CONTACT:        Paula Waggoner            303-850-3347     pwagggoner@beef.org

Applications Accepted for 2006 Beef Industry Vision Award

DENVER (September 21, 2005) - The National Cattlemen’s Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2006 Beef Industry Vision Award.

The Vision Award recognizes individuals in the cattle industry for innovations that have enhanced not only their business, but the industry as a whole.  Applications are evaluated on the basis of effective use of technology, impact on production cost, ingenuity of implementation, innovative marketing, impact on the industry and optimum resource management. 

Applications should focus on a specific concept and its effect on the beef industry. This competition is not limited to original ideas, practices or technologies. It also encompasses alternative uses for existing procedures, practices and technologies that have benefited the cattle industry. Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or U.S.-based business engaged in some aspect of the beef industry. Regional winners will be eligible every other year to re-submit an application for the national award. 

Up to seven regional finalists will be selected, and one recipient will be named national Vision Award winner.  Each regional winner will receive a $500 award and is asked to designate an NCBA affiliate to also receive a $500 grant.  The national winner will receive roundtrip airfare, hotel accommodations and two complimentary registrations for the 2006 Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show in Denver, Colorado. Regional winners also receive two complimentary registrations for this event. 

Applications and all supporting material must be received by November 30, 2005.  Detailed information about the Vision Award can be found on the National Cattlemen’s Foundation website at www.nationalcattlemensfoundation.org or by calling 303-850-3347.

The 2005 Vision Award winner was Jim Schwertner from Texas.  He was recognized for his involvement in developing industry-leading programs such as the Vac 45 program, Schwertner Select, Beef Advantage and Consolidated Beef Producers.  "For years, I've believed that the industry needs vertically integrated information," Schwertner said.  "The current technology, combined with individual ID, could evolve this industry into a marketplace focused on quality and consistency.  From the rancher to the retailer, we can evaluate the quality of the product, striving to represent a better and more wholesome center of the plate for the consumer."

The Beef Industry Vision Award program is a collaborative effort of the National Cattlemen's Foundation and Micro Beef Technologies.

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The National Cattlemen’s Foundation serves the beef cattle industry as a philanthropic institution with a mission to promote the future of the industry through research and education. Activities include providing grants for scientific research, scholarships and educational opportunities for young people interested in beef industry careers, and educational programs for cattlemen to enhance opportunities for viability and profitability.