2026 Virginia Livestock Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Annual hall of fame induction ceremony held at the Alphin-Stuart Livestock Arena.

10 a.m. - Optional coffee reception prior to ceremony
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Induction ceremony
A buffet lunch will be provided following the ceremony.

Since the Virginia Livestock Hall of Fame was established in 2009, it has honored 98 Virginians for their impact on the state’s beef, sheep, dairy, pork, and horse industries. Inductees are nominated by the Virginia Cattlemen’s Association, Virginia Pork Industry Association, Virginia Sheep Producers Association, Virginia State Dairymen’s Association, and Virginia Horse Council, and can be living or deceased.

Individuals to be honored in 2026 include:

• Beef - Gene Copenhaver '83 from Meadowview, VA
• Dairy - Carroll Wayne Dudley '73 from Powhatan, VA
• Horse - Ronald L. Fessler, DVM* from Forest, VA
• Pork - William “Billy” Flowers '82 from Apex, NC

* denotes a posthumous recognition

While there is no fee to attend this event, there will be an opportunity to make a gift to the CALS Livestock Arena Teaching fund during checkout.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Anna Worch at 540-231-0573 or email annaworch@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.