2013 Pioneer of the Year

2014 Pioneer of the Year

Jerry Morrow

The International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) recognized Jerry Morrow as the recipient of the Pioneer Award for the contributions he made to the association and the Brangus breed. Serving as Executive Vice President of IBBA from 1980 to 1988, Morrow had an influential role in the advancement of the Brangus breed at that time.

“Jerry was so proud of his staff, and he was passionate about developing and getting the most out of young people. He would always make sure he would introduce us to those influential in the cattle industry. He taught hard work and made us believe that we could conquer the world with Brangus cattle”, said Joe Fuller who addressed the crowd prior to the presentation of the Pioneer Brangus Award.

Some of the firsts that came under Morrow’s leadership included the first National Junior Brangus Show, first National Brangus Sire Evaluation, first ultrasound enhanced carcass EPDs of any breed, and first Brangus bull sale at National Western Livestock Show in Denver. Morrow was also very instrumental in getting the current IBBA headquarters built and paid for by the generosity of the Brangus breed. In addition, Jerry did much to assist the Mexican Brangus Association.

Born October 25, 1925, in Crested Butte, Colorado, Morrow was raised on a dairy farm in Kemmerer, Wyo. He served in Air Force in WWII and graduated from the University of Wyoming with a degree in Animal Science. Morrow was best known for finding, hiring and motivating his staff at the Brangus association and many of his hires are still involved with the Brangus breed today including Tracy Holbert, Joy Reznicek, Martha Hollida, Mark and Rebecca Cowan, Jodi Jackson, and Joe and Melanie Fuller. The award was presented to Morrow’s widow, Connie Case Morrow, and his daughter, Martha Ann Morrow, and Granddaughter, Carly Morrow. Morrow passed away on May 16, 2010.

David Vaughan

Local cattle producer and Brangus breeder David Vaughan was awarded the Pioneer Award by the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) and was recognized for his dedication to the Brangus breed and the contributions he has made to the industry.

“David has been one of the great contributors to the breed not only within the United States, but internationally as well,” said Trey Kirkpatrick who presented the award to Vaughan.

The Pioneer Award recognizes an IBBA member, past or present, for his/her service, loyalty and contributions to the Brangus breed. Vaughan, longtime owner of Salacoa Valley Farms in Fairmount, Ga., was credited for more than 30 years of leadership and service to the industry.

Vaughan’s contributions to Brangus will have a lasting impact for years to come. He owned Salacoa Valley Farms until his health rendered him unable, but his legacy still continues. He served the IBBA in several capacities including a term as president of the Board of Directors in 2007-2008, and he was awarded the IBBA Breeder of the Year Award in 2005 for his progressive ideas and advancements.