Correlated traits

I distinctly remember thinking that as I left one of my first story stops for CAB. I was covering Nebraska ranchers Myron and Kay Beatty, who were to receive our Commitment to Excellence Award later that year. I rode around in their pickup and learned about their herd and their family, their struggles and victories. I often think of how naïve I was, and how gracious they were.

But then, each year after, I find myself with similar thoughts during my summer travels.

These might be the nicest people I’ve ever met.

When the Black Ink crew picks award winners, “nice” isn’t the set of criteria, but it seems it’s a highly correlated trait.

Ranchers who care about their cattle, the buyers of those cattle and the final beef consumers, also tend to be just some of the most genuine, welcoming and humble people you’ll ever meet.

I can no longer pick a “favorite ranch I’ve ever been to.” The competition is just too stiff when I’ve met people like Jim and Maureen Skavdahl, Dee and Gaye Johnson and the Minnie Lou Bradley and Goggins families.

The list could go on and on, and that’s not to mention the dozens and dozens of cattle feeders I’ve gotten to profile.

In two weeks, our team will sit down with a virtual folder of nominations. It’s always a tall task that takes several different rounds to whittle down to our eventual winners. At the risk of sounding like I want to make that job harder, I ask: Is there anyone else we should be considering?

Are you a seedstock producer who knows of quality-focused customers who pay attention to all the details from genetics to management to marketing? Are you a commercial rancher who has found a true partner in helping you produce high-quality beef with either your genetic supplier or a feedlot buyer?

Maybe you’re in allied industry, but work with some of the best of the best, the people you know embody the “CAB spirit.”

We have a very short nomination form, available here, and we’d love to hear about them. (But hurry! The deadline is March 31^st.)

We’re looking for producers who have a proven track record, who see the market rewards for supplying the CAB brand and have their sights set on creating even more.

Of course, it wouldn’t hurt if they’re nice, too.

May your bottom line be filled with black ink,

Miranda

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