Chris Peuster, Wright Charolais, was recognized during the National Charolais Show for his long-term dedication and success within the Charolais breed.
“I am very honored to be named Herdsman of the Year. I appreciate my peers making me their selection, it truly means a lot to receive such a prestigious award,” said Peuster when asked about his reaction to being awarded.
A well-deserving recipient who has spent his life within the cattle industry, growing up in Slater, MO, on his family’s Polled Hereford farm is where his passion for purebred cattle was ignited.
Peuster said, “My uncle, Mike Page, was a cattle fitter that worked for several Charolais operations. He took me to my first Charolais Junior National in 1997 and that is where I first began meeting people within the Charolais breed.”
A start which led to Derry and Mary Wright extending an opportunity to join their operation, Wright Charolais out of Richmond, MO, where Peuster has remained since.
“I’d like to give a special thank you to them for everything they have done for my family and me,” Peuster said. As the managing partner, Peuster plays a big role on the team. Wright Charolais markets seedstock through bi-annual sales and consignment sales throughout the year, annually marketing around 200 Charolais bulls. Since 2008 they have held 16 spring bull sales, and 13 fall female sales since 2011, each ranking in the breed’s top averaging sales.
Alongside their sale successes, during his 16 years with Wright Charolais, Peuster has aided in many of their show ring triumphs as they exhibit cattle at various shows across the country.
Their achievements have spanned amongst multiple national grand champion bulls, a national grand champion female, seven bred or owned Roll of Excellence Sires, the AICA Challenge Trophy awarded at the 48th National Charolais Show at the 2017 Fort Worth Stock Show, and much more.
Naturally, the victories and memories make most things worthwhile. However, to stick with something for a long period of time takes dedication and an eye to see things futuristically as well.
When asking Peuster, “Why Charolais?” he dotes on the many aspects of the breed that have made it easy for him to stay involved.
“The Charolais breed has a bright future, our advantages in heterosis, and performance coupled with the strides we’ve made in carcass quality position our breed to be a front runner for years to come.”
Peuster is one of the many dedicated Charolais breeders who has gone above and beyond to display his commitment to the breed. It is an honor for the AICA to recognize and award him for his ongoing efforts to support and improve the Charolais breed. — AICA
