The Iowa Cattlemen’s Association (ICA) named Jason and Lisa Kurt of Cascade as the Commercial Cattle Producers of the Year.
The Kurts run about 230 cows and finish about 1,000 head annually, according to the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association announcement.
Lisa grew up on a dairy farm while Jason found experience through 4-H and FFA.
The cow herd is mainly Angus-Gelbvieh crosses, a combination which improves docility, carcass data and maternal traits.
In addition to raising award-winning calves, the family makes improvements to their operation with conservation in mind.
ICA also recognized Bill and Nancy Couser of Couser Cattle Company for their induction into the Iowa Cattlemen’s Hall of Fame.
The couple finishes approximately 6,000 head of cattle while farming several thousand acres of crops.
[inline_image file=”c7c16737a5cc5bf921cd53f7f07dd681.jpg” caption=”Few couples have had as much of an impact on Iowa agriculture as Bill and Nancy Couser of Nevada. The couple operates Couser Cattle Company, finishing approximately 6,000 head of cattle, while farming several thousand acres of corn, soybeans, seed corn, and alfalfa.”]
The Cousers have offered their farm for research purposes to Iowa State University many times, which led to a successful experiment that contributed to the family becoming NCBA’s 2010 National Environmental Stewardship Award winners.
The ranch has also been the recipient of the National Beef Quality Assurance Award.
Couser Cattle Company has also formed relationships with governmental officials to help demonstrate advances in modern agriculture.
