
2025 BREEDER OF THE YEAR RECIPIENT
Fitz Genetics
Founded in 2014, Fitz Genetics is a family-owned operation based in Perry, Oklahoma, dedicated to raising and selling high-quality purebred show cattle prospects. Owned and operated by Nick, Ashley, Lander, and Layne Grace Fitzsimmons, the business reflects generations of livestock excellence and a deep-rooted passion for youth development through agriculture.
Nick, a fourth-generation Simmental breeder, and Ashley, a fifth-generation Hereford breeder, have blended their expertise to build a program that champions both purebred seedstock integrity and multi-breed show ring success. Their shared history in exhibiting cattle across the country shaped not only their careers but their commitment to mentoring the next generation.
At Fitz Genetics, the show ring is more than a competition—it’s a classroom. Through three annual sales and the Grand Drive Training educational camp, the Fitzsimmons family works closely with youth and families, helping them gain confidence, responsibility, and lifelong skills. Every customer becomes part of a close-knit community—what the Fitzsimmons proudly call their village.
With a legacy built on tradition, excellence, and mentorship, Fitz Genetics continues to shape the future of the livestock industry, one show prospect and one young exhibitor at a time.
PAST RECIPIENTS
2006: Messner Herefords
2007: Charles & Karen Gray
2008: Langford Herefords
2009: Jack Turner
2010: MCS Cattle Company
2011: Vanderwork Herefords
2012: Curry Herefords
2013: Square G Ranch
2014: Buck Cattle Co.
2015: Turkey Feather Ranch
1996: Bob & Delores Call
1997: Norman & Jane Durham
1998: Monte Soules
1999: Carol & Francis Hoffman
2000: Haskell Hammontree
2001: Bill Jacobs
2002: Jimmie Johnson
2003: Ted Curry & John Loewen
2004: Jerry Harland
2005: Charles & Nancy Buckminster
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2016: Jamison Ranch
2017: Vanderwork Herefords
2018: Jim Birdwell
2019: Buck Cattle Co.
2020: Curry Herefords
2021: Express Ranches
2022: 6 Mile Creek
2023: Wheeler Farms
2024: Bowling Ranch
