Posted: 02.14.2011

There are a lot of people that spend tireless hours dedicated to agriculture - and Hank Handzel of Cottage Grove and Jim Thormodson from Pfizer Animal Health are excellent examples of that dedication.

Friday evening, the two were presented with top honors at the Wisconsin Cattlemen's State convention in WIsconsin Dells.

Hank Handzel, past president of the WCA, was named the "Cattlemen of the Year".  Handzel actually was born in New York.  He began his involvement in the cattle industry at the ripe old age of 11.  He frequently visited his uncles farm, and found his passion there.

Today Handzel is a practicing lawyer in Cottage Grove - and an avid Hereford producer. He bought his farming operation 40 acres at a time, he says, to today's current total of around 176 acres.  Hank's herd has been recognized nationally by the American Hereford Association with "Dams of Distinction" honors.

The Wisconsin Cattlemen were especially grateful to Hank Handzel not only for his leadership, but also his professional guidance in everything from by-law reform to IRS filings.

Jim Thormodson from Eleva, representing Pfizer Animal Health was selected as the Wisconsin Cattlemen's "Friend of the Cattlemen". 

Thormodson is serving his fifth year as a "member-at-large" delegate on the WCA board.  He's not only active in membership activities - he's also a strong donor to different programs and presentation through the WCA.

Jim has worked closely with UW-Extension staff, and state beef specialists, to bring the latest technology updates and product innovations to producers around the state.

Farm Director, Pam Jahnke, was honored to receive the "Communicator of the Year" award from the Wisconsin Cattlemen on Friday evening.  Greg May, WCA member, had the special commermorative clock she was presented, customized with a "Go Pack" phrase on the inscription. (The honor actually left me speechless)

Thank you to all of the Wisconsin Cattlemen/Women for the special, special honor.

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