Red Angus Association of America Presents Top Awards at National Convention

By Taylor Bacon, Red Angus Association of America media intern

DENVER – Innovative producers exercise dedication, perseverance and an immense passion for the betterment of the cattle industry. Red Angus producers who practice these values elevated themselves and their operations to the top of the breed. The Red Angus Association of America recognized these top producers at its awards banquet in Boise, Idaho, on Sept. 17, 2021, during the 68^th annual National Red Angus Convention.

The Breeder of the Year Award is presented to members who maintain an excellent standard of quality in breeding Red Angus cattle. This year’s recipient has seen incredible successes and is the embodiment of tenacity, ambition and contagious energy for making Red Angus cattle better. The team at 9 Mile Ranch of Touchet, Washington, exemplifies what a true Breeder of the Year is. Although Josh Dykes passed away in 2019, his legacy lives on through his wife, Kristin, his business partner, Seth Leachman, and 9 Mile Ranch. The ranch began as a dream of Josh’s and through determination, collaboration, passion and grit, it became a brand of excellence.

The Pioneer Breeder of the Year Award honors long-time members of the RAAA who have maintained quality and excellence in their herds through diligent breeding and culling practices. This year’s recipient, Larry Lorenzen of Bend, Oregon, has been committed to these values since the 1970s. Coming from humble beginnings, his forward-thinking and innovative practices elevated Lorenzen Ranches to become one of the most successful and influential producers of Red Angus cattle. As a second-generation breeder, this marks the first time in history the same family has received this award twice. Against all odds, Lorenzen maintained the success of his family’s ranch while serving RAAA in various leadership roles. A true pioneer breeder leaves the breed better than he found it and Lorenzen has done just that for the next generation of Red Angus producers.

The Commercial Producer of the Year Award is presented to producers who successfully use Red Angus genetics on their farm or ranch. Recipients also have demonstrated a history of employing Red Angus commercial marketing tools, such as the Feeder Calf Certification Program, to add increased value to their calf crop.

The first recipient of this year’s award is Don and Cindy Sitz, Sitz Ranch LLC, of Drewsey, Oregon. Established in 1906, the ranch has a long-standing tradition of producing cattle that exemplify excellence in genetics and command top-of-the-market premiums. Four generations of producers at Sitz Ranch have worked hard to make their cattle better, but have also demonstrated the highest character and are admired in their community and the industry.

The second recipient of this year’s award, Glenn and Tonya Harris, Harris Ranch, of Drewsey, Oregon, have done an excellent job of putting together a great cowherd with a strong incorporation of Red Angus genetics. The Harris Ranch has worked diligently over the years to market outstanding cattle while maintaining a strong presence within their community. RAAA is proud to recognize both firms for their success in cattle production and the use of Red Angus genetics.

The Red Angus Association of America serves the beef industry by enhancing and promoting the measurable advantages of Red Angus and Red Angus-influenced cattle. The RAAA provides commercial producers with objectively described cattle by implementing new technologies and utilizing scientifically sound principles that quantify traits of economic importance to beef producers in all segments of the beef industry. For more information, visit www.RedAngus.org.