Lykes Bros. receives Vision Award

Lykes Bros was a recipient of a 2009 Beef Industry Vision Award, presented by the National Cattlemen's Foundation in February, at the Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show in Phoenix, Ariz.

The award recognizes individuals, businesses and organizations in the cattle industry that have incorporated innovation into their operation in an effort to enhance not only their business but also the industry as a whole.

The award honors winners in all segments of the beef industry: cow/calf operation, feeding operation, livestock market, packer/processor and retail.

Nominees were evaluated on the basis of effective use of technology, impact on production costs, ingenuity of implantation, innovative marketing, impact on the industry and optimum resource management.

According to a press release from the foundation, Lykes Bros. is the fourth largest cow/calf operation in the U.S. and is managed by Mike Milicevic, who lives in Lake Placid.

The operation consists of more than 20,000 cows and has been involved in every segment of the beef industry.

"Utilizing technology, they are dedicated to producing a high quality beef product while improving profitability," the release stated. "Their production and marketing strategies include private treaty sales, the use of video markets and value-based practices including age and source verification programs and preventative health management strategies to incorporate pre- and post-weaning vaccination programs.

Proactively balancing environmental and regulatory requirements with production needs, Lykes Brothers has provided leadership and collaborated with state government agencies to develop positive working relationships resulting in program manuals."

Milicevic was also recognized last November by being named BEEF magazine's 2008 Trailblazer Award honoree.

Milicevic was honored for his role in the drafting of "Water Quality Best Management Practices for Florida Cow/Calf Operations." Spearheaded by the Florida Cattlemen's Association and drawn up in a partnership between producers and regulators, the manual is both a road map and vehicle to enhance and protect water quality in Florida as well as serve as a template for other states.