Awards

Sean Mcgrath Presented With Continuing Service Award

The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) presented Sean McGrath, Vermilion, Alberta, Canada, a BIF Continuing Service Award July 4 during the group’s annual research symposium in Calgary, Alberta.

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.

During his career, McGrath has worked on a wide variety of progeny test programs and research projects and has coordinated and assisted in the development of several national and international genetic evaluations for a wide variety of breeds. He has also spoken at hundreds of producer meetings and written articles in several breed publications and other industry press. For BIF, he has served on guideline development committees and the Ultrasound Guidelines Council.

“Sean has been an outspoken advocate for genetic improvement and would describe his career as being the interpreter between PhDs, cowboys and computer programmers,” says Bruce Holmquist, Canadian Simmental Association general manager.

McGrath also operates a fifth-generation ranch with his wife, Tanya, and their three children. More than 300 beef producers, academia and industry representatives attended the organization’s 55th Annual Research Symposium and Convention in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. BIF’s mission is to help improve the industry by promoting greater acceptance of beef cattle performance evaluation.