By Blake Jackson
The Wisconsin Cattlemen's Association (WCA) celebrated exceptional contributions to the state's beef industry during its 2026 Annual Summer Tour in the Chippewa Valley.
The event brought cattle producers together for networking, education, and visits to Rooney Angus, Strey Farm, and Kostka Ranch, where attendees explored innovative beef production practices and discussed industry challenges.
"The Summer Tour is one of our favorite opportunities to bring producers together," Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association President Jared Geiser said.
"Not only do we get to learn from fellow cattlemen and women, but we also have the privilege of recognizing individuals whose leadership and service continue to move our industry forward."
Larry Parr received the Friend of the Cattlemen Award for his lifelong dedication to Wisconsin agriculture.
After beginning his career on a dairy farm, Parr worked in feed manufacturing, raised beef cattle, partnered with Quality Liquid Feeds, and served on the WCA Board of Directors.
Encouraging producers to share agriculture's story, Parr said, "Hear or know the story. Learn it, and tell it, because you never know who you're going to sit next to."
The Beef Quality Assurance Award was presented to Dr. Sandy Stuttgen, agriculture educator with the University of Wisconsin Division of Extension. A former large animal veterinarian, she has played a key role in expanding Beef Quality Assurance education across Wisconsin.
“I'm honored to receive this award and grateful for the opportunity to continue working with Wisconsin's beef producers,” Stuttgen said.
“Beef Quality Assurance has allowed me to combine my passion for veterinary medicine with education, helping producers adopt practices that benefit their cattle, their operations, and the future of our beef industry.”
Hallstrand Angus earned the 2026 Wisconsin Cattlemen of the Year Award for generations of excellence in Angus production and industry leadership.
Accepting the honor, Kurt Hallstrand emphasized the importance of family support, said "If I didn't have Todd or Jed or some of the others taking care of things, I couldn't be involved with anything. A lot of credit goes to my family. That's what makes an operation work. You need to have good people around you, and good organizations around you."
Reflecting on today's market, Hallstrand added, "What a great business that we are in. Two years ago, we couldn't have imagined where we were going to be today."
Hallstrand also encouraged fellow producers, saying, "Some people might doubt if you can make it in the industry, but keep your head high. That's why I got involved in organizations because I always believed that we can."
Todd Hallstrand concluded by emphasizing that strong industry organizations help keep Wisconsin's beef sector moving forward and credited the family's perseverance and relationships for their long-term success.
Photo Credit: wisconsin-cattlemen-association
Categories: Wisconsin, Livestock, Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle