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To be inducted, individuals must achieve something great in the livestock industry. They may be an exhibitor, judge, animal, show official or someone who makes a great impression.
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Kirk Stierwalt
Leedey Oklahoma, Inducted July 2010
Just mention the name Stierwalt to anyone involved in the show cattle industry, and they would know who you were talking about. From show clinics, success, and his many endorsements with popular brands such as Purina Show Chow, eZall, Andis, and most recently Weaver Leather, Kirk Stierwalt is very influential in taking the show industry to a whole new level. As a cattle fitter, educator, and judge, Kirk has many years of experience in the show cattle industry. He has won numerous awards at some of the most prestigious national and international shows. Kirk actively participates in 4-H and FFA programs and conducts clinics, seminars and demonstrations for young people and cattle families. Kirk and his wife, Juli, began doing clinics at their house in 1987. While his success and accomplishments are impressive, it is Kirk Stierwalt’s character that has made him a clear choice for the Hall of Fame. He is always willing to help and give support, has a true love for the cattle industry which is evident through his actions, and never forgets a face or name.
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CHRISTY COLLINS
Frederick, Oklahoma
Christy Collins is one of the leading cattle- women in the club calf and composite business. She pioneered modern day livestock photography by being one of the first professional photographers to offer her signature style of photography in the club calf business in the early 1990s, which has since been imitated by many. Currently, as the owner of Collins Cattle Services, she continues to serve the industry by being one of the leading sale management firms in the business, and the only one owned and operated solely by a female. Her first sale, The Exposure Sale, started in 1997, is still regarded as the leading female sale of it’s kind. Christy contributes all the success to the talented people and good cattle that she has had a chance to be a part of. She also serves as a judge of several livestock shows each year and has officiated numerous livestock judging contests throughout the United States. She lives at home, on the ranch, in far Southwest Oklahoma.
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Steve Bonham
Newcastle, Oklahoma
“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”
This quote from the great Ralph Waldo Emerson applies to our latest Hall of Fame inductee. Steve Bonham is recognized as an industry leader when it comes to marketing livestock—whether in the pasture or on the auction block. His passion for the club calf industry, specifically, is infectious and has inspired thousands of young people across the country for over 25 years. If you buy show steers or heifers, chances are you have been to Newcastle, Oklahoma, where Steve has resided since 1986. Having one of the quickest eyes for livestock of anyone you will meet, Steve has selected and marketed hundreds of show ring champions and sale ring elites. His customers have won steer shows in virtually all 48 contiguous states.
Steve felt at an early age that he had a gift for auctioneering and attended Gregg’s School of Auctioneering following his freshman year in high school, where he received the “Outstanding Auctioneer” Award among other attendees two to three times his age. Today, his voice can be heard at many of the leading cattle auctions across the United States.
Steve and his wife, Stacey, have two sons, Logan, 16, and Baylor, 9. Steve’s foresight and his uncanny knack for making others want to be a part of what he is doing leave a lasting impression. He feels very blessed to be able to earn a living doing what he loves while helping others achieve their dreams and hopefully having a positive influence on young people involved in the livestock industry.
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Wayne Colette
Colorado
Wayne Colette is known and recognized by his voice. Many of you listen to him while visiting the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado. Others may recognize his voice at the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo, Colorado or even the American Royal in Kansas City, Missouri. He has announced many classes, witnessed numerous champions and has demonstrated his announcing ability since 1960. Over the years he has seen numerous kids, parents, and judges. In fact, he says there are very few judges he hasn’t had the opportunity to work with over the years. According to Wayne, “It has been a very enjoyable time.”
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Jim Williams
Boling, Texas
Jim Williams is one of the nation’s biggest supporters of junior livestock programs. He’s done it all...from being a showman, breeder, judge, and show dad. As one of the nation’s best loved junior show judges for steers, heifers and open shows, he has judged at every major show in the U.S. and 27 different state fairs. Under his management, cattle bred by V8 Ranch have won 33 International Championships and 36 National Champions in the Brahman breed. His family’s Shorthorn herd (V8 Shorthorns) has raised champions at Denver, Louisville, Kansas City, and many state fairs. In the past few years, they have raised 3 “Show Heifer of the Year” winners from the American Shorthorn Assn. As a show dad he helped his daughters Rachel and Catherine dominate junior show circuits from 1987 to 2001 with grand champions at Denver, Louisville, Kansas City, Brahman Junior Nationals, Shorthorn Junior Nationals, and every major show in Texas. His daughter Catherine still holds the record for exhibiting 3 consecutive champion heifer awards at Shorthorn Junior Nationals.
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Phil Lautner
Jefferson, Iowa
Phil Lautner and his powerful Lautner Farms bulls continue to set the standard by which all other bulls in club calf circles are measured. For the past 20 years, he has sold semen on the most popular bulls in the business, and each year continues to raise the bar with his new genetics. From his first bull (a Chi-cross named Jackpot) to bulls like Heat Wave, Who Made Who, Ali, and many many more – Lautner bulls are household names amongst all club calf enthusiasts. In the past ten years, Phil has greatly expanded the Lautner bull battery to focus on offering the total package for club calf breeder’s looking to buy semen. The thing that makes Phil the proudest is seeing his client’s success by using his genetics. Whether it be the pride that a junior showman gets from winning with a calf sired by Phil’s bull, or the extra money that his clients get from high sellers by Lautner bulls… this is what motivates Phil to keep offering the best bulls year after year. Phil has three sons, Luke, Matt and Chance Lautner. As junior showmen, both Matt and Chance dominated steer shows across Iowa and the nation. Most recently, a steer that Phil raised was the Reserve Grand Champion Steer at Louisville in 2007.
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Ky Stierwalt
Leedey, Oklahoma
Ky Stierwalt of Leedey, Oklahoma has been selected for acheiving Grand Champion Market Steer at the 2006 American Royal, 2007 NAILE and the 2009 National Western Stock Show |
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Kent Habeger
Burt, Iowa
Kent Habeger is remembered as a judge, cattlemen and friend to many in our industry. Kent was fatally injured in a farm accident on December 8, 2008. He will be greatly missed. |
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