Laughter and music filled the chilly evening as Kansas State University Animal Sciences and Industry alumni and supporters gathered on Oct. 12, at the Stanley Stout Center in Manhattan, Kansas. This evening marked the fourth annual K-State ASI Family & Friends Reunion.
More than 1,100 attendees took the opportunity to re-connect with each other and interact with current students, faculty and staff. The annual event is hosted by the Livestock and Meat Industry Council in cooperation with the ASI department.
The highlight of the evening each year is the awarding of the Don L. Good Impact Award, which recognizes a person or business that has had an impact on the livestock and agricultural industry.
CattleFax, an organization created by cattle producers, was presented with the 2018 Don L. Good Impact Award. Started in 1968, CattleFax is a member-owned organization that serves producers in all segments of the cattle and beef business. For half a century, it has been a global leader in beef industry research, analysis and information. Its exclusive industry database has set the standard for market information and analysis.
Research based
CattleFax has assembled a team of research analysts and experienced professionals who provide expert advice to customers when developing a marketing plan and a sound risk management program, including an assessment of their break-evens, as well as evaluating different marketing alternatives. The CattleFax staff monitors more than just cattle markets. Grain, weather, beef demand and competing proteins—not just domestically but globally—are carefully monitored. Keeping up with the times to make sure producers have quality information on a timely basis, which allows them to make informed marketing decisions, is a daily challenge for the staff.
Through the years, Kansans have played an integral role in CattleFax’s success. “The Kansas connection has been a key to success for CattleFax,” explains Randy Blach, CattleFax CEO. “CattleFax has been blessed to have a great working relationship with Kansas State University’s faculty and staff and the Kansas Livestock Association’s leadership and staff.”
Kansas roots
Blach credits many current and former board and staff members with Kansas roots who have contributed greatly to the organization’s vision.
The award, presented by the Livestock and Meat Industry Council Inc., is named in honor of Good, a former ASI department head, and recognizes positive impact on the livestock and meat industry or agriculture.
“It’s humbling for our company to be recognized, because we weren’t formed to go out and try to get accolades or awards,” says Kevin Good, CattleFax vice president of industry relations and Good’s nephew. “We were formed to serve, just as Don L. Good did.”
Event coordinators strive to create a family atmosphere through entertainment, food and activities that is enjoyed by K-Staters of all ages. Live performances by the KSU Marching Band and Rusty Rierson, K-State ASI alumnus and Nashville recording artist, entertained the crowd. A meal that included a variety of meat choices was topped off with legendary Call Hall Ice Cream.
“An event like this is really a celebration of agriculture,” Blach says. “It’s one of the few industries in the world where we all compete against one another during the course of the day and are best friends as we finish our days and celebrate our families.”
