A ranching operation based in the Grand Valley is among the latest winners of national awards recognizing animal care and handling principles as part of day-to-day activities.

The VanWinkle Ranch received a National Beef Quality Assurance Award in the cow-calf category. The awards, funded in part by the beef checkoff program and sponsored by Cargill, were presented during the CattleCon24 beef industry conference in Florida.

A committee of representatives from universities, state beef councils and affiliated groups selected National Beef Quality Assurance Award winners. Contest entrants must demonstrate their commitment to improving their operations while also encouraging others to implement the producer education program.

The VanWinkle family oversees a cow-calf operation, selling calves to feedlots as well as beef directly to consumers. Their operation includes not only the property at their home near Fruita, but also property they lease east of Whitewater as well as federal grazing allotments on the Grand Mesa and Uncompahgre Plateau.

Janie VanWinkle and her husband, Howard, have belonged to the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association for more than 30 years. Janie VanWinkle served on the CCA board of directors, including a term as president. Colorado Parks & Wildlife honored the VanWinkle Ranch as the CCA 2019 Landowner of the Year for efforts to improve resources that also benefit wildlife.