January 14, 2021
OKLAHOMA CITY — Alyssa Copeland was honored as the 2021 Hereford Herdsman of the Year at the National Hereford Show during the Cattlemen’s Congress. After votes were cast by fellow Hereford herdsmen and breeders, the …
OKLAHOMA CITY — Alyssa Copeland was honored as the 2021 Hereford Herdsman of the Year at the National Hereford Show during the Cattlemen’s Congress. After votes were cast by fellow Hereford herdsmen and breeders, the award was announced prior to the selection of the grand champion polled Hereford female on Jan. 10.
Hailing from Tennessee, Alyssa Copeland now calls New Mexico home. After graduating from Tennessee Technological University in 2014 she joined the team at Copeland and Sons Herefords in Nara Visa. Along with the entire Copeland family, Alyssa and her husband, Matt, manage the ranching operation and show cattle.
“It takes work ethic. It has to be in your heart. It takes willpower, no matter the good times or bad times, to present your cattle to the best of your ability.” As Gary Buchholz of GKB Cattle describes the makeup of a Hereford Herdsman, he says this year’s winner has definitely earned the title. “It’s not a man’s world anymore,” he says. “She has a work ethic like I’ve never seen among young women today. She does it right and with pride.”
Alyssa has been part of many national champions at the National Western Stock Show, Fort Worth Stock Show and Junior National Hereford Expo. With the help of Alyssa’s expertise, Copeland and Sons has been named premier breeder at both the National Western and Fort Worth stock shows.
“In my humble opinion, there is nobody more deserving for this award,” says fellow herdsman and family friend Ty Krebs. “She’s dedicated on the ranch, off the ranch and in the ring. What distinguishes her is that she is a friend and mentor to everybody. I can’t say enough words to congratulate her.”