Prime_Time_winter_2019

Momentous Occasion

American Akaushi Association Announces Inaugural Hall of Fame Inductees

2018 CONVENTION

BY JESSIE TOPP-BECKER, MANAGING EDITOR

I n 2018, the American Akaushi Asso- ciation (AAA) established the Hall of Fame to recognize and honor visionary men and women who have made outstand- ing contributions to the AAA and Akaushi breed. During the 2018 Annual Convention, the organization recognized five outstand- ing individuals for their positive impact on the association and breed. The first-ever inductees to the American Akaushi Asso- ciation Hall of Fame are Ronald Beeman, Bill Fielding, Lanny Binger, Elgin Breeding Service and Ernie Gill. Ronald Beeman Ronald Beeman, HeartBrand ® Beef chair- man, has actively built branded meat pro- grams across the United States for nearly 40 years. In 1998, he acquired Eddy Pack- ing, which was primarily a carcass kill facility, where he served as president until 2011. Ronald evolved the company into a leading branded meat business and suc- cessfully grew the company’s sales and profit margins.

In 2006, he purchased HeartBrand Ranch along with the Akaushi cattle, and the rest is history. Under Ronald’s watchful eye, the cattle continue to perform, the associa- tion continues to grow and the Certified Akaushi Beef program continues to expand to larger markets. Ronald’s leadership and tenacity have had a profound impact on the association and breed. Bill Fielding With more than 30 years of experience in the meat industry, Bill Fielding, Heart- Brand Beef CEO, brings his extensive expertise to the association. A 2012 Meat Industry Hall of Fame inductee, Bill has worked with nearly every leading red meat company. His past positions include president of Cargill’s meat division, presi- dent of ConAgra’s beef and pork division, Farmland Foods president, Meyer Natural Beef president, Creekstone Farms presi- dent and American Meat Institute presi- dent. 

Inductees into the American Akaushi Association Hall of Fame are honored at the AAA Annual Meeting. Pictured, left to right, are: Ernie Gill; Brenda Cardwell, Dillon Kvamme and son Caleb Kvamme and Brad Cardwell from Elgin Breeding Service; AAA Executive Assistant Janie Bain; Ronald Bee- man; Larry Binger and Bill Fielding.

Akaushi Prime Time • Winter 2019

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