The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) presented Joe Mushrush of Strong City, Kansas, a BIF Continuing Service Award June 11 during the group’s annual research symposium in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Continuing Service Award winners have made major contributions to the BIF organization. This includes serving on the board of directors, speaking at BIF conventions, working on BIF guidelines and other behind-the-scenes activities. As BIF is a volunteer organization, it is this contribution of time and passion for the beef cattle industry that moves BIF forward.
Mushrush Red Angus was awarded BIF Seedstock Producer of the Year in 2011. Receiving the award propelled his involvement in BIF. He was elected to the BIF board in 2014 and served as president in 2020-21.
Mushrush graduated from Kansas State University and now owns and operates Mushrush Ranches, an 800-head registered Red Angus operation, along with his family. Mushrush Ranches has placed an emphasis on data collection and utilizes an extensive artificial insemination program. They are committed to total herd reporting and submit data to the Red Angus Association of America (RAAA). They sell 250 bulls and 600 commercial heifers each year and strive to provide their customers with as much data as possible.
Mushrush has served in various positions across the country, from local positions such as the Kansas Livestock Association County Chair to serving as president of RAAA and BIF. He is known to put the same level of commitment into each task and always strives to do what is best for the beef industry as a whole.
Approximately 500 beef producers, academia and industry representatives attended the organization’s 56th Annual Research Symposium and Convention in Knoxville. BIF’s mission is to help improve the industry by promoting greater acceptance of beef cattle performance evaluation.
For more information about this year’s symposium, including additional award winners and coverage of meeting and tours, visit BIFSymposium.com.