Blake honored as Red Angus Director’s Herdsman of the Year

Mark Blake, Gibbon, Nebraska, was selected as the 2020 Red Angus Director’s Herdsman of the Year at the National Red Angus Show during the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado. The award was announced prior to the selection of the grand champion open female on Jan. 13.

Originally from Earl Park, Indiana, Blake grew up breeding and showing Limousin cattle on his family’s operation, Mar-Jon Farms. He was very active in the breed and served on the junior board of directors for the North American Limousin Junior Association. Before joining J6 Farms, he was a sales representative for Sullivan Supply.

Since Blake became a part of J6 Farms in 2015, the operation has enjoyed heightened success, exhibiting several winners including the Champion Pen of Three Red Angus Bulls, 2020 NWSS; Reserve Champion Pen of Three Red Angus Females, NWSS 2020; Champion Bull, 2015 NWSS; Champion Bull and Champion Breeding Heifer, 2017 FWSS; Champion Breeding Heifer, 2019 American Royal, as well as multiple Champion Red Angus heifers and bulls at the Nebraska State Fair.

David Spencer, owner of J6 Farms, remarked that Blake has worked incredibly hard to bring excellence to every aspect of the operation, from the breeding program to the show barn.

“We are grateful for the level of quality that he brings to J6 Farms and are excited to see the operation continue to grow. This award is an excellent recognition of the tireless labor that Mark has put into J6 Farms and I don’t think you could give it to a better stockman,” Spencer said.

The Director’s Herdsman of the Year is presented to an individual who has most effectively presented his or herself in a professional manner and their cattle while at the show. For results from NWSS or to find more information on Red Angus shows and upcoming events, visit www.RedAngus.org.