Editor’s Note: Article first appeared in Drovers
Repurposed with permission
In honor of the former Drovers editor, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) created the Greg Henderson Memorial Excellence in Agricultural Journalism Award, which was presented at the 2025 CattleCon in San Antonio.
“This award recognizes agricultural journalists who exemplify the values Greg Henderson championed throughout his career,” says John Robinson, NCBA senior vice president of membership, communications and events. “Greg was known for his courage in addressing challenging industry issues, his unwavering commitment to fairness, accuracy, and honesty, and his advocacy for positive change in agriculture. He built deep personal connections to the agricultural community, earning the respect of farmers, ranchers, and fellow media professionals alike. This award celebrates those who embody these principles and carry forward his legacy of impactful journalism in service to agriculture.”
Ron Hays, Oklahoma Farm Report, received the inaugural award. The selection committee had this to share about Hays:
With a career spanning more than four decades, Ron has become a trusted voice for producers, known for his ability to deliver accurate, timely, and insightful information on critical issues affecting the cattle and beef industry. His dedication to fostering understanding, advocating for agriculture, and maintaining a deep connection to the community he serves reflects the very essence of this award. Ron’s work has earned him the respect and admiration of farmers, ranchers and colleagues alike, making him a truly deserving recipient of this prestigious honor.
“I was surprised but incredibly honored when I learned that I had been selected for the inaugural Greg Henderson Excellence in Ag Media Award,” Hays says. “Over the years, it had always been a special treat to catch up with Greg at major beef cattle industry events and get his take on some of the big issues impacting the beef cattle industry.”
Hays remembers several conversations with Henderson in recent years.
“To realize, with his passing, that I was selected to be given the award that bears his name — and to be the first one to receive it — it’s one of the highest honors in my ag journalism career,” he says.
Even after 50 years, Hays says he still enjoys covering farmers and ranchers.
“I still am thrilled to be a farm broadcaster and ag journalist,” he says. “One reason is the incredible variety of stories and meetings and issues that make almost every single day a new experience. It challenges me to understand the story and the background of it to best explain it to those who listen and read our information.”
The second reason — the people.
“There are so many wonderful folks I have met and have gotten to know, and many have become lifelong friends as well,” Hays adds. “Some are colleagues in the trade media world, some are the experts we have interviewed many many times, and some are the farmers and ranchers who are so very very good at their jobs.”
