BOZEMAN, MT. Nichols Farms, Bridgewater, Iowa, has been recognized with the prestigious 2009 World Simmental Fleckvieh Federation (WSFF) Golden Book Award.
Founded in 1953, by Merrill Nichols and his two sons, David, and the late Lee Nichols, Nichols Farms has grown and prospered for more than a half century. Today, it is the largest seed stock operation in the Midwest and the fifth largest in the nation.
Each year, Nichols Farms sells more than 1,000 Simmental, Angus, Salers and composite yearly bulls. Genetics in the form of semen, embryos and live animals have been effectively marketed all over the U.S. and to 28 international markets. When combined with the cattle in their innovative franchise program, the Nichols cowherd numbers more than 2,000 head.
Dave Nichols, who accepted the award on behalf of Nichols Farms, is a graduate of Iowa State University, served two terms on the national American Simmental Association (ASA) Board of Trustees, including one year as Chairman. He has been a consistent, influential leader in many beef-related organizations, including the National Cattlemens Beef Association, Beef Improvement Federation (BIF), and the Iowa Cattlemens Association. He has been inducted into the Iowa Cattlemens Hall of Fame, received the Farm Bureaus Distinguished Service Award, and was chose the BIF Seedstock Producer of the Year.
Presentation of the 2009 Golden Book Award was made at the Chairmans Reception during the ASA Annual Meeting and Convention, January 31, in Fort Worth.
The American Simmental Association is headquartered in Bozeman, Montana, and maintains the breed registries for the Simmental and Simbrah breeds of cattle. ASA has an active adult and junior membership of nearly 8,000.