2025 WSA Award Winners

2025 Scholarship Winners

Kyle Garner and Chaela Rabas

2025 Family of the Year

Greg and Eileen Miller

Greg Miller has been around animals and involved in agriculture his entire life. Growing up on the farm south of Rock Falls, Illinois, Greg was counted on to help from an early age, working with both cattle and hogs. He was also involved in 4-H, showing Shorthorns. It was not until 1971 that Greg would be introduced to the Simmental industry. He would often accompany his father, Hugh, on trips out West, where they would frequently buy cattle. In 71, Greg bought a Simmental heifer from Emmet Butcher from Gateway Simmentals in Lewistown, Montana. Thus began his career with, and commitment to, the breed. Over the years, he would continue raising, showing, and marketing Simmentals, whether it was with his good friend Denny Benoodt at Circle B, working as the manager

for James Burns & Sons in Almond, Wisconsin, or eventually managing LeighBert Farms in Lancaster, Wisconsin. While at James Burns & Sons, Greg and Eileen’s four children: Dawn, Shane, Kristin, and Andrew became involved in 4-H with the Almond Busy Bees and would begin showing Simmentals as well. Eileen was the one tasked with bringing order to the chaos wherever they went. After the kids were done showing and started families of their own, Mom and Dad waited patiently for the next generation, the grandkids. As soon as they were old enough, Greg introduced them to livestock; the Speer and Shelliam kids were active in 4-H as well, showing both cattle and swine. While the grandkids did not always show Simmentals, they grew up understanding and sharing Grandpa Greg’s love of cattle. Additionally, Greg has judged countless local, county, and regional cattle shows. More often than not, Eileen can be seen sitting ringside, watching him in action. On occasions when schedules align, Shane or even one of the grandkids can be seen serving as ring help for Greg. Dad also markets Simmental genetics, consults for numerous sales with his friend Larry Martin, and seemingly always has time to “walk a herd” and discuss cattle. Even today, as their children are grown and involved in careers outside agriculture, Greg and Eileen continue to give back to both the agriculture and Simmental industries, whether it be helping at junior events or donating to the youth of Wisconsin.

Congratulations Greg and Eileen Miller, the Wisconsin Simmental Association 2025 Family of the Year... Ring That Bell!

2024 WSA Award Winners

The WSA High School Graduating Senior Scholarship winner is:

Brian Zimmerman

Hi I am Brian Zimmerman. My family, Zimmerman Farms, has been a member of WSA since 1979. I have been a member of WJSA since 2014 when I turned 8 years old and purchased my first heifer at the 2014 WSA Midwest Fall Roundup sale in Lancaster, WI. My involvement has consisted of junior member, junior board representative, volunteer at WSA sales, as well as a bidder/buyer at our state sanctioned sales. This involvement has been annually since 2014 to date. Please see additional details below for further involvement with WSA/WJSA.

I will be attending UW-River Falls to attain a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Studies which will begin fall 2024. My plan after college is to continue raising Simmental cattle, and improving the genetics in my herd until I reach my main goal of raising a national-level winning heifer.

The WSA Collegiate Level Scholarship winner is:

Grace Angotti

Hi my name is Grace Angotti. I am currently working towards completing my bachelors degree in Agricultural science with a minor in Animal Science. Following my education at Western Illinois I plan to transfer on and pursue a Masters and PhD in Meat Sciences, with a long term goal to teach and potentially coach a livestock judging team at the Collegiate Level.

Following my education I would like to become a professor teaching animal science courses specifically meat sciences. I would also like to coach a livestock judging team while at that university. I also hope to raise simmental cattle and seedstock bulls.

The Family of the Year winner is:

Emily Mueller and Family

Emily has been the secretary on the WSA board for three years and has grabbed ahold and taken charge of any new and improving tasks we as a board have thrown her way. Emily and Wesley have helped restart and grow the WSA State Simmental show, help teach and encourage new families, and involve all ages to participate and join our Wisconsin Simmental Association.

Emily grew up raising, showing, and living the Simmental way, with being a part of the KFA family, raising Simmental cattle is one heck of a life.

Congratulations, Emily Mueller and Family!