A rural Lumby couple have been recognized for their contributions to the cattle industry.
Keith and Cheryl Altwasser are the recipients of the pioneer of the year award from the Alberta/B.C. Charolais Association.
“If you mention the word charolais to anyone in B.C, the first response that comes up is, ‘Do you know the Altwassers?’” said Stephen Cholak, association president.
The Altwassers have raised charolais in Lumby for 45 Years.
Keith was president of the B.C. Charolais Association board while it existed separately from Alberta, and he also served as a director on the national charolais board. Cheryl was the secretary/treasurer for the B.C. charolais board.
“Both Keith and Cheryl have promoted the charolais breed in B.C. extensively and across Canada with tremendous enthusiasm,” said Cholak.
“They formed many close relationships, representing the breed at events such as the B.C. Cattlemen’s annual general meeting, the Interior Provincial Exhibition and various shows and cattle-related events.”
The highlight of the Altwassers’ success was raising Alt Tango, a champion bull that was crowned reserve national champion in Texas.
The Altwassers were nominated as pioneer of the year by Mike Panasiuk and Bob Burla, of Springside Charolais in Airdrie, Alta.