From left to right, Barb Wieben, Lily Judd, and Tina Cibula. PHOTO COURTESY OF AMERICAN GELBVIEH JUNIOR ASSOCIATION

Each year the Tony Hayek Memorial Award is presented at the American Gelbvieh Junior Association (AGJA) Junior Classic to the exhibitor of the Champion Bred and Owned Gelbvieh Heifer. This year’s recipient at the 2023 AGJA Great Dakota Classic held in Huron, South Dakota, was Lily Judd of Pomona, Kansas.

The Tony Hayek Memorial was established 20 years ago following Tony’s death in a tractor roll-over accident near Clutier in June 2002. Tony loved cattle, kids and having a good time. Junior Nationals was his family vacation nearly every year.

Tony’s children Tina, Stan, Shellina and Janelle were all active in the Junior Gelbvieh Association. Three of the four have chosen to continue with their own herds (Cib’s Gelbvieh, Herink Gelbvieh and Taubenheim Gelbvieh). Tony’s influence in the breed lives on through his kids and grandkids as they participate in many shows and other Gelbvieh activities.

Tony was passionate about elbvieh cattle and knew the breed’s future was in the hands of the younger generations. He found great joy in teaching the youth about the Gelbvieh breed and helping them with their livestock projects. He loved watching his kids exhibit cattle, but he always wanted them to understand the skills that are needed outside of the show ring to breed quality cattle. Showing cattle takes a great deal of skill, but competing in the bred and owned division takes that skill to a much higher level. It is for that reason the Bred and Owned show was always one of his favorites.

Congratulations Lily Judd on achieving the Champion Bred and Owned Gelbvieh Heifer honor. Tony would be very proud of your dedication to breeding outstanding Gelbvieh genetics.