The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) presented Sean McGrath, Vermilion, Alberta, Canada; Bruce Holmquist, Kinistino, Saskatchewan, Canada; and Jennifer Bormann, Manhattan, KS, a BIF Continuing Service Award July 4 during the group’s annual research symposium in Calgary, Alberta.
Continuing Service Award winners have made major contributions to the BIF organization. This includes serving on the board of directors, speaking at BIF conventions, working on BIF guidelines and other behind-the-scenes activities. As BIF is a volunteer organization, it is this contribution of time and passion for the beef cattle industry that moves BIF forward.
During his career, McGrath has worked on a wide variety of progeny test programs and research projects and has coordinated and assisted in the development of several national and international genetic evaluations for a wide variety of breeds. He has also spoken at hundreds of producer meetings and written articles in several breed publications and other industry press. For BIF, he has served on guideline development committees and the Ultrasound Guidelines Council. McGrath also operates a fifth-generation ranch with his wife, Tanya, and their three children.
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In 1977, at the age of 16, Holmquist began his own seedstock herd when he purchased his first Simmentals. Through the years he grew and expanded the business under the name Spruce Grove Cattle Co., and now is extremely proud to see his children and grandchildren carrying out the operations of the family business. Holmquist has been actively involved in leadership roles for over two decades. He was first elected as a director of the Canadian Simmental Association (CSA) in 2000 and served in various capacities, including as president in 2005-06. Following his contributions as a board member, he joined the CSA staff and leads the organization today as general manager.
In addition to his work with the CSA, he has served in leadership roles for the Canadian Beef Breeds Council, Canadian Western Agribition, Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association and World Simmental Fleckvieh Federation. Throughout his career, Holmquist has been a strong proponent for true collaboration focusing not just on promoting Simmental cattle but working to connect the entire beef production chain to add value for all beef producers.
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Bormann served as a BIF Symposium speaker in 2019, 2021 and 2022, was a reviewer of the ninth edition of the BIF Guidelines in 2009 and contributed to the initial BIF Guidelines Wiki in 2019.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in animal science and doctorate in animal breeding and genetics from Iowa State University and her master’s degree from Oklahoma State University. She joined the Kansas State (K-State) University Animal Sciences and Industry (ASI) faculty in 2004 with a 75% teaching and 25% research appointment. During her 19 years in the ASI department, she taught 3,173 students in genetics and 1,554 in animal breeding, plus had more than 200 advisees. In 2022, Bormann transitioned to the K-State College of Agriculture and is currently serving as an assistant dean.
Specializing in beef breeding and genetics, Bormann has worked on a number of projects, including collaborations with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the American Angus Association and the American Simmental Association. She has taught K-State courses in genetics, animal breeding principles, advanced animal breeding, equine genetics and introductory horse lab, and advised undergraduate students. She also has served as lead advisor for the KSU Pre-Vet Club.
For more information about this year’s symposium, including additional award winners and coverage of meeting and tours, visit BIFSymposium.com. — BIF
