KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Jay George, Lebo, Kan., was inducted to the Hereford Hall of Merit Oct. 26 at the American Hereford Association (AHA) Hereford Honorees Reception during the AHA Annual Meeting and Conference in Kansas City, Mo. Hall of Merit inductees have greatly influenced the Hereford breed and cattle industry.

Described as a “true marketeer,” George has covered the entire spectrum of livestock marketing throughout his 40-year career. Raised on his family’s Hereford ranch in Lebo, Kan., George was active in 4-H and FFA showing and judging livestock. He continued to be involved in the livestock industry at Kansas State University (K-State), where he competed on the livestock and meats judging teams, served as the president of the Block & Bridle club and worked at the Purebred Beef Barn.

After graduating with a degree in animal science in 1973, George worked as a fieldman for the AHA, covering the Dakotas and Upper Midwest territories. During his 10 years with the AHA, he developed skills as a marketer and photographer, and many “JG” photos have since graced the covers of breed journals, livestock publications and national ad campaigns. In 1984, he joined United Livestock Brokers, Inc., where his ahead-of-the-curve breeder marketing programs introduced the newest tools and data available for genetic selection.

George served as the Tri-State Livestock News director of field services and was on the board of directors for the Central States Fair and Black Hills Stock Show. He played a major role in initiating the Black Hills Stock Show Hall of Fame, Foundation and the pen bull and commercial heifer shows.

George moved back to his family’s Kansas ranch in 2008 after 30 years in Rapid City, S.D. He continues United Livestock Brokers sales management, is an active partner in the family cow-calf operation and pursues his own Santa Fe Ranch performance Quarter Horse breeding program.

“George is a true believer in white-faced cattle,” Bob Harrell says. “He has committed his life to the promotion and betterment of the breed.”

Jay George, of Lebo, Kan., was inducted into the Hereford Hall of Merit Oct. 26, at the 2018 Hereford Honoree Reception during the AHA Annual Meeting and Conference in Kansas City, Mo. Pictured (l to r) are Bruce Thomas, AHA board member, Jay George and Kevin Schultz, 2018 AHA president.

###

The American Hereford Association, with headquarters in Kansas City, Mo., is one of the largest U.S. beef breed associations. The not-for-profit organization along with its subsidiaries — Certified Hereford Beef (CHB) LLC, Hereford Publications Inc. (HPI) and American Beef Records Association (ABRA) — provides programs and services for its members and their customers, while promoting the Hereford breed and supporting education, youth and research. For press releases and photos, visit Hereford.org/media.

Download full press release

Download high resolution photo