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CATTLEMEN RECOGNIZE INDUSTRY LEADERS

OKEMOS - (June 22, 2010) Four distinguished individuals and an agriculture business were recognized for their contributions and dedication to the beef industry during the Michigan Cattlemen’s Association’s (MCA) Summer Round-Up.  “MCA’s Member of the Year,” was awarded to Dale Oeschger from Bay Port; “Agribusiness of the Year” belongs to BioZyme Incorporated; Bret Schapman, from Almont, received the “Young Producer of the Year”; Phil and Chris Rottman from Fremont, received “Purebred Breeder of the Year”; and “Cattle Businessman of the Year” was awarded to Quentin Harwood from Ionia, Michigan.

Member of the Year

The Michigan Cattlemen’s Association’s (MCA) “Member of the Year” is Dale Oeschger. Dale and his wife Linda, along with their family, have a 600 head feedlot in Bay Port, MI. In addition they farm approximately 1,000 acres, growing corn, alfalfa, navy beans, wheat, soy beans and sugar beets. 

Oeschger has been an active member of the MI Cattlemen’s Association for over 30-years and has been on the MCA Board for 15-years. He has served as Secretary/Treasurer and is currently serving as Director At Large. In the past, he was chairman of the MCA Policy Development Committee and was chair of the 2009 Summer Round-Up. In addition, he is a member of the Thumb Cattlemen’s Association and has worked at the Cass City stockyards for 40 years.

In 2001, Oeschger was appointed to the Michigan Beef Industry Commission (MBIC) by Governor Granholm and serves as Secretary. On the national level, Oeschger has been appointed to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Joint Product Enhancement Committee. 

Agribusiness of the Year 

The Michigan Cattlemen’s Association (MCA) awarded the distinction of MCA’s Agribusiness of the Year to BioZyme, Inc. For over 50 years, BioZyme has been an innovative leader in the fields of animal nutrition and microbiology. With a focus on the highest quality proprietary products with the objective of naturally improving animal performance and health, BioZyme offers a complete line of high density, highly available vitamin, mineral, trace mineral and protein supplements for several animal species. 

Accepting the award was Don Cooper, a senior partner for 43 years at BioZyme. Cooper believes in serving his customers with “the country values” of a friend and neighbor. He approaches his daily tasks with a smile, understanding, compassion and integrity.

Don Cooper representing BioZyme Inc. (l) accepts the MCA Agri-Business Award presented by MCA Director Maury Kaercher (r).

Young Producer of the Year

The Michigan Cattlemen’s Association (MCA) awarded the “Young Producer of the Year” honor to Bret Schapman, from Almont. Schapman grew up on the family farm in Romeo alongside his brothers and graduated from Michigan State University where he earned a degree in Animal Science.

Schapman has become a spokesperson for agriculture and the cattle industry. He was recently featured in Michigan’s Farmers Feed US – an agriculture awareness campaign funded in part by the Michigan Beef Industry Commission. Consumers can read his story and tour the Schapman farm at www.farmersfeedus.org.

At Ingleside Farms, Schapman manages the environmental program which includes a comprehensive nutrient management plan and he takes great pride in being a member of the Michigan United Conservation Club. 

Purebred Breeder of the Year

The Michigan Cattlemen’s Association (MCA) awarded Phil and Chris Rottman of Fremont, the honor of “Purebred Breeder of the Year,” for the impact they have made on the purebred industry. They work together to manage and market their seedstock operation, guided by history and lifetime experiences in cattle breeding. 

Along with private treaty sales, they market their progeny through the MI Beef Expo, the MCA/MSU Bull Test Sale, MSU Fall Fest, West Branch Bull Sale and at the Autumn Alliance sale.

MI Cattlemen’s Association director Monte Bordner (l) presents the MI Cattlemen’s Association Purebred Breeder Award to Chris and Phil Rottman.

Cattle Businessman of the Year

The Michigan Cattlemen’s Association (MCA) selected Quentin Harwood, as “MCA Businessman of the Year.” Four generations of Harwoods have been involved with the beef industry. The family’s diversified cattle enterprise has included both a commercial and  purebred cow/calf herd, annual purebred production sales, feedlot finishing, stocker backgrounding, an annual club calf sale and years ago –  a livestock auction sale barn. Harwood Cattle Company has three locations -- Ionia, Marion and Clare. 

Harwood has dedicated his life to the industry. He has served on several state and national cattle association committees. As President of the MI Cattlemen’s Association he established the MCA/MSU Bull Test and the Michigan Beef Expo. Later, he helped establish the MCA/MSU Graded Feeder Calf Sale. Harwood was a founding member of the Michigan Winter Beef Show and past president of the Michigan Junior Livestock Society.

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