2006 National Stocker Award Winners

2006 Stocker Operation of the Year Summer Grazing Program Winner
Hughes Cattle Co., owned and operated by John and Robert Hughes, was named the winner in the summer-grazing program category and then captured the overall prize earlier this month. The Hughes’ operation has focused on grass production to increase carrying capacity since they began purchasing stocker cattle in 1958. The operation remains grounded in common-sense basics but also continues to innovate, as evidenced by a unique pilot study they’re conducting with a sale barn and feedlot -- each entity shares equal ownership in cattle then divvies any profit or loss equally at the end.

Fall/Winter Forage Program Winner
D&H Cattle Co. in Collins, Mississippi owned and operated by Doug Rogers was named the winner of teh fall / winter forage program. Rogers utilizes lightweight calves and aggressive health management as a hedge in the marketplace.

Backgrounder/Drylot Winner
Triple Heart Ranch in Wanette, Okla. owners Brock and Shelia Karges have pioneered a service to help cow-calf producers realize added value by providing additional animal health assurance.