Livestock Hall of Famers

The Steele County Livestock Hall of Fame will gain two members this year as Sharon Katzung and Dr. Tony Seykora will be officially inducted on Aug. 16 at 2:30 p.m. in the Steele County Free Fair’s Livestock Arena.

Katzung will be recognized for her many years of commitment to the pork industry while Seykora’s research in the field of dairy cattle genetics and work as a professor at the University of Minnesota will earn him a spot in the Hall of Fame.

“Both of them are more than deserving of being inducted. With all of the things they’ve been able to accomplish while staying committed to our area, it’s nice to see them earn the recognition,” said Dan Deml, president of the fair.

Despite her passing in 2015, Katzung’s legacy as one of the leading advocates and promoters for pork in both the state and national levels will live on forever.

With 30 years under her belt of promoting pork, Katzung was able to hold many influential positions in the industry such as Chairwoman of the Minnesota State Pork Queen Program, Steele County and Minnesota State Porkettes President, and the 1990 Outstanding 4-H Adult Leader Award.

Katzung was also a dedicated member to many local committees and organizations, most notably sitting on the board of the Steele County Farm Service Agency and Owatonna FFA Scholarships/Awards committee, as well as being the secretary and treasurer of the University of Minnesota-Waseca Parents Council.

Seykora will also be inducted on Aug. 16, highlighting his years of study and dedication to dairy cattle genetics.

According to the SCFF Livestock Hall of Fame committee, Seykora’s research has led to “over 100 published papers, abstracts and press articles” all while Seykora committed 30 plus years to teaching in the department of animal science at the University of Minnesota.

His book “Practical Techniques for Dairy Farmers” has also been widely used by universities since its publication.

Over the course of 29 years coordinating the University of Minnesota’s Animal Science Department, Seykora’s impact contributed to a program enrollment increase of over 250 students.

Aside from academics, Seykora spent 15 seasons coaching the University of Minnesota dairy judging team, and facilitated over 130 4-H and FFA dairy judging contests, according to the SCFF Livestock Hall of Fame.

Introducing this year’s inductees will be master of ceremonies Brad Rugg.

Rugg will officially induct Katzung and Seykora at the end of the ceremony ahead of the closing comments.