Apply for the National Stocker Award
You or someone you know could be the next National Stocker Award winner. Applications are now being accepted for the 2009 National Stocker Award, which recognizes stocker operators and backgrounders for their contributions to this critical segment of the beef cattle industry. The application form is now available at www.nationalstockeraward.com. Completed forms are due May 1.
An independent judging panel will select the National Stocker Award grand-prize winner, who receives $5,000, as well as special recognition at the 2010 Cattle Industry Annual Convention in San Antonio, Texas. The second- and third-place winners are given $1,000 cash awards each.
New for this year, the application process is a simpler phased approach. Applicants fill out Phase I, which requires general information and an overview of the operation. During Phase I, three finalists will be selected from the entire pool of nomination forms, regardless of category. Phase II of the application — profitability metrics — will only be completed by the three finalists.
“It is a privilege to recognize these award-winning stocker operations, as well as to provide a platform through which these top producers can share ideas,” says Todd Ripberger, stocker marketing consultant, Elanco Animal Health, sponsor of the National Stocker Award. “Previous winners have shown expertise in innovative cattle strategies and business management, and we’re looking forward to honoring the stocker operators who will be chosen to receive the 2009 National Stocker Award.”
Background about previous award winners and additional information about the National Stocker Award itself is available at www.nationalstockeraward.com.
You can find a completed sample application on the web site, as well as an application form template.