Posted: 03.20.2010

It was a full house for the 99th annual spring awards banquet for the Wisconsin Livestock Breeders Association on Saturday in Arlington.

WLBA President, Scott Bayer of Ringle said was rewarding to see the big turnout.

Four industry leaders were presented with the 2010 WLBA Honoree Awards.

Kathy Miller of Bristol is known for her dedication to the beef industry.  Dave Koning, who presented her for the honor, said "if you need something done - just ask Kathy".  Miller and her two sons weren't present because they were helping organize the states angus sale Saturday and Sunday in Lancaster, WI.  In her acceptance note, Miller said their involvement in WLBA preview shows and the Wisconsin State Fair got them hooked on the industry.

Dr. Tom Goerke, retired professor at UW-River Falls, was also honored.  Goerke, who grew up in Waukesha and started out working with Polled Hereford cattle, taught at UW-River Falls over 30 years.  Dan Smerchek said that Goerke was known as a tough grader - but made a tremendous impact on all his students.  Goerke's credited with helping to begin UW-River Falls Block and Bridle club more then 20 years ago.  Goerke is also passionate about Shropshire sheep - a breed he's exhibited on the state and national scene since his early years.

Ron Russell, an instructor at UW-Madison in meat sciences was another honoree for 2010.  Bernie O'Rourke presented Russell for the award.  Russell came from Missouri over 26 years ago.  He's known for his support of students going into the meat industry.  He teaches a majority of the required meat science classes, and featured as an instructor for judging team courses as well.  Russell was credited with being more then an instructor - looked to instead as a role model.

Mike Brugger of Monroe was the final honoree.  Brugger, a former president of the WI Livestock Breeders, is a pork producer in Green county who also runs his own trucking business.  Ron Schmaling said of his friend, that "if God told you you could only have one friend - you'd pick Mike".  In an interview with Pam Jahnke, Brugger said he's most proud of his children and their exposure and dedication to production agriculture.

The photo features Ron Russell on the left and Mike Brugger on the right.

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