William "Willie" A. Altenburg

William "Willie" Altenburg is a native of southern Wisconsin growing up on a diversified livestock farm. Willie is a 1973 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science. Following graduation, Willie worked for American Breeders Service in the area of semen production, beef bull care and housing and in 1977 moved into A.I. sales and field training with a transfer to Nebraska. He also worked in the Beef Division in a management role before ending his nearly 30 year career with ABS. He is currently Beef Program Manger for Alta Genetics. Beef A.I. is his love and passion.

He and his wife, Sharon and family also own a 75-cow herd comprised of registered Simmental, Angus/Red Angus and "Super Baldy" composites in Fort Collins, Colorado. Utilizing the performance tools in a "real-world" environment of selling and promoting cattle to commercial producers is a challenge he enjoys.

His beef industry experience and service includes serving as a Trustee for 6 years on the American Simmental Association Board including Breed Improvement Chairman and a member of the FOCUS 2000 committee. Willie served as first chairman of the Progress Through Performance (PTP) committee where incorporation of EPDs and performance data were utilized as show ring judging criteria. While accepted today, it was controversial at the time.

He served as president of the Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) in 2000. Willie is a member of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) Board of Directors and is immediate past chairman of the NCBA Seedstock Council.

Willie is a member of the Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church and is active in local 4-H activities. Hobbies include cattle, hunting and grandchildren.

Serving two terms on the BIF Board has been one of the highlights of Willie's career. Willie says, "Having served on numerous boards, I have seen a difference on the BIF Board. I notice the unselfishness of a large group of talented, hard-driving, and aggressive BIF Board members. It was refreshing to me. They look at every decision as to what is "right for the industry", not what is "right for their own interests". It has been my pleasure and honor to be associated with the caliber of people represented on the BIF Board and its membership."