FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:                        Polly Ruhland, 303-850-3394 or pruhland@beef.org

McCampbell, Geier Recognized as NCBA’s 2009 Top Hand Club Champions

Denver, Colo. (Oct. 14, 2009)—Dr. Hugh McCampbell, Sweetwater, Tenn., is the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA)  top recruiter for fiscal year 2009. McCampbell signed up 82 new NCBA members between Oct. 1, 2008 and Sept. 30, 2009. This is his rookie year as a recruiter in the Top Hand Club. An NCBA member and a charter member of the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association, McCampbell will receive several prizes, including a gift card to Cabela’s, for his efforts.

“I appreciate the fact that the NCBA does a lot to educate the public about beef production,” says McCampbell. “It’s unfortunate that the general American public is so far removed from agriculture.  It is important for every single member of NCBA to renew his or her membership, and recruit others, to keep beef on the table and cattle in the pastures.”

Reserve champion Top Hand is Charles “Blue” Geier, California, MO. A member of NCBA and the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, Geier is no stranger to the Top Hand Club, having recruited at least three NCBA members for many years running. He was also the 2008 reserve champion.

McCampbell, Geier and all of the other 187 Top Hand Club members from 33 states will be recognized at the 2010 Cattle Industry Convention Jan. 27-30, 2010 in San Antonio, Tex. Fifty-five Top Hands will be awarded an exclusive Top Hand belt buckle for recruiting at least 10 members each.

NCBA’s Top Hand Club was created to recognize outstanding NCBA producer-recruiters for their commitment to building a strong national organization. The Top Hand program is exclusively sponsored by John Deere. For more information, or a complete list of this year’s 187 Top Hands and their home towns, email pruhland@beef.org.

### 

The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) has represented America's cattle producers since 1898, preserving the heritage and strength of the industry through education and public policy.  As the largest association of cattle producers, NCBA works to create new markets and increase demand for beef.  Efforts are made possible through membership contributions. To join, contact NCBA at 1-866-BEEF-USA or membership@beef.org.