Burt Rutherford (R) receives Greg Henderson Excellence in Agricultural Journalism Award (NCBA photo)
The Prime Cut Awards ceremony was a new feature this year at the 2026 CattleCon, honoring legacy, leadership and excellence in the industry with a variety of awards.
The Greg Henderson Excellence in Agricultural Journalism Award was presented this year to Burt Rutherford, a freelance writer and former senior editor of BEEF magazine who has spent his career helping producers become better and more efficient at what they do through his effective writing. This new award recognizes agricultural journalists who exemplify the values Greg Henderson championed throughout his career as Editorial Director for Drovers at Farm Journal Media. Henderson passed away in 2024 at the age of 67.
Jon Mollhagen received inaugural Legacy Award (NCBA photo)
Jon Mollhagen, founder of Moly Manufacturing, LLC., received the inaugural Legacy Award for his innovation and dedication to the beef cattle industry. A fifth-generation Kansas cow-calf producer, Mollhagen founded Moly Manufacturing in 1987 and its SILENCER® chute has become the industry standard in livestock handling equipment.​
Another award presented was the Beef Checkoff Visionary Award which recognizes an individual in the beef industry who has demonstrated exemplary support of and commitment to the Checkoff’s goals and vision. The 2025 honoree is Anne Ilse Anderson of Austin, Texas. Anderson and her husband Jim own a cow-calf operation in the Texas Hill Country, combining a deep passion for agriculture with a global business perspective.
2026 American National CattleWomen Awards were also presented, including:
Outstanding Cattlewoman of the Year Leanna Spratling, Spring Creek, Nevada
Outstanding Educator Laurie Munns, Hansel Valley, Utah
Outstanding Promoter Connie Tabor, Agra, Oklahoma
