Dunns inducted into Gelbvieh Hall of Fame
Each year the American Gelbvieh Association recognizes a dedicated member who has been an influential figure in the Gelbvieh breed. The 2025 AGA Hall of Fame inductees are Leon and Jan Dunn of St. John, Kansas.
The Dunns were presented with their award at the 54th Annual AGA National Convention in December, in Kansas City, Missouri. They are pictured above with other family members.
This honor recognizes the couple’s longtime dedication to the Gelbvieh and Balancer breed and their significant contributions to the cattle industry over the past four decades. The Dunn’s journey began at Kansas State University, where they met through mutual friends. Married in 1965, they purchased an irrigated farm on their wedding day, laying the foundation for what would become a thriving cattle operation.
“We bought the farm and got married the same day, and both of them have been wonderful,” Leon said with a smile.
Over the years, the Dunns have developed a diverse and innovative operation at Sandy Knoll Farm. Their enterprise includes a swine multiplier unit for a major company, a Gelbvieh cattle herd managed by their son Brian, alfalfa production, and irrigated crops.
The Dunns have been pioneers in incorporating technology and data collection into their breeding program. Since 1995, they have collected carcass data, and since 2009, they have gathered feed efficiency data. They also conduct Residual Feed Intake testing on bulls and use DNA testing and ultrasound data for every cow in their herd.
“We think it’s number one really important to have proper structure,” Leon said. “We think health is very important. We’ve found that top genetics and good health, make for some really productive animals.”
As charter members of the Kansas Gelbvieh Association, Leon served as president while Jan held the position of secretary/treasurer for 10 years. In 1986, they founded the Kansas Junior Gelbvieh Association to support youth development in the breed.
To navigate the challenges of private treaty sales, the Dunns joined SeedStock Plus in 2000, an operational decision Leon hails as a godsend.
Looking ahead, the Dunns remain optimistic about the future of the Gelbvieh breed.
“There’s a bright future for the Gelbvieh cattle as long as we stay on the cutting edge of the industry and not be afraid to endorse the technology coming down the pipe,” both said.
The Dunns’ induction into the AGA Hall of Fame is not only a recognition of their past achievements, but also a testament to their ongoing influence in the industry.
