At its 2025 Annual Meeting in Black Hawk, the Colorado Livestock Association (CLA) selected Colorado State University alum Julie McCaleb as the recipient of its Top Choice Award. McCaleb, a member of CSU’s President’s Agricultural Advisory Council, was honored for her outstanding contributions to the livestock industry.
McCaleb received her degree in agribusiness from CSU in 1988. She began her career in agriculture as an administrative assistant at a feedlot in Fort Collins, and after graduation, she and her husband decided to move to the family ranch outside the rural community of Anton, Colorado. With more than 15 years of service to the industry, she currently serves as Environmental Systems Manager for Smithfield Hog Production. Her career has also included roles with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Northeast Colorado Health Department.
An active leader in both the Colorado community and the livestock industry, McCaleb has chaired CLA’s Legislative Committee since 2014 and was appointed to the state’s Underground Pipeline Safety Commission by the governor.
CLA President Kory Kessinger praised McCaleb for her ability to balance environmental stewardship, sound business practices, and a strong commitment to agricultural advocacy. McCaleb continues to emphasize the importance of collective efforts to advance the livestock industry and encourages CLA members to contribute their time and expertise.
Written by Ryan Jensen
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