The world of genetic improvement never stops improving, never stops moving forward. And it takes constant attention to detail to keep abreast.

That and more was evident in the two ranches that took home Producer of the Year honors from the recent Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) conference in Athens, Ga. The awards are sponsored by BEEF magazine.

Winner of the Commercial Producer of the Year is Mundhenke Beef of Lewis, Kan., owned and operated by John and Gina Mundhenke, shown receiving their award from BEEF’s Jay Carlson.

Winner of the Commercial Producer of the Year is Mundhenke Beef of Lewis, Kan., owned and operated by John and Gina Mundhenke. The family operates irrigated and dryland farms, native grassland and a backgrounding yard.

The focus of Mundhenke Beef is efficient production from conception to consumption. The ranch calves 300 registered Angus cows and 200 commercial Angus cows in the spring. They raise Angus bulls for their own use and sell a few to others.

In addition, they develop and artificially inseminate 200 Angus heifers for customers. They also provide genetic selection and influence the management of animal health protocol and marketing for Gina’s family’s 1,100 head Angus cowherd.

Hunt Limousin Ranch, Oxford, Neb., was named the 2017 Beef Improvement Federation Seedstock Producer of the Year during the BIF convention in Athens, Ga. Pictured are (from left) Marty Ropp, 2016-2017 BIF president; with recipients Charlie Hunt, Jenna Hunt and Daniel Hunt; along with Jay Carlson, BEEF magazine, award sponsor.

Winner of the Seedstock Producer of the Year is Hunt Limousin Ranch of Oxford, Neb., owned by Charles and Nancy Hunt and managed by Charles and Daniel Hunt. “Conserve the land for future generations, keep current and knowledgeable on the leading cattle issues, high quality cattle for a fair price, and treat people with honesty and integrity.”

Related:11 tips for young producers from the Beef Improvement Federation

That’s the mantra that Charles Hunt family follows when conducting its business. Currently the ranch’s 6,500 acres consists of dryland and irrigated corn, soybeans, alfalfa, wheat and grassland that supports 300 cows, private treaty bulls and replacement females. Genetics have gone worldwide, including Canada, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand.

The Hunt operation began in the 1960s after Charlie attended the University of Nebraska. With a love for God, family, the land and cattle, Charlie and Nancy were ready for the opportunity to do then what they still enjoy doing today—raising cattle.