Lifetime Promoter Awards - 2026

 

 

Jim’s father, Emmet, was a pioneer early in the breed’s history, helping solidify Simmental’s presence in the US. The Butcher family homesteaded near Winifred, Montana, 40 miles north of Lewistown. Though close in distance, the landscape in Winifred was more arid and harsh, making the move beneficial for the future success of the ranch. In 1972, Jim Butcher’s father, Emmet, sold the original ranch and purchased a place near Lewistown; in 1978, he added a ranch on the north side of the Snowy Mountains. Jim grew up here, where his love for cattle and agriculture were solidified. 

 

The Butcher family bred a group of Hereford cows to Parisien, the first Simmental bull in North America, in 1961, making them not only one of the first operations to utilize AI, but also one of the first to use SimGenetics. Jim grew up on the family operation, and knew early on that he wanted to stay on the ranch. In 1989, Jim and his family saw an opportunity to keep the Simmental breed relevant by adding Angus genetics to the program. They became early SimAngus producers, and have since become a leading seedstock provider. 

 

Jim always knew he would continue the family business, and fortunately there was a role for him and his brother, Tom, who leads the farming side of the operation. Jim eventually transitioned to leading the family’s seedstock business, continuing to grow and improve the cow herd. 

 

Jim’s vision and leadership have reached beyond the ranch. He has been on the ASA Board of Trustees, serving a term as chairman. Jim remains active at Association meetings and events, and is known throughout the industry for supporting his fellow breeders, and the success of the Simmental breed. He also served as the Montana Simmental Association president, and has been involved with a number of local agricultural organizations. 

 

Jim and his wife, Lynn, have four children: Logan, Austin, Brockton, and Gracia. Logan and his wife, Gabby, are raising their four children, Bentley, Brodi, Baker, and Bran, on the ranch. Brockton and his wife, Martha, are also back on the ranch with their children, Louisa, Emmet, and Silas.

 

Doug Parke attended his first Simmental sale in 1973, kicking off a long career fostering the growth of the breed. After receiving a degree in animal science from Eastern Kentucky University, Doug worked for Kieckhefer Simmentals. He went on to work for and with many influential breeders, including time as manager for Breck Ellison Simmentals. In this role, he was especially focused on advertising and promoting SimGenetics seedstock. Armed with a belief that the Simmental breed could improve the US beef industry, Doug made every effort to help breeders, and encouraged the use of SimGenetics. 

 

Doug and Debbie Parke, with Holli and Drew Hatmaker

 

Doug’s talent in advertising and promotion, combined with his experience as herdsman for influential operations, led to the formation of DP Sales Management and DP Online Sales. Doug has traveled throughout the US as a consultant and has played a role in many successful sales and operations. Doug takes great pride in helping producers and seeing their successes. He continues to be a familiar face at sales, and is often called on for help and advice. 

 

Youth is extremely important to Doug, and throughout his career, he has been involved in many efforts to help the industry’s next generation. He is a passionate supporter of the American Junior Simmental Association, rarely missing a National Classic, and was especially involved when his daughter, Holli, was coming up in the organization. She had a very successful career in the show ring, and many of her winning females became prominent cows in the industry. 

Today, DP Sales and Management is operated by Doug, his wife, Debbie, Holli, and her husband, Drew Hatmaker. At in-person events and through hosting online sales, DP Sales Management has created opportunities for producers to reach the right customers. The business was an early adopter of online sale platforms, seeing an opportunity for producers to expand their reach. 

 

Doug Parke, pictured with Chris Ivie (left) served as Chairman of the ASA Board of Trustees.

 

Doug has held many leadership positions, including a term as chairman of the ASA Board of Trustees. He has also served on the North American Beef Breed Advisory Board, the Kentucky Simmental Association, Tennessee Simmental Association, the Kentucky Beef Expo, and much more. Doug and Debbie reside near Paris, Kentucky.

 

Previous Award Recipients
2019 Ron Miller, Plattsmouth, Nebraska
2020 Carlos and Sister Guerra, La Muñeca
Cattle Company, Linn, Texas
2021 Larry Martin, Clinton, Illinois
2021 Keith “Sundance” Ruff, Pleasant Hill, Illinois
2022 Kansas State University
Department of Animal Science and Industry
2023 Pearl Walthall, Windsor, Missouri
2024 Pam Haley, West Salem, Ohio
2025 Terry Burks, Scottsville, Kentucky; and
Warren Garrett, Comanche, Texas .