The 2022 American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) Hall of Fame inductees are John and Laurie Burbank of St. Catharine, MO. The Burbanks were presented the award at the awards banquet during the 52nd Annual AGA National Convention, which took place Dec. 9, 2022, at the Hyatt Regency Louisville, in Louisville, KY.
Members of the AGA since the early 1980s, the Burbanks have been ardent supporters of the Gelbvieh and Balancer breed. John served on the board of directors during pivotal changes in the association, including the introduction of SmartCross crossbreeding and the adoption of electronic registration. Additionally, John served as president of the AGA in 1999 and provided industry insight and focus to the board as the breed chartered new waters in developing a trademarked hybrid.
As one of the first in the breed to promote polled Gelbvieh bulls, the Burbanks continue to focus on providing both improved genetics and service to their customers.
Thinking bigger than their own personal operation, the Burbanks saw a need with seedstock producers in different areas to cooperate to sell bulls and females. This led John and Laurie to establish Seedstock Plus, a marketing cooperative that boasts 33 members throughout eight states. Today, the program is driven to provide more value to commercial cow-calf producers through Seedstock Plus members’ premium genetics.
“John and Laurie have a passion for the continued improvement of the Gelbvieh and Balancer breed,” AGA President Lori Maude said. “They support the future of the breed and believe in giving young Gelbvieh breeders the opportunity to experience the beef industry on a larger stage. They have dedicated years to building a program and helping other producers be successful.” — AGA
