ADCA Awards - American Dexter Cattle Association

Award Nomination Forms

Printable Award Nominations

Each year, nominations and application forms are accepted from February 1 to May 1.

Daggett Award Printable Nomination Form

Talisman Award Printable Nomination Form

Junior Odom Application Ages 6 - 9

Intermediate Odom Application Ages 10 - 14

Senior Odom Application Ages 15 - 18

Annual Awards

Lifetime memberships are awarded to ADCA members that have been breeding Dexters for many years, have served the ADCA membership faithfully, have exhibited a passion for the preservation of the breed, and have stewarded their own herds with excellence. We are grateful for their service to our Dexter community and appreciate the wisdom, patience, and practical help they have offered other Dexter owners throughout the years.

ADCA Lifetime Members:

1993 Mabel Ingalls – Clove brook Farm
2003 Marvin Johnson – Smiling Johnson Dexter HDQTRS
2003 John and Belle Hays – Talisman Herd
2014 David Jones – Bar None’s Dexters
2014 Pam Malcuit – Morning Star Ranch
2014 Lee and Roberta Wieringa – Wieringa Dexter Farm
2014 Pat and Linda Mitchell – Shamrock Acres
2019 John Potter – Spruce Grove Farm
2019 Sandra Thomas – Thomas’ Dexters
2019 Jim and Linda Smith – Whistle Ranch
2019 Carol Ann Traynor – Hi-Country Achers Farm

The ADCA Talisman Farm Award is given in memory of John Hays of the Talisman Herd. An attorney and accomplished musician, John and his wife Belle purchased their first Dexters in 1974. John was integral in the reorganization of the “American Kerry and Dexter Club” into the American Dexter Cattle Association in 1978, writing the original Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws. John also acted as a Regional Director for the Pacific Region. In 2004, Before John’s passing, he and Belle wrote the 4th Edition of Dexter Cattle. Belle presented this book to the association in memory of her husband.

John and Belle were strong supporters of black, horned Dexters and have 78 cattle registered in the ADCA national pedigree database. Both John and Belle were awarded honorary lifetime memberships in the ADCA and will always be remembered for their passionate service to our community and to the preservation of this special cattle breed.

The Talisman Farm Award is presented annually at the ADCA National Dexter Expo. It recognizes the ADCA Dexter family, couple, or individual that stewards an exemplary herd of Irish Dexter Cattle with honesty, integrity, and faithfulness. It includes recognition at the Expo, an award plaque, and recognition in the ADCA Bulletin.

Click here to view the nomination form.

ADCA Talisman Farm Award Winners:

2025 Paula Maras
2024 Clay and Pati Adams
2023 Jeff and Melinda Chambers
2022 Barb and Chuck Netti
2021 Pat and Linda Mitchell
2020 Norman and Mary Hoover
2019 Vicki Jones
2018 Jim & Peggy Woehl
2017 Debra Hawkins
2016 Rick Seydel
2015 Jim Smith
2014 Pam Malcuit
2013 Charles Townson
2012 Sandi Thomas
2011 Marvin Johnson
2010 Sally Coad
2009 Peerless Herd
2008 Marcia Read
2007 Carol Davidson
2006 Diane Mills-Frank

The Chuck Daggett Good Citizen award is given in honor of Chuck Daggett, former ADCA Registrar and Webmaster. Chuck started the Daggett’s Dexters herd in 1997. He became an active member of the ADCA, serving as Regional Director for Region 13 in 2003. In 2004, when a sudden split occurred in the ADCA at the AGM in Pennsylvania, Chuck volunteered to take on the task of Registrar and Webmaster. Since the association was left without past records or pedigrees from the old registry, Chuck worked many hours to reconstitute our historic pedigrees and rebuild the ADCA registry into the most up to date, most accurate record of pure-bred Dexter Cattle in the nation. The hours he spent on the phone and writing emails to help Dexter owners with questions about registration, transfer, and stewardship of their herds were characteristic of his generosity to our community.

Chuck continued his work as Registrar and Webmaster until his passing in 2012. Chuck lived his life as a good citizen in his city, with his family, at his church, and especially in the Dexter cattle community. He was a true gentleman, always giving “above and beyond” to any who needed his help. He was a faithful educator to new Dexter owners, a true advocate for Dexter cattle, and a good, honest friend to all that knew him. His faithful service to the association during a pivotal period of our growth and his generous spirit toward all ADCA members will never be forgotten.

The Chuck Daggett Good Citizen Award is presented annually at the ADCA National Dexter Expo. This award recognizes an ADCA member that demonstrates exceptional herdsmanship in the care of their Dexters, treats both ADCA members and prospective members fairly and honestly, eagerly promotes the Dexter breed, is known for educating fellow Dexter owners, willingly aids Dexter owners in need of help, gladly helps prospective Dexter owners who want to learn more about the breed, and exemplifies a “Good Citizen” in society as well as in the Dexter community. The award includes a plaque, one year free Dexter Farm Advertisement on the ADCA website, and recognition in the ADCA bulletin.

Click here to view the nomination form.

Chuck Daggett Good Citizen Award Winners:

2025 Don and Becky Swisher
2024 Nancy Bowers
2023 Gene Bowen
2022 Don Giles
2021 Don & Sheila Farris
2020 Jennifer Wolf and Sean Silverman
2019 Santiago Lizarraga
2018 Patti Adams
2017 David Jones
2016 Chris and Vicki Jones
2015 none
2014 Rick Seydel

Our youth are the future of our association and our hope of preserving the Dexter cattle breed. The ADCA Chris Odom Youth Awards are given in memory of Chris Odom, of Block Creek Ranch. It honors his work in the ADCA, his service to the Dexter community, and especially his faithfulness to encourage and support our ADCA youth. Mr. Odom passed away in 2006 while serving as Vice President of the ADCA. His contribution to the association, our youth, and the Dexter breed will be remembered warmly.

The Chris Odom award recognizes the ADCA youth who exhibit an exceptional work ethic, commendable breed knowledge, and a passion for promoting the preservation and proper stewardship of Dexter Cattle. Each applicant must complete the online application for their age group. This annual award is a wonderful opportunity to showcase your knowledge, dedication, and passion for Dexter cattle. Whether you're just starting your journey or preparing for a future in agriculture, the Chris Odom Award honors your hard work and commitment.

Awards are presented at the annual ADCA National Dexter Expo. Winners do not need to be present to win!
Need more information? Contact Vice President Jill Gurley: vicepresident@dextercattle.org

Download the Odom Rules & Objectives

Age Divisions & Awards

Junior Division (Ages 6–9)
$250 Award

Intermediate Division (Ages 10–14)
$500 Award

Senior Division (Ages 15–18)
$750 Award

Each division winner will also receive a special feature write-up in the ADCA Bulletin.

We encourage all eligible ADCA Youth members to apply and represent the bright future of the Dexter breed!

ADCA Chris Odom Award Winners: