998
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

A native of Elmore County's Slapout community, Paul Fuller, graduated from Auburn University (the API) and had a long, distinguished career with the USDA. Fuller rose through the ranks to the top position in his division, Director of the Livestock and Seed Division. In this position he was in charge of the Federal Livestock Reporting Service for the livestock, meats and grain, the Meat Grading and Standardization Service and the USDA oversight of the checkoff programs for cattle, pork, wool and mohair, and soybeans. He was very instrumental in working with the cattle producers in the setting up procedures and policies for the establishment of the national beef checkoff program. Fuller started working for the USDA immediately following graduation in 1956. He was in charge of the Chicago Livestock and Meat Reporting Service before transferring to Washington, DC in 1965. He was named Director of the Division in 1984. Fuller is the recipient of USDA's Distinguished Service Award and the Federal Presidential Rank Award, given to members of the Senior Executive Service, both in recognition of outstanding service to agriculture. Fuller has consulted with the soybean checkoff program and assisted several foreign countries in developing marketing programs for agricultural products. He has served as a genuine friend to the state and national cattle industry. He retired back home to Elmore County in 1995.

Fred Hooper, Sr.

1998
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Mention Fred Hooper to Alabama cattlemen and most will think of the sprawling, modern stockyard that he built on the southwest side of Montgomery. However, in Thoroughbred circles, Hooper means more than 50 years of production of some of the nation's top racehorses. Fred W. Hooper Sr. is an outstanding self-made Thoroughbred breeder. A native of Cleveland, GA, Hooper moved to Montgomery in 1939 where he operated a large construction company. He built and operated Hooper Stockyards in 1958 and was the founder and major benefactor of Hooper Academy. Hooper is nationally recognized as one of the all-time top breeders of Thoroughbred horses. He has twice received the Eclipse Award as the top breeder in the nation. Hooper is the only person to have won the Kentucky Derby with a horse raised in Alabama. This occurred in 1945 when "Hoop Jr." raised on the Hooper Farm in Montgomery, won the internationally famous race. Since then, Hooper has consistently produced top national stakes winners on his Ocala, FL, farm. Two of his horses, "Susan's Girl" and "Forego" were three-time Eclipse Award winners. Hooper was recognized in 1975 and again in 1982 as the country's top breeder. In 1982, Hooper's two-year-old Florida champion, "Copeland", was considered the top prospect for Triple Crown honors. Hooper has been inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, the Georgia Thoroughbred Breeders Hall of Fame, the Florida Thoroughbred Hall of Fame and the Hollywood Park Pavilion of Stars Hall of Fame. He served as president of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders Association from 1971 – 1979.

Dr. John Milligan

1998
Pioneer Award
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Dr. John Milligan received a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1929 from Alabama Polytechnic Institute (Auburn University) and was employed by the state of Alabama from 1930 until 1975. In 1951 he became Alabama's first full-time State Veterinarian. He had a strong commitment to controlling livestock disease and was a strong spokesman for protecting the health of the state's cattle industry. Milligan served as a State Veterinarian for 24 years. He was a leader nationally and served as president of the United States Animal Health Association and the Southern Animal Health Association. Milligan was instrumental in eradicating diseases that detrimentally impacted the state's beef cattle industry. During his tenure the dreaded Texas fever tick and screw worm, which cost cattle producers millions of dollars annually, were successfully eradicated in the state. This was one of the main turning points in the development of the state's modern cattle industry. Under Dr. Milligan's leadership, programs were implemented that led to the eradication of tuberculosis and brucellosis from cattle herds.

Richard Beard, Sr.

1999
Pioneer Award
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Richard Beard, Sr. was born in Tennessee and graduated from Washington and Lee University. Beard moved to Alabama in 1937 and started Glendale Farms near Trussville in north Jefferson County. He also operated Glendale Mills- a seed, feed, and hardware business. Beard was a very active leader in agricultural organizations. He was past president of Jefferson County Cattlemen's Association, the Birmingham Agricultural Club, and District Supervisor of the Alabama Association of Soil Conservation. In 1965 Beard was elected president of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association. Beard offered his knowledge of and leadership abilities in agriculture to the general public in 1966 when he was elected Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries for Alabama. He was re-elected in 1970 but died in office in 1972. The State of Alabama honored Beard by naming the building that houses the state Department of Agriculture the Richard Beard Building. Beard's son, Richard, Jr., operates the family farm today.

Homer Neal Lewis

1999
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Homer Neal Lewis was born in Baker Hill in Barbour County in 1922. He served 40 months in the Army and then graduated from Auburn University in Agricultural Education. Lewis served 37 years on the State Agribusiness Supervisory staff, most of those years working directly with youngsters on their livestock projects. Lewis was a fixture at the various fairs around the state helping with livestock events. The Alabama Agricultural Center Board honored Lewis in 1986 by naming an exhibit barn in his honor, H. N. Lewis Swine Barn. Lewis received the Distinguished Service Award from the Alabama Farm Bureau and the State Fair Authority. Lewis worked many years with the state FFA program and served as State FFA Advisor. He was instrumental in starting the FFA State Officer Alumni Group and the FFA Hall of Honor. He has received many honors for his untiring work with the FFA program.

Billy Maples

1999
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

William D. (Billy) Maples grew up on a cattle farm in Elkmont where he has been involved in the purebred Angus business all of his life. He graduated from Auburn University in Animal Science and returned to the family farm. Billy, along with his father Mack, developed Maples Stock Farm into one of the leading purebred Angus herds in the state. Maples has been extremely active in the cattle industry and a leader in promoting performance testing. Maples Stock Farm has been recognized for testing bulls at the Auburn University bull test for 47 out of the first 50 years, the most of any herd in the state. Maples served as president of the Limestone County Cattlemen's Association, the Alabama Angus Association, the Alabama Purebred Beef Breeds Council, the Alabama Beef Cattle Improvement Association and the Limestone County Farmers Federation. He also was Chairman of the Alabama Farmers Federation Beef Committee. In 1989, Maples served as president of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association and was on the National Cattlemen's Association Board of Directors.

Tom McCord

2000/2001
Pioneer Award
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Tom McCord was born in 1900 in Louisburg, Tennessee. He worked as ticket agent for L&N Railroad during the depression, lived in Bowling Green, Kentucky, then, St. Petersburg, Florida, then back to Nashville. McCord started his career with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. He left in 1938 to come to Montgomery as president of Union Stockyards, which at one time had the "largest cattle sales east of St. Louis and south of Chicago." He moonlighted as an auctioneer, which soon became his passion. McCord left the stockyard business to go full-time into auctioneering in 1945. He never owned a cow because he believed he was here to sell them. At one time he was the leading auctioneer of purebred livestock in the country. During WWII he traveled all over the country auctioneering. McCord was still auctioning a few sales at the time of his death at age 67.

Gene Ragan

2000/2001
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Gene Ragan grew up on a southwest Georgia cattle farm where he showed champion steers at cattle shows and was active in 4-H. He graduated from the University of Georgia with a major in Animal Husbandry. He moved to Dothan to pursue a career as a farm broadcaster on radio and television. His 50 plus year career included work with the agricultural extension service, farm broadcasting and writing, agribusiness consulting and cattle production. Gene Ragan's popular farm shows on WTVY-TV in Dothan, lasting almost 41 years on one station, are believed to have been the longest running television farm shows in the nation. Gene Ragan's name has been synonymous with farm news in the tri-states Wiregrass area. Ragan had an outstanding herd of Charolais cattle, served as president of the Alabama Charolais Association and was involved with the BCLA program. He is a longtime member of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association and a great supporter of the association's effort to protect, advance and promote the beef cattle industry. Throughout the years beginning in 1953, Raga used his farm radio and TV programs to keep folks informed about the cattle industry. Ragan has received numerous awards for his outstanding contribution to agriculture including the Progressive Farmer's Man of the Year for Agriculture, Auburn University's Agricultural Hall of Honor, Grand Marshall of the National Peanut Festival and The Richard Deese Award from the Alabama BCIA. Ragan is married to the former Marilyn Middleton, and they have two sons.

Ed Whatley

2000/2001
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Ed Whatley is a native of Brundidge and graduated from Pike County High School. He worked in the meat department of A&P and completed the Journeymen's Meat Cutters School and the advanced Meat Marketing courses. Whatley joined the Alabama Cattlemen's Association in 1973 where he was employed as a Field Representative. As fieldman, Whaley is responsible for working on the beef promotion programs with the grocery stores and foodservice industries. He has driven the "wheels off" of at least fifteen Beef Wagons on Alabama highways and attended more county meetings, field days, and stockyards than anyone can count promoting beef and informing producers about the beef checkoff program. In 1986, Ed was named Director of Retail and Foodservice Promotion with the ACA. Whatley has been successful in getting the supermarkets across the state to utilize the national beef promotion programs. In 1999, under Ed's guidance, Bruno's became the first statewide chain to roll out the "Beef Made Easy" program for its consumers. Whatley has been married to the former Joyce Brooks of Cambelton, Florida for 36 years, they have three children.

Roy Hereford

2002
Pioneer Award
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Hereford received a BS degree from Auburn University in 1957 where he was a member of the livestock judging team. He was a licensed auctioneer conducting numerous livestock sales annually. He was a fixture at the Auburn University Bull Test sale and sold the record setting $300.000 bull. Hereford operated a cattle farm near Faunsdale and served as president of the Marengo County Cattlemen's Association, was a charter member of the County Farm Bureau, an organizer of the 4-H/FFA county steer show. He served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Faunsdale United Methodist Church, a board member of the Perry County Christian Academy and served on the board of the Central Bank of Uniontown. He was Jaycee Outstanding Farmer of the Year and the Farm Bureau Outstanding Young Farm Family.

Ed Lovelace

2002
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Ed Lovelace has farmed and raised cattle near Florence, Alabama most of his life. He has always been very involved in agricultural activities. He served as president of the Lauderdale County Cattlemen's Association, the Tennessee Valley Feeder Calf Association, and as a Director of the Florence Stockyard. Lovelace is Lifetime Director of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association and in December of 1999, the Lauderdale County Cattlemen's Association recognized Lovelace for his 30 years of service by naming a scholarship in his honor. Lovelace served in the army during the Korean War. He is involved in the Masons, Kiwanis Club and American Legion as well as a number of other civic organizations.

Dr. B G Ruffin

2002
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Dr. B G Ruffin received as BS and MS degree in Animal Science from Mississippi State University and managed two large farms before coming to Auburn University to work on a Ph D. Ruffin graduated from Auburn in 1970 and worked as Beef Nutritionist for the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service until his retirement in 1995. While at Auburn, Dr. Ruffin was a major force in the beef cattle industry. He spoke to many county cattlemen's groups, field days and meetings. He worked with numerous cattle producers in developing nutritional programs for their cowherds. He was a major influence in getting producers to utilize broiler litter and helped implement the successful Stocker 700 program. Following his retirement, Dr. Ruffin runs a cow-calf herd on his farm near Gold Hill and continues to help cattle producers with their feeding programs.

Dr. Woody Bartlett

2003
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Dr. Woody Bartlett of Pike Road, Alabama is a longtime cattle producer and quarter horse breeder. The Bartlett Ranch was established in 1954 in Pike Road. Dr. Bartlett received his DVM at the Auburn College of Veterinarian Medicine in 1964. Today, Dr. Bartlett operates a ranch in Weatherford, Texas and has expanded to include a ranch in Wyoming. Bartlett is recognized nationally as one of the premier breeders of cutting horses. He and his wife Kelly have successfully shown cutting horses throughout the country, winning numerous competitions. Bartlett was a major contributor to the Southeastern Raptor Rehabilitation Center located at the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. Bartlett served as president of the Southeastern Livestock Exposition where he has been a member since 1968.

Norman Crawford

2003
Pioneer Award
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Crawford grew up on a large cattle and timber farm in Perry County as the oldest son of the Roy Judson Crawford family. He received a degree in agricultural science from Auburn University (API). Crawford taught animal science courses at Auburn until his father died unexpectedly in 1939. He then returned home to run the sizeable family farming, cattle and timber operation. Following service in the U.S. Army, Crawford returned home to develop his own successful farming operation. He was the fifth generation of his family actively involved in cattle, timber and agriculture in Perry County, Alabama. Norman served as president of the Perry County Cattlemen's Association in 1954 and 1955. He was elected State Senator from Bibb and Perry Counties. Senator Crawford worked on numerous pieces of agricultural legislation and was instrumental in securing the passage of the first statewide beef promotion check off legislation. He served as chairman of the Perry County Extension Council for 20 years and on the Alabama Mental Health Board for 6 years.

Anne Athey Payne

2003
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Anne Payne grew up on a Polled Hereford farm in Grady, located in south Montgomery County. Her father, T. Whit Athey was a pioneer of Polled Hereford cattle. Anne continues her family's heritage with her own purebred Hereford cattle program. She owns and operates Bethel Farm near Montgomery. Payne has been very active in the cattle industry. She served as president of the Alabama Polled Hereford Association, two years as regional vice president of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association and president of the Montgomery Cattlemen's Association. Payne was also elected the 56th president of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association and is the first woman to hold that position. Nationally, Payne has represented Alabama cattle producers on the National Cattlemen's Beef Association Board and has served as a director on the U.S. Meat Export Federation Board. Payne was elected by her peers to serve two terms on the Cattlemen's Operating Committee, which annually approves funding nearly $45 million in the national check off projects. She served on Governor Don Siegelman's cabinet as the Agricultural Liaison before being appointed Director, Alabama Rural Development for USDA. In 2002, Payne was the first woman named as director of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA).

Jacob Calhoun Harper

2004
Pioneer Award
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Mr. Harper was born in Neenah, AL on July 3, 1872 and died December 26, 1953 in Oak Hill. He was a pioneer in the early cattle industry of Alabama running a large cattle operation in Wilcox County. He is credited with bringing the first Aberdeen Angus cattle to the state between 1910 and 1920. Harper exhibited prize cattle at the New Orleans Expo in 1917. He served as the first president of the Alabama Aberdeen Angus Association and held that office for six years. Harper was instrumental in starting what would later be one of the premier Angus sales in the southeast - The Southern Regional Aberdeen Angus Show and Sale. In 1983, the American Angus Association recognized Harper's herd as a Centennial Herd one of the four in the state so recognized. Harper served as the first mayor of Oak Hill and was appointed to fill a vacancy on the first Board of Education of Wilcox County and served until his death. Harper's grandson Jake is still carrying on the family heritage in the cattle business.

Dr. Ralph Harris

2004
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Dr. Ralph Harris is a native of Fayette County, Alabama. He received his BS and MS degrees from Auburn University. He received a PhD in animal nutrition from Texas A&M University. He returned to Auburn in 1960 where he had a long and distinguished career on the faculty of the Animal Science Department at Auburn University. He was an outstanding teacher, and his Animal Nutrition courses were valuable and popular with students over the years. In addition, Dr. Harris helped organize the Block and Bridle Club and start the Ag Ambassadors program. He served as a student advisor for hundreds of students at Auburn. Dr. Harris was one of those special professors who would always go out of his way to help students in their course selection, finding part-time student jobs, with scholarships, as well as providing advice on career opportunities. Numerous students over the years were able to graduate from Auburn because of Dr. Harris. Dr. Harris did outstanding research over the years on beef cattle nutrition. He conducted some of the early research work in the southeast on finishing cattle in dry lots and on pasture. Dr. Harris also served several years as Head of the Animal and Dairy Science Department at Auburn before retiring.

Ronnie Holladay

2004
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Holladay is a lifelong resident of Lowndes County where he owns and operates a diversified farming and cattle operation. He received a BS degree in Agricultural Economics from Auburn University. Holladay has served in numerous leadership positions at the local, state and national level. He served eight years on the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board, including a term as Chairman. He has served as president of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association and the Auburn Agricultural Alumni Association; on the state board of the Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Committee, chairman of the Board, Dallas Compress Company; and on the board of directors of the Alabama Santa Gertrudis Association. Holladay served as president of the Lowndes County Farmers Federation, Lowndes County Private School Foundation and chairman of the Lowndes County Soil and Water Conservation Committee. He is a deacon at the Benton Baptist Church, served on the Board of Mission for the Alabama State Baptist Convention and served on the board of the Alabama Christian Athletes.

Dr. Richard Deese

2005
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Dr. Richard Deese was named beef cattle specialist for Auburn Extension Service in 1965 where he served the beef cattle industry for over 20 years. In addition to his role as beef cattle specialist he served as secretary of the Alabama Beef Cattle Improvement Association until his retirement in 1984. In addition, Deese had a prominent role in conducting the Auburn Performance Bull Test in his later years of service. The Alabama BCIA honored Deese by naming their Distinguished Service Award in his honor.

LD Fitzpatrick

2005
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

LD Rouse Fitzpatrick of Montgomery is the owner of Gladlane Farms, a commercial cattle and quarter horse ranch. LD has served as Secretary, Vice President and President of the Lowndes County Cattlemen's Association, Regional Vice President, Third, Second, First Vice President and President of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association. Fitzpatrick currently serves as president of the Southeastern Livestock Exposition. He was appointed to the National Cattlemen's Beef Board as one of Alabama's representatives in 1990, where he served for six years. Fitzpatrick served as Vice Chairman of the Research Committee, Chairman of the Evaluation Committee, and was on the Operating Committee which approves projects for the national checkoff program. He was selected as Commercial Beef Cattleman of the Year by the Farmers Federation in 1983. He is a member of the Board of Directors of First Production Credit Association. He also is a member of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association where he served on the Membership Committee and as Vice Chairman of the Resolution Committee.

William Womack, Sr.

2005
Pioneer Award
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

William A. Womack, Sr. of Ashford was a leader in the state's beef cattle industry for many years. He started his cattle herd in 1941 with four registered Angus cows and one registered Angus bull, and the herd is still going today. Womack was the first person in Alabama to plant Bahai grass in southeast Alabama. He started performance testing his entire cattle herd including carcass data, in the early 1950's which was way ahead of its time. He was a founder of the Alabama Beef Cattle Improvement Association and helped organize and served as the first president of the Houston County Cattlemen's Association in 1952. Womack hosted numerous cattle tours including the Auburn University Beef Cattle Production Class at his farm throughout the 1960's and 1970's.

Earnest Lambert

2006
Pioneer Award
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Earnest Lambert of Darlington in Wilcox County was a pioneer in Polled Hereford development in Alabama and in the nation. Starting in 1924 he developed one of the most outstanding Polled Hereford herds in the nation. He served as president of the Alabama Polled Hereford Association and the American Polled Hereford Association. He was an agricultural science graduate of Auburn University. He was the first chairman of the Alabama Beef Promotion Committee and served as chairman of the agricultural committee of the State Chamber of Commerce for several years. The Lambert/Powell Meats Laboratory at Auburn University is named in his honor.

Wayne Thames

2006
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Wayne Thames is a lifelong cattleman and agribusiness leader from southwest Alabama between Burnt Corn and Pine Orchard on the Old Federal Road on the Monroe-Conecuh County line. Thames served as the 54th President of the Alabama Cattleman's Association and was an effective spokesperson and leader for the state's $2 Billion cattle industry. Under Wayne's leadership and with the help of Governor Don Sigelman, Ag Commissioner Charles Bishop, Senator Jeff Sessions, and others, Alabama beef producers received unprecedented $5 million assistance from the state and federal governments in 1999. Thames received a BS degree in Agribusiness from Auburn University. He owns and runs a 500 head commercial cow-calf program. He served as President of the Monroe County Cattleman's association and a three-year term as regional vice president. He was bestowed the honor of Lifetime Director of the ACA in 1998. Thames has served as President of the Alabama Seedsman's Association and is on the board of directors of The People's Exchange Bank of Monroe County. He served on the board of directors of the Mississippi Chemical Corporation with headquarters in Yazoo City for 26 years.

Dwight Wolfe, DVM

2006
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Dwight Wolfe, DVM received a BS degree in Animal Science from the University of Tennessee and came to Auburn University where he received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1977. He then spent three years as a practicing veterinarian before joining the Veterinary Medicine faculty at Auburn University. Dr. Wolfe has spent 23 years at Auburn teaching senior veterinary students and providing clinical veterinary care to the state's livestock owners. Dr. Wolfe served as head of the Food Animal section for six years before serving another six years as department head of the Large Animal Surgery and Medicine in the Auburn College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Wolfe has served in numerous professional organizations including the American College of Theriogenologists where he served as president; Society for Theriogenology where he served as program chairman and on the board of directors for three years; the Epsilon Chapter Phi Zeta where he served on the board and as president; the American Board of Veterinarian Practitioners and the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Wolfe has been principle or co-author on 51 referred manuscripts, 28 abstracts, 39 proceedings, 1 textbook and 18 additional book chapters. He has been a member of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association for 14 years.

Greg Blythe

2007
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Gregg Blythe of Decatur grew up on a family row crop and cattle farm in Colbert County. He returned to farming when he joined the Macedon Farms in Madison. Today Blythe is a managing partner with Ed Horton in the large Macedon farming program. Macedon Farms is one of the oldest Angus herds in the state celebrating its 71st anniversary this year. The farm consists of 2,000 acres of row crops and 250 head of Angus cattle. Blythe has served as president of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association, the Limestone County Cattlemen's Associate and a three-year term as regional vice president. He also served as president of the Alabama Angus Association and has been a board member for many years. He has served on the board of the Cattlemen's Beef Board which administers the national beef checkoff. Gregg has served as vice president of the Limestone Farmer's Cooperative. He is currently on the board of directors for the American Angus Association.

T.F. "Tom" Burnside, Jr.

2007
Pioneer Award
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

T.F. "Tom" Burnside, Jr. worked as a teacher and in industry before accepting a job as Assistant County Agent in Randolph County in 1960. He soon became County Extension Coordinator, a position he held until his retirement in September of 1993 which closed 34 years of service to the people of Randolph County. Burnside's career established a high benchmark for county agents across the state. He was at his best working with young people and livestock producers. During his tenure in Randolph County, he built one of the state's strongest 4H Livestock programs that included dairy, beef, horses, and sheep livestock judging projects. Burnside was instrumental in building the Randolph County Cattleman's Association from 55 members in the early 1960's to nearly 400 members. Burnside was named a Lifetime Director of the Alabama Cattleman's Association. Burnside served on the Alabama Steer Show Committee for 20 years and helped organize the State Heifer Show and the State 4H Horse Show. Throughout his career's work with 4H boys and girls, Burnside made a difference in their lives teaching them good citizenship, leadership, proper land use and respect for others.

Tim Coe

2007
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Tim Coe is a cattleman and civic leader from Wedowee, Alabama where he operates a diversified farming operation that includes 150 brood cows, a stocker operation, and a commercial layer operation along with corn, hay, and timber production. He also currently serves as Wedowee mayor. Tim served as president of Randolph County Cattleman's Association, regional vice president of the state organization and then as the 50th state president. Coe is the first state president of the Junior Cattleman's Association to become president, Tim Coe served six years on the Cattleman's Beef Board which administers the national beef checkoff program. He currently serves as president of the Southeastern Livestock Exposition. He has been recognized for his leadership abilities by being named the Alabama Jaycee's Outstanding Young Farmer and a division winner in the Alabama Farmers Federation Young Farmers Family Contest.

Bill Fuller

2008
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Bill Fuller of Birmingham is the president of Fuller Supply Co. He has developed this business into one of the leading animal health and livestock equipment dealers in the southeast with offices spread across Alabama and Georgia. Fuller has been very supportive of numerous livestock events in both of these states. In addition, he and his company have been committed supporters of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association, Southeastern Livestock Exposition, and livestock programs at Auburn University. Fuller is a longtime member of both the Alabama Cattlemen's Association and the Southeastern Livestock Exposition.

Charles Roberts, DVM

2008
Pioneer Award
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Charles Roberts, DVM was a veterinarian who had a distinguished career specializing in animal disease control. He served for many years as director of the Alabama State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Under his leadership, he contributed much toward significantly controlling brucellosis and avian disease. The State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory was named in honor of Dr. Robert during the term of McMillan Lane serving as Commissioner of Agriculture. Dr. Roberts, following his career of service to the state and livestock industry, retired in Auburn, Alabama.

Donald F. Walker, DVM

2008
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Donald F. Walker is a native of Colorado. He attended Colorado State University where he graduated in veterinary medicine in 1944. He later studied breeding soundness in the bovine at the University of Missouri, Columbia. Soon after World War II, he established a private practice in large animal medicine at the Grassland Hospital in Broken Bow, Nebraska, which became a referral practice for all of Nebraska and six surrounding states. Dr. Walker served as president of the National Society for the Study of Breeding Soundness and a Charter Diplomat of the College of Theriogenology as well as other professional societies. In 1958, Dr. Walker was recruited to come to Auburn University as Associate Professor of Large Animal Surgery and Medicine. He rapidly expanded the clinic's services throughout the entire southern region and established Auburn University as a nationally recognized center of excellence in this field. In 1978 he was named as Department Head of Large Animal Surgery and Medicine. In 1994 he received the Outstanding Career Award from the American Society of Theriogenology.

Don Ball, PhD

2009
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Don Ball, PhD is a native of Owensboro, Kentucky and grew up on a crop and livestock farm. He received a B.S. in biology and agriculture from Western Kentucky University in 1968, spent 3 years in the U.S. Army and subsequently entered Auburn University from which he received a M.S. in 1973 and a PhD. In 1976, both in Agronomy. Dr. Ball is the Extension Forage Crop Agronomist at Auburn University. He has had statewide responsibility for extension programs with forage crops since 1976. Dr. Ball has written a column entitled "Forage Crops" for the Alabama Cattleman for over 30 years which has provided much valuable information to cattle producers across the state. He is recognized nationally as one of the premier Extension Forage Crop Specialists and has authored more than 30 Auburn University bulletins, over 650 magazine or trade articles and two books on forage crop production. Don is the epitome of what a successful state Extension Specialists should be. He has spoken to hundreds of county cattlemen's chapters meetings over the years. Ball was instrumental in organizing the Alabama Forage and Grasslands Coalition, which is responsible for many grazing management courses that have been conducted around the state in recent years, and for the biannual Alabama Forage Conferences that have been held since 1997.

Bob Helms

2009
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Bob Helms of Enterprise in Coffee County grew up on a diversified cattle and row crop farm. He started farming in 1974, and from 1977 until 1990 was in partnership with his father. Helms' diversified farm has expanded through the years to around 3,000 acres. Helms is a graduate of the Forestry and Ag Leaders program. He served two terms as president of the Coffee County Cattlemen's Association. He was elected regional vice president of the state association. In 1997 Bob was elected as the 52nd President of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association. Bob serves on the Auburn Ag Alumni Association board of directors. Bob is a member of St. Luke United Methodist Church where he teaches a Sunday School class, serves as church treasurer. Helms is a Rotarian and served as club president in 2006. Rotary's motto of "Service Above Self" applies to Bob's many years of service to his community, our industry, and especially the Alabama Cattlemen's Association.

William I. (Bill) Pope Sr.

2010
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

William I. (Bill) Pope, Sr., cattleman and businessman is a native of Cleveland, Mississippi. He graduated from Theodore High School and attended Auburn University. Pope started in the cattle business in 1960. Pope Polled Hereford Farm consists of 70 head of registered cows on 160 acres of grazing land in west Mobile County. Pope founded Pope Engineering and Testing Laboratories, Inc. in 1968 and served as president until the company was purchased by Thompson Engineering. Pope's retirement was short lived as Thompson hired him to continue running the company. Bill has been an active leader in the state's beef cattle industry for many years. He has served in numerous positions for Mobile County Cattlemen's Association and Alabama Polled Hereford Association. Pope was elected president of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association. His wife, Polly, has also been very active in the association, serving as an officer for the Alabama Cattle Women's Association.

George Smith, Sr., MD

2010
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

George Smith, Sr., MD, is a lifelong resident of Clay County. He is a graduate of Samford University with a degree in pharmacy and of the University of Alabama School of Medicine. He owns and operates Crooked Creek Farm and runs an outstanding herd of commercial cattle. George has retired from the practice of family medicine and farms full time. Dr. Smith is a past president of the Clay County Cattlemen's Association, Alabama Charolais Association, and the Southeastern Livestock Exposition. He served as state president of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association in 1985 and currently serves on the Executive Committee. He has served as President of the Alabama Academy of Family Physicians and has been President of the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners. He was chosen as the UAB Medical Alumni Association Medical Role Model in August of 2008.

R.L. Zeigler

2010
Pioneer Award
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

R.L. Zeigler of Bessemer developed one of the largest cattle ranches in the U.S. and one of the top regional meat packing and processing companies in the southeast. When Mr. Zeigler bought his first grocery store in the early 1920's in Bessemer, Alabama, people came from all over to buy his homemade fresh pork sausage. When his pork sausage operation outgrew the store in 1927, he incorporated and opened his first packing plant in Bessemer, enabling him to increase the production of his prize-winning sausage. With that expansion came an unexpected, yet significant twist to the history of Zeigler. While on a trip to El Paso, Texas to purchase plant equipment, Mr. Zeigler overheard cowboys talking about buying cattle in Mexico at a good price-he had an idea. He awoke early the next morning, crossed the border into Mexico, and bought all the cattle he could find along the Union Stock Yards. Not only did he come home to Alabama with his plant equipment, But also as the largest cattle owner in the United States. This would allow yet another resource to develop his product line. He grazed these cattle in the Blackbelt on a 30,000-acre ranch near Aliceville. Mr. Zeigler’s commitment to excellence was not limited to just his "Seasoned to Please" motto. He instilled his commitment of quality in his employees so that they exhibited the same pride in the company that was expressed by their founder. Mr. Zeigler introduced the first vacuum packed lunchmeat in Alabama, an innovation which paved the road to meat packing principles used today. Mr. Zeigler died in 1964 in Birmingham and three years later the successful business was purchased by three Tuscaloosa businessmen: James Hinton, Frank Moody, and Paul "Bear" Bryant. Today Zeigler is privately held by James Hinton and employs over 300 people. Zeigler remains the largest privately owned meat packer in the Southeast, producing the #1 selling wieners in the state of Alabama, along with a vast array of top selling meat items. Zeigler has built a strong business that takes pride in servicing its customers with the same commitment to excellence established by Mr. R.L. Zeigler over 75 years ago.

Bob Carson, DVM

2011
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Bob Carson, DVM of Waverly grew up on the family cow-calf and row crop farm in Ten Mile, Tennessee where he was an active member of Monroe County Livestock Association. Bob was a graduate of the Superior School of Auctioneering following high school and he was co-owner of the East Tennessee Stockyard. Bob received a DVM degree from Auburn in 1973 and went into private veterinary practice in Charlotte, NC. He then went to the University of Georgia for a position on the Veterinary College faculty. While at Georgia, he received a master’s degree. Dr. Carson has been on the Large Animal faculty at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University since 1978. Dr. Carson has a cattle farm in Chambers County and has been very involved with the Alabama Cattlemen's Association since 1980. He served as president of the Lee County Cattlemen's Association and is vice president of the Alabama Limousin Breeders Association. Bob and wife Karen have two children - daughters Jennie and Kelly-who both served as president of the Alabama Junior Cattlemen's Association.

Wendell Gibbs

2012
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Wendell Gibbs was born and raised on a cattle and poultry farm in Ranburne where he graduated from high school. He attended Auburn University and graduated from Louisiana State University School of Banking. Gibbs and his wife, Nan, own and operate Gibbs Farm, one of the largest registered Sim Angus programs in the country. Wendell has been actively involved in the local, state and national beef cattle industry. He was president of his local cattlemen’s association, served on the Board of Directors of the Alabama Simmental Association and the Alabama Cattlemen's Association Executive Committee. An active supporter of performance testing and working to improve the quality and uniformity of feeder calves, Wendell served as president of the Alabama BCIA. Wendell was president of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association in 1999. He served on the board of directors for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association.

Bill Hixon

2014
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Bill Hixon of Banks is a fulltime cattleman and farmer and has been recognized as an active, longtime agricultural leader in Pike County. He has been a member of the Pike County Cattlemen's Association for 53 years serving four-two-year terms as president. Hixon increased his membership over the previous year's every year he served as president. He served two terms as Regional Vice President of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association. Bill served on the ALFA Board for over a decade. Hixon was one of the first commercial cow-calf farms in Pike County to promote the AL Beef Cattle Improvement Association and used record keeping and BCIA performance tested bulls. An example of the tremendous leadership and respect that Hixon has is the fact that he is instrumental in raising funds to build a one-of-a-kind Cattlemen's Building and Rodeo Arena along Highway 231 south of Troy. The property is owned and managed by the Pike County Cattlemen's Association and is a genuine asset to Southeast Alabama. Bill was Committee Chairman for the Pike County Rodeo which has generated thousands of dollars for youth in agriculture.

Isaac "Nealy" Barret Sr.

2015
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Isaac "Nealy" Barrett Sr. of Wetumpka is a full-time cattle farmer. Nealy and family run several hundred head of commercial cows as well as Quarter Horses. Nealv has been very active for over 40 years in local and state livestock organizations and in programs supporting youth. Nealy was instrumental in developing the Elmore County Trail Ride which has grown to be a popular event bringing horse enthusiasts from all across Alabama. He served as Elmore County Cattlemen's president in 1985 and as Regional Vice President and is a Lifetime Director of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association. He has been a longtime member and leader with the Alabama Farmer's Federation serving on numerous committees. Nealy has been a fixture at the horse shows during the Southeastern Livestock Expo (SLE) where he chaired the SLE Horse Show Committee for ears. In 2009-2010 he served as SLE President. A loyal and dedicated leader, Nealy spent countless hours working to help improve the State's livestock industry and programs for youth.

Max Bozeman, Jr.

2015
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Max Bozeman, Jr. of Elba is a fulltime cattle producer from Coffee County. He grew up on a diversified family farm in Crenshaw County. Max received a BS degree from Troy State University in 1975 and brought a farm in Coffee County that same year. Max is extremely active in leadership positions with the beef cattle industry in Alabama. He has served as president of the Alabama Cattleman's Association, president of the Alabama BCIA, on the Alabama Farmers Federation state beef committee, chairman of the Coffee County bull sale committee and is past president of the Coffee County Cattlemen's Association. Max currently serves on the Southeastern Livestock Exposition Board of Directors and has been appointed as Alabama's Beef Director to the Cattlemen's Beef Board. Max and wife Kathy, a registered nurse, have two sons - Steve, an appraiser with the Federal Land Bank and Charles, a landscaper in Birmingham.

Roy Hodges

2016
Pioneer Award

Roy Hodges: The history of the livestock Industry in the south is reflected in the story of the Hodges' Family. This family name is synonymous with the growth of the stockyard business. A new way of selling livestock - the auction system – started in Louisiana in 1939. Henry Hodges, raising the potential and the effectiveness of this method, started their first auction barn in 1940 in Alexandria, Louisiana. Hodges Stock Yards Inc. was the dominant marketing organization in Louisiana. Roy, one of Henry's four sons, entered the business in 1946 following his education at Tulane and Harvard Universities. Dick, the youngest son, graduated from LSU and joined the organization following his Air Force duty in 1959. This new breed of young men took over the business following Henry's death and established auctions sales across Louisiana expanding into Texas, Mississippi and in June of 1961, Montgomery. Roy and his brother Dick moved to Montgomery to take advantage of the expanding cattle business. The Hodges operation in Alabama grew to include five Stock Yards - Capital Montgomery, Selma, Demopolis, Hurtsboro, and Camden. Alabama became the home base for the corporation that at one time managed 11 cattle auctions in this four-state area. In 1995, Hodges purchased Hooper Stockyard and the fourth generation became involved in running the business. Roy and his brother Dick were big supporters of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association, advertised monthly in the magazine and purchased auction items at every annual convention for many years.

Randy Owen

2016
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Randy Owen of Fort Payne has developed one of the nation's top registered Hereford and Angus programs. The cattle production started from land acquired from many of Randy Owen's relatives and friends of his family. The farm, Tennessee River Music Inc., was named after the first number one single, written for the group Alabama of which Randy was the lead singer. The Tennessee River was an integral part of Randy's childhood activities, especially as he accompanied his father on trips with buying and selling cattle in Chattanooga, and Scottsboro, AL. Randy and his father talked and dreamed of a seedstock cattle operation like Tennessee River Music Inc. is today while on the trips they took buying and selling commercial cattle. Much of the acreage that is now part of the ranch was sharecropped and rented by Randy's family for row crops where he plowed and worked the fields. Randy was involved in 4H and FFA as a young man. TRM has held 32 consecutive annual production sales on the farm in Fort Payne which is a tribute to their commitment to the state's beef industry. Randy has a strong commitment to supporting young people involved in the livestock industry and has funded many college scholarships for exhibitors in the State Steer Show and Heir Show. He served as chairman of the Alabama Youth Livestock show for over a decade. He is a longtime member of the Southeastern Livestock Exposition.

Walter Prevatt, Ph.D.

2016
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Walter Prevatt, Ph.D. grew up on a family-owned diversified cattle and field crop farm in Florida. He holds B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of Florida and a Ph.D. degree from Clemson University. Dr. Prevatt came to Auburn in 1996 where he served as Extension Economist and Professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology. During his time at Auburn, Walt spoke to hundreds of cattlemen meetings and was a regular author of articles in the Alabama Cattleman on cattle prices outlook and production costs. Prevatt was responsible for developing budgets for livestock enterprises for the other Extension specialists to use. His advice on the cattle market was highly sought after. Dr. Prevatt retired last year and lives on a cattle farm in Wilcox County. He still sends a monthly column to the Alabama Cattleman. Walt was a true example of an excellent Extension professional as evident by the numerous awards he received throughout his career. This includes the ACES Superior Service Award, the Premier Forecaster Award and the Distinguished Extension Program Award.

John Downs

2017
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

The youngest of nine children, Downs was born in central Alabama to tenant farmers. At age 18, Downs got his first public job with Gamble Steel Co. in Montgomery, Alabama. The ethics of hard work learned in the cotton field began paying off. Promotions and new opportunities came quickly as his motto, "I may not be the smartest, but I can work the hardest," kept a steady drumbeat. In 1976, with a wife and three children to support, he took the leap and purchased a red barn in Webb, Alabama, and with $10,000, he began what is now Qualico Steel Company. With the help of family and other partners, Downs' steel business expanded to seven steel-related companies in three states employing over 500 team members.

Armed with business knowledge and a sound sense of hard work, Downs fulfilled a lifelong dream and purchased a herd of cattle and the original 400 acres that would become Southern Cattle Company (SCC) in 1992. What was meant to be a hobby farm turned into one of the largest and most-respected purebred operations in the South. Located in Alabama and Florida, SCC has operated up to 6,000 head of cattle over its lifetime. SCC has also worked closely with the University of Florida Research Center in feed-efficiency studies for select breeds. Results found are changing the bottom line for cattlemen around the world. The research teams, along with SCC, have achieved astounding results in reducing feed cost while increasing average daily gain through genetic selection.

A man of faith, Downs is active in charity work and has heled numerous organizations, including Cattle for Christ where he constructed a church on the property. He has also donated the steel for several church building projects, and his business efforts and charity work were recognized by the Dothan Chamber of Commerce, who inducted Downs into the Business Hall of Fame.

Jimmy Holliman

2017
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Jimmy Holliman of Marion Junction was raised on a cotton farm in the Mississippi Delta. He received a B.S. in Animal Science and a master’s degree in animal nutrition from Mississippi State University. Holliman was employed by Auburn University for 42 at the Black Belt Research and Extension Center in Marion Junction. He was named Director of the station in 1989. Jimmy started Circle H Cattle Farm in 1982 where he raises some outstanding Black Simmental cattle. He is a member of the First Step Bull Sale Group. Holliman is widely known as a local, state and national leader in the beef cattle industry. He has served as director of the Dallas County Cattlemen's Association for 35 years, serving as President in 2003. He is currently President of the Dallas County Farmers Federation. Holliman served as a Regional Vice President of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association and as President of the Alabama Beef Cattle Improvement Association. He was president of the Alabama Purebred Breeds Council in 190-1992. He was elected as the 69th President of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association Jimmy has been an officer in the Alabama Simmental Association and served as Trustee for the American Simmental Association. In 2004 Holliman was elected president of the Beef Improvement Federation, an international organization promoting the use of performance evaluation. He serves on the Policy Division Board of Directors for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association and is Chairman of the important Animal Health and Well Being Committee. Holliman has received numerous awards for his service to the beef cattle industry. He and wife Kathleen enjoy living on their farm where they raised a son Brett who is now married to Mary Ellen and live in Austin, Texas. They are active members of the Marion Junction Baptist Church where he serves as Deacon.

Jimmy Parnell

2017
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Jimmy Parnell was elected President of the Alabama Farmers Federation on December 3, 2012. He is also president and CEO of Alfa Insurance Companies. He has a long history with the Alabama Farmers Federation, including service on its state board of directors from 1999-2008, chairman of the Federation's State Young Farmer Committee in 1997 and president of Chilton County Farmers Federation for six years. In 1999, he and his wife Robin, along with their children James Robert and Anna Grace, were named Alabama's Outstanding Young Farm Family. A fifth-generation Chilton County farmer, Parnell also farms with his father, his younger brothers and his son. They are in the timber and cattle business. In 2006, the Alabama Forestry Association named him Alabama Logger of the Year. In addition, Parnell has served in numerous leadership roles for business and agricultural organizations throughout the state, including Central Alabama Farmers Co-op, National Cattlemen Beef Association, Alabama Forest Fund, Chilton County Water Authority and Chilton County Soil and Water Conservation District. Jimmy Parnell is a 1985 graduate of Auburn University with a bachelor's degree in agricultural business and economics.

