Bill McDonald and McDonald Farms Named Virginia BCIA 2011 Outstanding Seedstock Producer of the Year
Virginia BCIA is proud to present the 2011 Virginia Outstanding Seedstock Producer Award to McDonald Farms, owned and operated by the McDonald family- Martha, Bill, along with his wife, Teresa, and son, Joseph, and Jim McDonald, Jr. of Blacksburg, Virginia. After graduating from Virginia Tech in Animal Science, Bill joined the family operation and has been a driving force in developing the genetics and marketing programs of the operation and currently serves as the manager.
In operation since 1763, McDonald Farms has been transformed from a commercial operation to an all seedstock herd of 150 cows. Initially introducing Simmental genetics, the herd now maintains both registered Simmental and Angus cattle.
McDonald Farms was instrumental in the development of the Southwest Virginia BCIA Bull Testing Program. Until recent years, Bill has sent many high quality Simmental bulls through the BCIA program. In the last few years, the farm has conducted its own “Pick of the Pen” bull sale held in April, where they offer Simmental, Angus, and Hybrid bulls for sale. In addition to the bulls, McDonald Farms also market commercial bred heifers.
The McDonalds have always been supportive of Extension and youth livestock programs and have hosted local and state educational programs, field days, and livestock judging team workouts at the farm.
Bill has served as a leader in the local and state cattle industry. He has been president of the Virginia Beef Cattle Improvement Association and the Virginia Cattlemen’s Association. He has also served on the boards of the Dublin Feeder Cattle Association, Virginia Beef Expo and the Virginia Cattlemen’s Foundation. Bill was instrumental in the recent development of New River Valley Cattle Producers Association and was that group’s first president.
Nationally, Bill has served on the board of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, policy division and is currently a board member and serves as the vice-chairman for the American Simmental Association.
Rights
Virginia Cooperative Extension materials are available for public use, re-print, or citation without further permission, provided the use includes credit to the author and to Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, and Virginia State University.
Publisher
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Alan L. Grant, Dean, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; Edwin J. Jones, Director, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg; Jewel E. Hairston, Administrator, 1890 Extension Program, Virginia State, Petersburg.
Date
February 28, 2011