2009 Pioneer of the Year

Joe Reznicek

Joe Reznicek was raised on a diversified farming and cattle operation in south central Illinois. The Resnicek family purchased their first registered Angus female in the spring of 1952 and in 2002 the family celebrated its 50th year in the seedstock business.

Joe received a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Husbandry from the University of Illinois in Champaign. He dedicated his career to the production of high quality genetics in Angus and Brangus cattle. Joe joined Cow Creek Ranch in 1985, in 1994 he became managing partner, and in 1999, he purchased the operation in its entirety. Joe Reznicek led Cow Creek Ranch to become a nationally recognized producer of seedstock for the beef cattle industry. Cow Creek Ranch is recognized by the National Beef Cattlemen’s Association as the country’s 21st largest seedstock operation. In 1999, Joe Reznicek was named “Brangus Breeder of the Year” by the International Brangus Breeders Association.

In 1993 Cow Creek Ranch began developing and breeding Ultrablacks ® (Brangus x Angus) and actively started marketing them in 1996. In 2005, Cow Creek Ranch sold the Ultrablack trademark to the International Brangus Breeders Association.

Joe Reznicek was active in local and civic activities and served two terms on the American Angus Association Board of Directors. He served as a judge of many state, national and international cattle shows. He was a supporter of, and a mentor to, many young people in the cattle industry.