Donna Jo Curtis

2018
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Donna Jo Curtis of Athens grew up on her family farm in Limestone County where she was actively involved in raising beef cattle and farming. She graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a B.S. in Animal Science. Donna Jo lives and works on the farm and manages a cow-calf program running 120 cows. She is married to John Curtis who manages the Limestone County Farmers Cooperative and the Giles County, TN Farmers Cooperative. Donna Jo has served 20 years on the Limestone County Board of Directors and was county president in 2002 and 2003. Curtis was elected as an ACA regional vice president for a three-year term beginning in 2003. The Limestone County chapter increased in membership during Donna Jo's tenure and for many years was the largest county chapter in the state. She also serves on the Limestone County Farm Services Agency Board. Donna Jo served as state president for the Alabama Cattlemen's Association in 2012. She also served three years on the National Cattlemen's Beef Association Executive Committee representing the Southeast as a Federation Director. An active member of the Church of Christ, Donna Jo is very involved with their youth program. Starting when her children were young, she and John continuously hosted 15 to 25 youth from church at their farm home every Sunday and Wednesday night. Donna Jo and John have three grown children. Lauren, who graduated from MTSU and is teaching agriscience and twins, Landon and Landria who graduated from Auburn University majoring in agriculture.

Jerry Etheredge

2018
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Jerry Etheredge of Selma grew up on a cattle farm in Marengo County where he raised commercial cattle. His first exposure to livestock auction markets was as a cattle producer utilizing his local market for the sale of the calves he had raised. Today, he owns and operates two livestock markets, Montgomery Stockyards LLC in Montgomery and Linden Stockyards Inc. in Linden. Jerry has always been active in cattle industry groups serving as president of the Marengo County Cattlemen's Association and as president of the Alabama Livestock Market Association for several terms. Jerry has served on numerous committees for the Alabama Cattlemen's Association including the State Checkoff Marketing Plan Task Force. Etheredge served a two-year term as president of the National Livestock Marketing Association (LMA), being the only Alabamian and one of a very few in the Southeast to obtain this honor. He has travelled the country, including several trips to Washington D.C. representing MA, which is the nation's largest livestock marketing trade association that represents more than 800 local livestock auction markets and allied businesses.

Charlie Dunkin

2019
Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Charles Dunkin is a native of Selma, Alabama and served in the armed forces from 1953-1956 and graduated from University of Alabama Birmingham. He has been a successful businessman, serving as Chairman and CEO of Dunkin Lewis LLC, manufacturers' representatives for sporting goods. Dunkin got started in the Purebred Beefmaster business in 1978 and today Dunkin Farms located in Marion Junction, AL currently consists of a cow/calf operation of around 800 brood cows displaying a heavy Beefmaster influence. He is also heavily involved in the timber industry as well as row crops including corn and cotton. The two grandsons are actively involved in the management of the cattle and farming operations. Charlie has been extremely active with the Beef Breeders United (BBU) holding membership #9. He served as a Director and Chair of the Advertising and Publications Committee and was President of the Southeastern Beefmaster Breeders Association. Duncan was always a strong supporter of Junior BBU. He produced Legacy bulls such as Robert E Lee, Painted Warrior, Painted Tiger and King Cotton that have had a major impact on the Beefmaster breed. Charlie has been an avid supporter of Research Programs at Auburn University including the early work with KY 31 fescue that led to the discovery of the toxic endophyte in tall fescue. He is a member of Southeastern Livestock Exposition and Alabama Cattlemen's Association and was honored as Dallas County's Cattleman of the Year. Duncan was a major donor to Alabama Cattlemen's Foundation Building Fund, serves on the Board of Trustees at Judson College, The Haggal Institute, and Marion Bank. He is an avid supporter of Athletics at Auburn University serving on the Auburn University Athletic Department Advisory Council and a member of the Talon society. An active member and Deacon at Shades Mountain Baptist church, Charlie Mr. Dunkin and his wife Gladys have two daughters Sharon and Susan along with three grandchildren Dunkin, Austin, and Grace Marie.

Harrell Watts

2019
Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Harrell Watts grew up on a farm in Dallas County and graduated from Auburn University. He was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho and excelled in intramural sports. He returned home to farm and is a pioneer of Simmental genetics. Harrell started breeding Simmental in the early 1970's acquiring American Simmental Association membership number 621 making him the first ASA member in Alabama. Watts has participated in Alabama BCIA bull evaluations since the early 1970's and earned numerous awards for the performance of his bulls at the Auburn and West Alabama bull tests. His commercial herd has won the BCIA Top Weaning Weight numerous times. In 1992 was selected as the BCIA Purebred Producer of the Year. Harrell has been honored twice by the Dallas County Cattlemen's Association as Cattleman of the Year and in 2012 he received the Richard Deese Award from the Alabama BCIA. He has served as President of the Dallas County Cattlemen's Association, the Alabama Purebred Beef Breeds Council and the Alabama Simmental Association. He serves as vice-president of the Alabama Farmers Federation. Watts was awarded the prestigious Golden Book Award by the American Simmental Association recognizing individuals who have made a significant contribution to the development of the Simmental breed in the US and throughout the world. Served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the American Simmental Association, Watts has served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the American Simmental Association Harrell is a member of the Member of Southeastern Livestock Exposition. Alabama Cattlemen's Association. An active member of the First Baptist Church of Selma, he also served on the John T Morgan Academy Board of Trustees Harrell and his wife Cheryl are the parents of 2 sons Billy and Fielding and daughter Peggy Tipton, along with 5 grandchildren. Both sons are involved in the cattle and farming operation which today consists of a 300 head cow/calf operation plus production of cotton, peanuts, and umber.

Chris Langley

2020
Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

When looking up “family farm” on the dictionary, one might find a photo of Langley Farms in the description as Chris and his wife of 26 years, Elizabeth, have poured into their community their community and the next generation. Together, the family of six- including four children, Christopher (25), Charlie (23), Chandler (21) and Chelsea (19)- operate a commercial cow-calf operation and a small herd of registered Angus and Sim Angus cattle. The operation spans over 2,600 acres and runs over 420 head of cattle. Chris is also a co-founder of the Piedmont District Cattle Marketing Association, which has been operating now for 26 years. A diversified farmer, the Chambers County native also owns and operates Chris Langley Timber & Management, Inc. and has been self-employed for 40 years as farmer in the timber, cattle and hay business. The successes of his lifelong career are reflected in his accolades that in just the past few years include 2017 Alabama Angus Farm of the Year, 2017 Alabama Farm Distinction, 2017 Alabama Logger of the Year and 2017 Forest Stewardship Certificate. Earlier accolades include 1990 ALFA State Forestry Winner, 1994 ALFA State Beef Winner, 1995 Piedmont BCIA Heifer Sale Top Consignor, 1996 Alabama's Outstanding Young Farm Family and 1999 Master Cattle Producer. His awards are a result of his years of involvement in local and state associations. Chris served as a regional vice president, vice president, president-elect and, most recently, president for the State association. Langley also served as president and is a current board member of the Chambers County Cattlemen’s Association. He is also involved in the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NBA), the Soil & Water Conservation, the Alabama Farmers Federation and the Coosa Valley Resource Conservation & Development Council. Chris also served several years as a regional director for the Alabama Forestry Association and sits as the chairman of the deacons at Rocksprings Baptist Church.

Bill Lipscomb

2020
Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

During his many years of service to the cattle industry Bill Lipscomb has traveled all over the state attending county meetings, bull sales and Extension workshops. He never missed the opportunity to represent the Association at county events, by leading farm tours or by acting as an industry spokesperson in media interviews where his knowledge of the industry always makes a positive impact. The Autauga County native graduated from Autauga County High School as a Merit Scholar. He then when on to attend Auburn University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science. Bill has been actively involved in the cattle business for over 50 years and is a recognized leader in cattle industry circles. Bill and his wife Susan proudly own 3L Ranch where they run a 100-head commercial cow-calf program. Additionally, Bill was also the farm manager at Autauga Farming Company for 45 years, a job from which he recently retired. In his role at Autauga Farming, Bill managed the 750-head crossbred cowherd. He also managed the annual Producers Feeder Calf sale for many years. Bill has served Alabama's beef industry as an outstanding leader. In addition to his term as ACA president Bill has served as president of the Autauga County Cattlemen's Association, regional vice president of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association, Alabama Cattlemen's Association president, president of the Alabama Beef Cattle Improvement Association, and the NCBA Board of Directors and was recently appointed by the USDA to serve as a member on the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research board. He was the 2011 recipient of the Richard Deese Award, and 3L Ranch was named Alabama BCIA "Commercial Breeder of the Year" in 1988.

