Juan Hernandez received the W.A. “Bill” King Award for Excellence in Agriculture at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo’s annual Livestock Appreciation Day luncheon on Jan. 18.
After earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Tarleton State University, Hernandez began a 34-year career at the Texas Department of Agriculture. As a member of the agency’s livestock marketing program, he visited more than 1,000 ranches and arranged the sale of cattle genetics to buyers from across the world. He participated in hundreds of foreign trade missions to and from North and South America, Asia, Africa and Australia.
Honored by the Texas Purebred Cattle Alliance, Hernandez has played a critical role on the Stock Show’s International Committee for 25 years.
“Juan Hernandez’s impact on Texas’ purebred cattle industry is legendary,” said Dana Lewis, president of the Fort Worth Farm and Ranch Club. “We’re delighted to honor him with the Bill King Award for his tremendous contributions.” The award recognizes a business, individual or family that has significantly contributed to agriculture or the agribusiness industry. King founded the Fort Worth Farm and Ranch Club in 1950 and was the Stock Show’s livestock manager from 1947 to 1977.
Bob Schieffer of CBS was the luncheon’s keynote speaker.