Four industry leaders to be inducted into 2021 Livestock Hall of Fame
Their portraits will be permanently displayed in the gallery at the Virginia Tech Alphin-Stuart Livestock Arena.
Four outstanding Virginia livestock industry leaders are being inducted into the Virginia Livestock Hall of Fame this October.
Four outstanding Virginia livestock industry leaders are being inducted into the Virginia Livestock Hall of Fame this October. Their portraits will be permanently displayed in the gallery at the Virginia Tech Alphin-Stuart Livestock Arena in Blacksburg along with 72 others who have been inducted since 2010.
In a special public ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, at 10 a.m. at the Virginia Tech Alphin-Stuart Livestock arena, the inductees will be honored for their contributions to the industry.
Nominees for the livestock hall of fame award come through the member state commodity organizations, namely The Virginia Cattlemen’s Association, The Virginia State Dairymen’s Association, the Virginia Pork Council, the Virginia Horse Council, and the Virginia Sheep Producers Association.
The late John Sponaugle was an exceptional leader, serving two terms as a director before becoming president of the National Suffolk Sheep Association. He was inducted into the NSSA Hall of Fame. He was actively involved in the Virginia Sheep Producers Association, Virginia Performance Ram Test, and the Eastern Stud Ram Sale. He created the Virginia Junior Sheep Breeders Association.
The late Sally Lamb was an esteemed equestrian instructor and horse industry advocate who had a profound and lasting impact on many lives in Virginia. She was the founder of the “Four Horseshoes Youth Foundation,” an organization dedicated to providing opportunities for equine experiences and horseback riding for underprivileged youth.
Walter McClure Sr. is a Greenbrier County, West VIrginia, native and 1960 Virginia Tech graduate, residing in Franklin County for 55 years. His career includes the Virginia Cooperative Extension and 25 years in the artificial insemination industry. Walter established Windswept Holsteins in 1970, breeding Holstein cattle known worldwide, with more than 40 bulls used in AI. He is credited with arranging the visit leading to the purchase of Round Oak Rag Apple Elevation by Virginia Animal Breeders in 1966, the “Holstein Bull of the Century." Elevation appears in the pedigree on 98 perecent of Holstein Cattle worldwide.
Ed Metcalf has left a lasting impact on the Virginia cattle industry. For 27 years, he served as the owner-operator of the Lynchburg Livestock Market. Under his management, Lynchburg became the first market to offer a state-graded weekly auction of cattle. His dedication, leadership, and character set a high standard for all cattlemen.