Dr. Timothy R. Boosinger

2021
Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Dr. Timothy R. Boosinger is a graduate of Purdue University, earning DVM (1976) and PhD (1983) degrees. He was selected as the sixth dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine and has spent his entire 30-year academic career at Auburn. In his 10-year tenure as dean, the Veterinary College's budget grew by 80%. Research expenditures increased by 400%, and physical facilities were expanded through $125 million in capital improvements to be recognized as the premier livestock facilities in the nation. These include the John Thomas Vaughan Large Animal Teaching Hospital, the Overton-Goodwin Educational Wing, and the Wilford and Kate Bailey Small Animal Teaching Hospital. Dr. Boosinger played key role working with the Alabama Cattlemen s Association and other Ag organizations in getting the $52 million bond issue passed through the legislature and signed into law. In the most recent development campaign under his leadership, the college raised $39 million in gifts, pledges, and endowments and added six new professorships and chairs. The college's programs are accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care. He was recognized as the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicines Distinguished Alumnus in 2004. He was recognized as ALVMA Veterinarian of the Year. Dr. Boosinger served as president of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges. In 2011, Boosinger was named Provost and Vice-President for Academic Affairs at Auburn University. In that role, he has served as Auburn University's chief academic officer by directing the University through the process of Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accreditation and leading the development of an ambitious strategic plan that emphasizes student success, faculty excellence, research advancement, and public engagement.

Tommy Brown

2021
Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Tommy Brown of Clanton received his BS and MS degrees from Auburn University where he was on the Collegiate Livestock judging team. Tommy's career of 34 years with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System included development of one of the premier youth livestock programs working with many commercial and seedstock and establishing the Alabama Herd Builder sale. Tommy established Meadowlane Farms, a Simmental seed stock operation, which produced the top selling bull at the Auburn University Bull test sale. After retirement he served as Marketing and Genetics Director for Sunshine Farms and currently serves in the same capacity for Next Step Cattle Company. Brown has served three terms as director of the AL BCIA, two terms as a director of the Beef Improvement Federation, two terms as a trustee of the American Simmental Association and chairman of the Breed Improvement committee. He has received numerous awards including the Richard Deese Award from AL BCIA, Continuing Service Award from the Beef Improvement Federation, the Golden Book Award from the World Simmental Federation, AU Ag Alumni Hall of Honor and being elected a Lifetime Director of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association.

Eric Smith

2021
Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Eric Smith of Reform grew up on a farm in Stansel where he graduated from Pickens Academy. He played football at the University of Mississippi and got a degree in business. Smith returned to the family farm where today he operates a large stocker cattle program and broiler operation. Smith served as president of the Pickens County Cattlemen's Association. He completed a three-year term as regional vice president of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association and was elected President of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association in 2006. Smith is a very active leader in the county serving on numerous boards including Alabama Farmers Federation and the Industrial Development Board. He also served on the board of directors for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, vice chair of the Policy Division of NCBA and completed a three-year term to the Cattlemen's Beef Board. He currently serves as the Political Action Committee (PAC) General for Region 2 which is the southeastern states for NCBA. He is a member of the Saint Roberts Catholic Church. Eric and wife Erin have three sons - Wyatt, Mark and Judson.

Mike Dee

2022
Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Mike Dee of Aliceville operates the family-owned Dee River Ranch along with his sister, Annie. Dee River Ranch is a 10,000-acre diversified farm in Pickens County. Mike is responsible for operating the day-to-day activities of the ranch and running the cattle program along with nephews Seth and Jesse. Dee River Ranch includes a large commercial Angus/Brahman cow-calf herd along with corn, soybeans, wheat, rye, sunflowers, timber and hay. In 2007, the ranch won national acclaim from the National Cattlemen's Beef Association as the Region Il Winner of the Environmental Stewardship Award Program. In 2008, Dee River Ranch won the NRCS national Excellence in Conservation Award. Dee, an Illinois native, received a B. S. degree in geology at the University of Alabama and enjoyed spending weekends on the family farm in nearby Pickens County. Following graduation, Mike started working full-time on the farm. He is a past president of the Pickens County Cattlemen's Association and served as a Regional Vice President of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association. He was then tapped as State President for the Alabama Cattlemen's Association in 2010. He has served as a top spokesperson for the industry in numerous broadcasts, radio interviews and publications. In 2004, Mike’s family was named the Outstanding Young Farm Family by the Alabama Famers Federation. He has also served on the state Soybean Checkoff board. He and wife Shannon have three daughters - Victoria, Isabella, and Lily Catherine.

Tony Frazier, DVM

2022
Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Dr. Tony Frazier was appointed State Veterinarian on July 1, 2001. Dr. Frazier is a 1988 graduate of Auburn University, College of Veterinary Medicine. Post-graduation, he worked in a mixed animal practice in Cullman, Alabama. In 1990, he returned to his hometown of Brewton, AL, and opened a private practice. In 1995, Dr. Frazier accepted a position with the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries as a Veterinary Medical Officer. Dr. Frazier is a member of the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association, The Southern Animal Health Association, and the United States Animal Health Association. He serves as advisor to the Board of Directors of the Alabama Poultry & Egg Association, Alabama Cattlemen's Association, Alabama Beef Cattle Improvement Association, and the Beef Committee of the Alabama Farmers Federation, Past Board Member of the National Institute of Animal Agriculture, Secretary for the National Assembly of State Animal Health Officials (NASAHO) from 2015-2019, Vice President for the NASAHO from 2019-2021, current President for NASAHO, and past President of the Southern Animal Health Association. Dr. Frazier has been instrumental in leading the efforts of animal disease traceability in Alabama. He developed the rule requiring official identification in adult cattle which plays a vital part in protecting the state's cow herd. He also led the efforts for Avian Influenza Response and Containment Plan and utilized that plan during the 2017 Avian Influenza Outbreak that affected Alabama, Tennessee, and Georgia. He was awarded the Alabama Poultry and Egg Association Presidential Award. Dr. Frazier has been married to wife, Patty, for 32 years and they have three children: Nathan (wife Lauren), Madeline (husband Jacob), and Samuel.

Greg Williams

2022
Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Auburn University Head Equestrian Coach Greg Williams' career in the horse industry began at a young age as he showed horses and competed in rodeos. His mother also competed, passing on her passion for horses to Williams. Williams graduated from Auburn University in 1986 with a bachelor’s degree in animal sciences. His early years as a professional were spent in the South and the Southwest, training pleasure horses as well as cutting, haltering and roping horses. These horses were shown at Futurities, Congress and World shows. He began his work at Auburn University, running the Horse Teaching and Researching Unit. He also continued his professional showing career during his first years back The Paragould, Ark., native orchestrated the building of the Auburn University Equestrian Center since the university's club program debuted in 1996 and helped to change the club program to Auburn's 21st varsity sport. With six NCEA overall national championships at Auburn, Coach Williams has become one of the most respected coaches in the sport. He put the program on the map with its first title in 2006 and has taken home five championships in the past 11 years. Individually, Williams has been named the SEC Coach of the Year three times (2019, 2020, 2021) and NCEA Coach of the Year twice (2019, 2020). Williams and his wife, Sandi, have two daughters, Toni and Erica. Both daughters are married to Auburn graduates.

Dr. Randall Huffman

2023
Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Dr. Randall Huffman was fortunate to be raised by a member of the Hall of Fame, Dr. Dale Huffman, Professor Emeritus at Auburn University. As a youth, he served as the President of the Alabama Junior Cattlemen's Association. He earned a B.S. from Auburn University before attending the University of Florida for a master's and PhD. His passion for science and collaboration enabled him to embrace food safety challenges throughout his career. Today, he is globally recognized as one of our industry's leading food safety experts. He has led industry changing efforts in his career for various companies, and President of the American Meat Institute (AMI) Foundation throughout his career. During his time at AMI, Dr. Huffman was dispatched to Toronto to provide guidance during a major food safety issue. His talents were obvious to Maple Leaf, and he decided to join the company as its Chief Food Safety Officer in 2009. He led efforts to create a strong food safety culture within Maple Leaf and beyond. He established the annual Maple Leaf Food Safety Symposium, attended by North American industry leaders, to advance dialogue on current food safety issues and to enable sharing of best practices. Maple Leaf's leadership asked him to take on the role of Chief Sustainability Officer in 2017. Two years later, Maple Leaf Foods became the world's first major carbon neutral food company and the first food company in Canada to set science-based targets. He also applied his knowledge to co-lead the development of an industry-wide sustainability strategy through the North American Meat Institute (NAMI), serving as the founding chair of the Trust in Animal Protein effort 2018-2019. He is a past president of the American Meat Science Association. Dr. Huffman was recently inducted into the Meat Industry Hall of Fame highlighting his numerous accomplishments in the animal protein sector.

Dr. Kenneth McMillan

2023
Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Dr. Kenneth McMillan, of Talladega, AL is a large animal veterinarian and partner in Pell City Animal Hospital in Crowell. A graduate of Auburn University in Agricultural Economics, he completed his veterinary degree from the College of Veterinary Medicine in 1981 at Auburn University. Throughout his career, Dr. McMillan has been involved in significant advances in the veterinary field by participating in over 15 clinical trials for various major pharmaceutical companies. For the past ten years, he has served on the Merck Animal Health Speaker's Bureau. He has contributed to various publications such as "Ask the Vet" for Progressive Farmer and has been involved in multiple organizations such as the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association and the St. Clair County Cattlemen's Association. Dr. McMillan has been involved in legislative priorities over the years and served as a key spokesperson for the veterinary community. He holds multiple professional memberships within the veterinary and beef cattle communities. He raises registered Polled Herefords on the family farm, Meadowlake Farm in Talladega. He and his wife, Priscilla, have two children, Gaines and George.

Rick Pate

2023
Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Rick Pate was born and raised in Lowndes County on a purebred Charolais cattle and poultry farm. In 1978, Pate graduated with an agriculture degree from Auburn University. He owned and operated Pate Landscape Co. for 38 years and took over Pate Charolais Ranch after the passing of his father. Pate Landscape Co. won numerous state and national awards for their projects. The civic leader and cattleman served as the Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries (2019- 2027). He served as President of the Southern Association of State Departments of Agriculture, Southern United States Trade Association, Alabama Associated General Contractors, and the Montgomery Rotary Club. Pate is an active Southeastern Livestock Exposition and Alabama Cattlemen's Association member. He was awarded the Government Partnership Award by Alabama Poultry and Egg Association and Outstanding Elected Official by Area III Association of Conservation Districts. Pate was inducted into the Alabama Construction Hall of Fame and graduated from Alabama Agriculture and Forestry Leadership Class V. Pate served his community for 14 years as Lowndesboro Mayor. Pate credits his accomplishments to his parents, who were leaders in the cattle industry. His father, Harold, served as president of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association and Southeastern Livestock Exposition and was an Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame inductee. Pate's mother, Joan, served as Alabama Cattlewomen's Association president and treasurer for over fifteen years. She was inducted into the Cattlewomen's Hall of Fame. Rick and his wife Julie reside in Lowndesboro, where they raised their sons, Richard and James.

Dave Maples

2024
Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Dave Maples grew up on a generational cattle farm in Elkmont, AL. As a child, he actively participated in Alabama 4-H, FFA and the Alabama Junior Cattlemen’s Association. Dave went on to complete a B.S. in animal sciences from Western Kentucky University and later served as president of the Limestone County Cattlemen's Association.

In 1989, Dave was hired as the liaison between Auburn University’s Cooperative Extension System and the Alabama Cattlemen's Association, a public-private partnership for the Alabama Beef Cattle Improvement Association. During this time, Dave was a member of Dr. Billy Powell’s staff and participated in raising funds to purchase additional land to renovate and expand the Alabama Cattlemen's Association headquarters in Montgomery. From there, Dave went on to become the executive vice president for the Kentucky Cattlemen's Association (KCA), a position he has held for 25 years. During his tenure, Dave has grown KCA into a nationally respected state cattlemen’s affiliate. Additionally, Dave oversees projects for the Kentucky Beef Council, Kentucky Beef Network, LLC., Southeastern Livestock Network, LLC,. Eden Shale Farms, and Beef Solutions, LLC. While living in Kentucky Dave has been an advocate for the relationship between the Commonwealth of Kentucky and Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dave’s impact in the cattle industry is attributed to his ability to connect with people. He has served on many statewide and national committees, earning the respect and friendship of his colleagues and peers. In 2012, Dave was selected as one of the Top 10 Most Influential People in Kentucky Agriculture. He resides in Lexington, KY, with his wife Dana and children, David and Erica. Together, they continue the tradition of running a small family farm in Jessamine County, KY.

Tim Whitley

2024
Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Tim Whitley of Horton, AL, is the fifth generation on his family’s farm, Whitley Red Angus. The Whitley family has been in Red Angus since 1965 with parents, Henry and Jane Whitley, both being active in the cattle industry.

Tim is well known in Alabama’s agriculture sector having served on the Alabama Farmers Federation State Board of Directors and State Beef Committee, Blount County Oneonta Agribusiness Center Board of Directors and treasurer, past president of Blount County Farmers Federation, and Alabama Beef Cattle Improvement Association Board of Directors. His involvement did not stop on the state level as Tim was elected to serve as president of the Red Angus Association of America in 2013. His accolades also include serving as the past president of the Southeastern Red Angus Association and as a regional vice president of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association. He has represented Alabama on the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Young Cattlemen’s Conference and has served as treasurer of Pleasant Grove Church for more than 20 years. Whitley Red Angus has been honored as Red Angus Pioneer Breeder of the Year, and Tim earned the title of Personality of the Year and was recognized as one of the 50 Most Influential People in Red Angus history. He was actively engaged in his youth by showing calves, competing on the Alabama State Livestock Judging championship team and receiving the FFA American Farmer degree.

Tim has one son, James Ray, who is married to Natalie. Together, they have three children— Jackson, Rayna, and Max— who represent the seventh generation on the farm.

Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

T. Whit Athey, Jr.

1981Charter Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

David Crawford

1981Charter Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

RALPH S. EAGLE

1981Charter Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

W. H. GREGORY

1981Charter Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

J. ED HORTON, JR.

1981Charter Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

CECIL LANE

1981Charter Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

C. ED TEAGUE

1981Charter Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

JOHN M. TROTMAN

1981Charter Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

EDWARD WADSWORTH

1981Charter Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

E. HAM WILSON

1981Charter Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

V. LAVERN BROWN

1982Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

FLETCHER CHILDS

1982Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

W. R. LANIER

1982Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

MACK MAPLES

1982Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Dr. M. Lawrence Crawford

1983Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Joseph P. Givhan

1983Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

J. D. Grimes

1983Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Aubrey Smith

1983Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Julio Corte, Sr.

1984Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Collier Freeman

1984Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Dr. Billy Powell

1984Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Billy Robertson

1984Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Milton Wendland

1984Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Dr. Troy B. Patterson

1985Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

H. "Pete" Reynolds

1985Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

W. Comer Sims

1985Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Charles A. Webb

1985Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

John C. Webb

1985Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

John B. Armstrong

1986Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Carlton R. Larkins

1986Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Dr. A.W. Patton, Jr.

1986Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

John T. Jenkins

1987Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Dr. George S. Killian

1987Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Harold Pate

1987Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

M.W. (Warren) Hall

1988Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Raymond B. Jones

1988Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Dr. W.M. (Bill) Warren

1988Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Glynn C. Debter

1989Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Ann Samford Upchurch

1989Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

Dr. Jim Hicks

1981
Charter Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1981
Charter Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1981
Charter Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1981
Charter Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1981
Charter Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1981
Charter Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1981
Charter Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1981
Charter Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1981
Charter Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1981
Charter Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1982
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1982
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1982
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1982
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1983
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1983
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1983
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1983
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1984
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1984
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1984
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1984
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1984
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1985
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1985
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1985
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1985
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1985
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1986
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1986
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1986
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1987
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1987
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1987
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1988
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1988
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1988
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1989
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1989
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1990
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1990
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1991
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1991
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1991
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1992
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1993
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1993
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1994
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1995
Pioneer Award
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1995
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1995
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1996
Pioneer Award
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1996
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1997
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1997
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall

1997
Pioneer Award
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1998
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1998
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1998
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1998
Pioneer Award
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1999
Pioneer Award
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1999
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

1999
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

2000/2001
Pioneer Award
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

2000/2001
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

2000/2001
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

2002
Pioneer Award
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

2002
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

2002
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

2003
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

2003
Pioneer Award
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

2003
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame

2004
Pioneer Award
Member, Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame