For Release: Immediate
Contact: Matt Brockman or Shanna Weaver
Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show
817-877-2400
matt@fwssr.com shanna@fwssr.com

Comanche Rancher is Bill King Award Recipient

FORT WORTH, TEXAS – Longtime livestock industry leader and Hereford breeder, John E. Dudley has been named by the Fort Worth Farm and Ranch Club as the 2008 recipient of the W. A. “Bill” King Award for Excellence in Agriculture. The award, named for Bill King – longtime Livestock Manager for the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show – will be presented during the Stock Show’s Livestock Appreciation Day Luncheon on January 17 during the 112th annual Show.

Dudley’s strong commitment of service to the livestock industry is the hallmark that sets him apart from most leaders in agriculture. A partner in Dudley Brothers Ltd. Ranches, John and his family continue to manage a premier registered and commercial Hereford operation that his father and uncles started in 1927. A director of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association since 1978, Dudley served as the organization’s president from 2001 through 2003. He also served as chairman of the Texas Beef Council in 2003 and chaired National Cattleman’s Beef Association’s Advertising Committee in 2005 – 2007. John currently serves on the board of the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show, the Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association, the Comanche National Bank and was a director of the American Hereford Association from 1991 through 1997.

A deep commitment to education and the arts also drives John to excellence. He was appointed by Governor Perry to the Board of Regents of the Texas State University System in 2003. John also devotes his time as a board member of the Cattle Raisers Museum and The Old Jail Art Center of Albany, Texas.

Overlooking the coliseum, the Stock Show’s Backstage Club has an extensive history of dining and social gathering for more than 50 years. The popular club has been frequented each year by politicians, movie stars and other celebrities enjoying an experience that can only be found in the Will Rogers Coliseum.

“When I consider the previous recipients, I’m deeply honored,” said Dudley. “Receiving an award with such close ties to the Stock Show, which means a great deal to me and my family, makes this award forever special.”

“We could have looked the nation over and not found someone more deserving that John Dudley,” said Breinn Richter, Fort Worth Farm and Ranch Club president. “John reflects the word ‘excellence’ and we’re delighted to bestow him with this award.”

The W.A. “Bill” King Award for Excellence in Agriculture recognizes a business or individual who has significantly contributed to the agricultural or agribusiness industry. The late Bill King founded the Fort Worth Farm and Ranch Club in 1950. The featured speaker for this year’s Livestock Appreciation Day Luncheon is Bob Farmer of Nashville, Tenn. Individual tickets are $40 and a table of eight is $320. Limited seating is available, so reserve yours by calling (817) 877-2400.

Make plans to attend the legendary Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo - January 11 through February 3. Tickets to the “Best of the West” Ranch Rodeo, “Best of Mexico Celebración,” “Bulls Night Out” PRCA Extreme Bull Riding and the PRCA Rodeo are on sale by contacting the Stock Show office. More information can be found at www.fwssr.com.