David Wood of Harris Ranch, Coalinga, Calif., was awarded the Beef Industry Vision Award.

California cattleman David Wood topped six other regional winners to claim the 2003 Vision Award presented by the National Cattlemen’s Foundation. The award is presented annually to recognize individuals who have implemented visionary business practices.

Wood is chairman of the beef division of Harris Ranch, a vertically integrated network involving approximately 100 producers collectively representing 50,000 cows. Under Wood’s guidance, producers emphasize genetics in the pursuit of superior beef quality in the product wearing the Harris Ranch label. Producers are offered incentives to maximize the value of their product, offered the option of retained ownership of their calves and supplied carcass information.

Harris Ranch has become California’s largest beef processor, representing nearly 180 million pounds per year. Its international export program sends beef to Japan, Mexico, Korea and China, making Harris Ranch the eighth largest beef exporter in the United States.

Regional Winners of the Beef Industry Vision Award pictured (l to r) are: Bill Buckner, Excel Corporation, Wichita, Kan.; David Wood, Harris Ranch, Coalinga, Calif.; Ray Moore, Maverick Ranch, Denver, Colo.; Mary Lou and Minnie Lou Bradley of B3R Country Meats, Childress, Texas; and Willard Sparks, Sparks Farming, Memphis, Tenn. Also pictured is a representative of Ford Trucks, who sponsored the award, and Don Butler, National Cattlemen's Foundation.

The Foundation’s president, Don Butler, said the award was created to acknowledge far-sighted people capable of looking five years into the future and being visionary.

"More than visionary," added Butler, "David Wood recognizes opportunity and pursues it."

Other regional Vision Award winners included new beef product developer Eugene Gagliardi of Pennsylvania, diversified Tennessee cattleman and businessman Willard Sparks, processing innovator Marvin Walter of Iowa, and branded beef proponent Bill Buckner of Excel Corporation. Regional awards recognizing successful integration of beef production, processing and marketing went to Roy Moore of Colorado, as well as to Minnie Lou and Mary Lou Bradley of Texas.