The Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame is pleased to announce its 2027 inductees and award recipients to be recognized at the 18th Annual Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame Banquet.
Joel Jarnagin of Cobalt Cattle Company in Garden City, KS, and Thomas (Tom) John Basabe of the Simplot Company’s Land and Livestock Group in Grand View, ID, are the 2027 Hall of Fame inductees.
Raised on a family farm in Jetmore, KS, Jarnagin developed an early foundation in livestock care that built a lifelong career in cattle feeding. As CEO of Cobalt Cattle Company since 2015, Jarnagin guided the business from a single 73,000-head yard into the nation’s fourth-largest cattle feeder, expanding to seven locations with a 410,000-head capacity. Driven by integrity, teamwork and a people-first strategy, his leadership continues to shape and serve the cattle feeding community.
Basabe, president of Simplot’s Land and Livestock Group, has dedicated his career to advancing the cattle industry. Starting in 1968 as a pen rider at Simplot, Basabe worked through nearly every operational role before assuming leadership in 1988. Under his guidance, Simplot grew into the largest cattle feeding and ranching operation in the Pacific Northwest—expanding feeding capacity to 230,000 head, growing to 16 ranches with 32,000 mother cows and managing 100,000 acres of irrigated farmland.
Today, as the nation’s seventh-largest cattle feeder and second-largest rancher, Simplot oversees more than 4 million acres of federal permits, manages Simplot Western Stockmen’s and recently launched its own branded beef products to complete a fully vertically integrated business.
In addition to the Hall of Fame inductees, the Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame also recognizes individuals for leadership and service in the cattle feeding industry.
The 2027 Industry Leadership Award honoree is Dr. Temple Grandin, a University Distinguished Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University. A world-renowned scientist and autism advocate, Grandin transformed global stockmanship and facility design by pioneering animal-centric handling, welfare and transportation practices that reduce livestock stress and advance humane standards. Her visionary research, leadership and commitment to practical industry solutions leave an enduring legacy across agriculture and beyond.
The 2027 Arturo Armendariz Distinguished Service Award recipient is Ray Nelson, who retired in December 2025 after 38 years with Agri Beef’s El Oro Cattle Feeders in Moses Lake, WA. Beginning as a pen rider, Nelson steadily advanced to feed foreman, mastering the science of cattle feeding and embracing technological innovation throughout his career. Beyond his operational expertise, Nelson dedicated decades to training and mentoring the next generation of feedyard professionals.
“It is an honor to recognize these men and women who have each contributed to our industry in such impactful ways,” said Duane “Chub” Klein, North Region president of Animal Health International and a Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame Board of Director member. “Their years of service, innovations and achievements have made us better as a whole. We look forward to honoring and celebrating their hard work and legacy in Nashville this coming February.” — Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame
