Kent and Jean Brunner (center) of Cow Camp Ranch, Lost Springs, Kan., accept the 2021 Beef Improvement Federation Seedstock Producer of the Year award from Greg Henderson (left), Drovers editorial director, and Joe Mushrush (right), BIF retiring president at the organization’s annual symposium hosted in Des Moines, Iowa, June 22-25. Photo courtesy of Beef Improvement Federation.

W&S Ranch Inc., Smith Center, Kan., was named the 2021 Beef Improvement Federation Commercial Producer of the Year at the organization’s 2021 annual symposium hosted in Des Moines, Iowa, June 22-25. Accepting the award from Joe Mushrush (right), BIF retiring president, are (from left) Philip, Kaylee and Jessica Weltmer. Photo courtesy of Beef Improvement Federation.

The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) presented the eBEEF Team the BIF Ambassador Award on June 23 during its annual meeting and symposium in Des Moines, Iowa. Presented by Joe Mushrush (left), the eBeef Team consists of (continuing from left) Alison Van Eenennaam, University of California–Davis; Matt Spangler, University of Nebraska–Lincoln;. Darrh Bullock, University of Kentucky; Jared Decker, University of Missouri; Bob Weaber, Kansas State University; and (not pictured) Megan Rolf, Kansas State University. Photo courtesy of Beef Improvement Federation.

Jane Parish (left) was presented the Beef Improvement Federation’s Continuing Service Award June 23 during the group’s symposium hosted in Des Moines, Iowa. Continuing Service Award winners have made major contributions to the BIF organization. This includes serving on the board of directors, speaking at BIF symposia, working on BIF guidelines and other behind-the-scenes activities. Presenting the award is Marty Ropp of Allied Genetic Resources. Photo courtesy of Beef Improvement Federation.

Lee Leachman (center) of Leachman Cattle of Colorado, Fort Collins, Colo., was presented the Beef Improvement Federation’s Continuing Service Award June 23 during the group’s symposium hosted in Des Moines, Iowa. Continuing Service Award winners have made major contributions to the BIF organization. This includes serving on the board of directors, speaking at BIF symposia, working on BIF guidelines and other behind-the-scenes activities. Also pictured are Lee’s wife, Lisa, and Donnell Brown of R.A. Brown Ranch, Throckmorton, Texas, who presented the award. Photo courtesy of Beef Improvement Federation.

The Beef Improvement Federation presented Alison Van Eenennaam (right) of the University of California–Davis the BIF Pioneer Award June 24 during the group’s annual research symposium in Des Moines, Iowa. Presenting the award is Matt Spangler, University of Nebraska. Photo courtesy of Beef Improvement Federation.

The Beef Improvement Federation presented Gene Rouse (left) and Doyle Wilson (center) the BIF Pioneer Award June 24 during the group’s annual research symposium in Des Moines, Iowa. Presenting the award is Scott Greiner, Virginia Tech. Photo courtesy of Beef Improvement Federation.

The Beef Improvement Federation presented Galen Fink (center) the BIF Pioneer Award June 24 during the group’s annual research symposium in Des Moines, Iowa. Presenting the award are Joe Mushrush (left), BIF retiring president; and Dave Nichols, Kansas State University. Photo courtesy of Beef Improvement Federation.

The 2021Baker/Cundif Scholarship Award was earned by Maci Mueller, Davis, Calif., presented by Larry Cundiff (left), Alison Van Eenennaam and Robert Williams. Photo courtesy of Beef Improvement Federation.

The 2021 Wallace Memorial Scholarship graduate student award was presented to Gessica Franco, College Station, Texas (center), presented by Lorna Marshall and Norm Vincel. Photo courtesy of Beef Improvement Federation.