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Norman Vincel Receives Beef Improvement Federation Continuing Service Award
Livestock Update, July 1999
Scott Greiner, Extension Animal Scientist, Beef, Virginia Tech
Roanoke, Virginia -- The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) honored Norman Vincel with the Continuing Service Award at the 31st Annual Convention on June 18, 1999 in Roanoke, Virginia. The purpose of this award is to recognize individuals who have made lasting contributions to the genetic improvement of beef cattle.
Norman Vincel is a native of Newport, VA, who grew up on his family's beef cattle farm in Giles County, located in the mountains of southwest Virginia. He received a B.S. degree in Animal Science at Virginia Tech in 1973. While a student, he was a member of the Block and Bridle Club, Alpha Zeta, and was a singer with the Virginia Tech choral group, known as the New Virginians. His first job out of college was with Southern States Cooperative. He was employed by Virginia/North Carolina Select Sires, Inc., in June 1974 as Beef Coordinator. He served in this position for 17 years, during which time beef semen sales grew almost 20% annually. He was promoted to Director of Marketing in September 1991, and since that time has been responsible for planning and supervising sales and service programs for both beef and dairy in an eight state area. Norm Vincel is a cattle breeder in his own right, having been involved with Clover Hollow Herefords along with his father Bill Vincel. He also has been active in breeding purebred Simmental cattle.
In his career with the AI Industry, he has developed into a most valuable resource person regarding beef cattle genetics and reproduction. Having become very knowledgeable in effecting programs utilizing estrous synchronization in purebred and commercial beef operations. He has been very active with the National Association of Animal Breeders having served several years on the Beef Development Committee. He represented NAAB as a member of the Beef Improvement Federation Board of Directors, serving two terms, or six years, ending 1998.
Norm Vincel has been a real servant for the beef industry in Virginia, and has developed into an industry leader. He has served on a number of committees of the Virginia Cattlemen's Association and was recognized by that organization having been presented the Martin F. Strate Industry Service Award. He has served for many years as technical director of the Virginia Beef Cattle Improvement Association, and has been a real leader in the area of beef cattle improvement. He has been popular as a speaker on many beef cattle educational programs in Virginia, and other states in the Virginia-North Carolina Select Sires trade areas.
Norm Vincel's service to the Beef Improvement Federation has been exceptional. As a board member he has served on a number of committees, including the awards committee, and for many years has read the citations for nominees for the Seedstock and Commercial Producer of the Year awards, as well as other awards presented by BIF at their annual conventions. He chaired the steering committee for the planning for the 1999 BIF Convention held in Roanoke, Va.