By Scout Nelson
The Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame (CFHOF) has announced its 2027 inductees, recognizing industry leaders Joel Jarnagin of Cobalt Cattle Company and Tom Basabe of Simplot Land and Livestock Group. They will be honored at the 18th Annual Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame Banquet on February 3, 2027, in Nashville, Tennessee.
Joel Jarnagin, a Kansas native, built his career in cattle feeding through roles in Hawaii, Texas, and Kansas. He became CEO of Cobalt Cattle Company in 2015 and helped expand the business from a single 73,000-head feedyard to seven locations with a capacity of approximately 410,000 head.
Under Jarnagin’s leadership, Cobalt has become the fourth-largest cattle feeding operation in the United States. His contributions have played a significant role in the company’s growth and success within the cattle feeding industry.
Fellow inductee Tom Basabe has led Simplot Land and Livestock since 1988. He expanded the operation to a feeding capacity of 230,000 head and a 32,000-head cowherd across 16 ranches, making it one of the nation’s largest cattle feeding and ranching businesses.
In addition to the Hall of Fame inductions, Temple Grandin, professor of animal sciences at Colorado State University, will receive the 2027 Industry Leadership Award. Her work in livestock handling and animal welfare has influenced cattle management practices throughout the beef industry.
The 2027 Arturo Armendariz Distinguished Service Award will be presented to Ray Nelson of Washington. Nelson dedicated 38 years to El Oro Cattle Feeders, a division of Agri Beef, before retiring in 2025.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-imaginegolf
Categories: Kansas, Livestock