Marty Lueck, Mountain Grove, Mo., grew up in Minnesota and is the oldest of seven children. Lueck got his start in the livestock industry at an early age, raising game birds.
Lueck graduated from high school and moved to Springfield, Mo., to attend Baptist Bible College before transferring to Missouri State University, where he met his future wife, Vicki. They married and had two sons, Eric and Ryan.
Lueck’s introduction to the Hereford breed came from Dr. Joe Viebrock, and his wife, Gail. Throughout college, Lueck worked for the couple, assisting with Dr. Viebrock’s veterinary practice and their herd of Hereford cattle. He went on to take the herd manager position at Eagle Claw Ranch, Branson, Mo. In 1981, Lueck was hired as the Journagan Ranch manager by Leo and Jean Journagan. With guidance from Lueck, the Journagans made major changes to their herd and hosted their first production sale in 1985. Over the decades, the ranch continued to build its cow herd with Lueck at the helm.
In 2010, Leo and Jean Journagan gifted the ranch and the registered Hereford herd to Missouri State University. The donation of the ranch to the university transformed the Darr College of Agriculture; students now have access to a unique educational site and more opportunities to pursue careers in beef production or natural resources and wildlife management. The ranch hosted their 32nd sale in October. Lueck’s influence on the university runs deep, from mentoring students to maintaining one of the best Hereford herds in the country.
“I have witnessed Marty providing lectures to large classes, to visits with individuals having all expertise levels, all with the same degree of high energy and enthusiasm,” writes Anson Elliott, Dean Emeritus, Darr College of Agriculture, in his letter to the selection committee. “He demonstrates being a lifelong learner who is constantly in the process of improving every aspect of a successful ranch.”
Beyond the ranch, Lueck has judged national shows from Reno, Nev., to Harrisburg, Pa., and many state and regional shows. He has served in leadership positions for the Missouri Hereford Association, Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, Missouri Show-Me Select Heifer Program and Missouri Beef Industry Council. He is constantly working to improve the world around him.
Lueck was voted onto the APHA Board of Directors in 1988, and in 1995, he was appointed to the committee for the merger with the AHA. In 2009, Marty was elected to the AHA Board of Directors. He is one of the only individuals to hold a position on both Boards. Additionally, Lueck was an instrumental part of hosting the 2014 AHA Genetic Summit at Missouri State University.
For 42 years, Lueck has managed the Journagan Ranch. There’s no doubt his leadership, guidance and dedication to the Hereford breed has impacted countless lives and will be felt for years to come.
