Loosli Red Angus of Ashton, Idaho, received the 2012 Red Angus Association of America (RAAA) Pioneer Breeder of the Year Award at the Red Angus National Convention in Reno, Nev., Oct. 31 – Nov. 2.

Chuck Feddes of Manhattan, Mont., longtime friend and fellow Red Angus seedstock producer, presented the award to the late Lynn Loosli, and Brian and Karen Loosli, owners and operators of Loosli Red Angus. Feddes said of Loosli, “Brian has done an outstanding job of carrying on the tradition and of building this herd.”

Loosli Red Angus has been in operation for over 20 years but started as the late Lynn Loosli’s FFA project over 60 years ago. Loosli said, “The project became more than a project. It became a livelihood for our family. 
Through those many years he [Lynn Loosli] always wanted to make better genetic selections that would allow us to provide animals to fit our customers’ needs. We are seeing that result today as our cattle reflect his insight.”

Greg Comstock, CEO of the Red Angus Association of America, said, “I became familiar with the Loosli Red Angus program in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and got to know Lynn during this time. It has been especially gratifying for me to see Brian take the strong foundation which Lynn provided and build that into one of the elite beef seedstock suppliers in the Northwest.”

Along with their Red Angus cattle operation, the Loosli family also runs a large certified seed potato operation.

The Pioneer Breeder of the Year award is given in 
recognition of long-term members’ sustained and
 dedicated efforts to improve and 
promote the Red Angus breed. The award recognizes those who have maintained the quality and excellence of their herds through diligent breeding practices, always keeping Red Angus cattle in the forefront of their breeding programs.

Loosli said, “As we accept this award, we are grateful for our herdsmen and cattle people that have worked so hard to receive this recognition. We could not have done it without them. Pioneers always try to make it better for those to come...this will be our goal! We will continue to produce the right kind of cattle for you, our loyal customers and friends, for many years to come.”