What the Virginia Livestock Hall of Fame Is
The Virginia Livestock Hall of Fame honors people who have made outstanding contributions to Virginia's beef, dairy, pork, sheep and horse industries. It was established in 2009, and the induction ceremony is held at Virginia Tech. The 17th annual induction was Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Alphin-Stuart Livestock Arena. With the 2026 class, 102 people have been inducted, and their portraits hang permanently in the arena.
How Inductees Are Chosen
Nominations come from five industry groups, one for each species area: the Virginia Cattlemen's Association, the Virginia State Dairymen's Association, the Virginia Pork Council, the Virginia Sheep Producers Association and the Virginia Horse Council. Nominees may be living or deceased.
The 2026 Inductees
Gene Copenhaver, Meadowview
A fifth-generation beef producer from Washington County who has worked in agricultural lending and led cattle industry groups at local, state and national levels. He runs a family stocker cattle operation and in 2026 became the first Virginian to serve as president of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. Nominated by the Virginia Cattlemen's Association.
Carroll Wayne Dudley, Powhatan
Spent 37 years with the Virginia Animal Breeders Association cooperative and its successor organizations, including 17 years as general manager. He oversaw expansions and mergers while promoting quality genetics and advocating for farmer-owners, and retired in 2011 as CEO and general manager of Select Sire Power. Nominated by the Virginia State Dairymen's Association.
Ronald L. Fessler, DVM, Forest
Practiced veterinary medicine for more than 50 years, mostly as a solo equine veterinarian serving at least five rural Virginia counties. His patients ranged from high-value racehorses to pet ponies. He graduated with honors from Iowa State's veterinary school in 1967 and received service awards from the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association (2012) and the American Association of Equine Practitioners (2018). He died in 2022 and is recognized posthumously. Nominated by the Virginia Horse Council.
William L. "Billy" Flowers, Apex, North Carolina
A pioneer in swine reproductive physiology whose research helped spread artificial insemination and ultrasound technology worldwide. He is a William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor at North Carolina State University and has mentored more than 11,000 students. Nominated by the Virginia Pork Council.
Where
Alphin-Stuart Livestock Arena, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia. Date: Friday, October 30, 2026.
Registration
Guests register online at aimsbbis.vt.edu/LivestockHOF2026, where event details are also posted. Organizers encouraged registering by Friday, October 23.
Questions
Can a person be inducted after death?
Yes. Nominees may be living or deceased, and Dr. Fessler was inducted posthumously in 2026.
Who decides who is inducted?
The five species organizations nominate, one for each of beef, dairy, pork, sheep and horse.
Who do I call?
Scott Greiner, professor and Extension animal scientist at Virginia Tech, 540-231-9159.
Official Links
- Virginia Livestock Hall of Fame to honor four industry leaders: Virginia Tech News
- Induction ceremony registration page (2025 edition)
- 2025 induction coverage
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Virginia FFA State Convention
Annual state FFA convention and agriscience fair held at Virginia Tech, where the organization was born. Held each year; the most recent dates were June 8-11, 2026.
- Virginia 4-H Congress
Four-day statewide 4-H gathering at Virginia Tech with workshops, competitive events, district elections, a Teen Opportunity Fair and the All-Star Tapping Ceremony. Held each year; the most recent dates were June 16-19, 2026.
- Winter in the Woods 4-H Specialty Camp
Winter weekend outdoor specialty camp for 4-H youth at Holiday Lake 4-H Center in Appomattox. Held each year; the upcoming dates are December 5 to 6, 2026.
Appomattox, VA | Organizer: Virginia 4-H Official event details - Fluvanna 4-H County Contest Day
Fluvanna 4-H members compete at County Contest Day, scheduled for January 16, 2027 at the Fluvanna Community Center. It is the only contest on the county 4-H calendar this season.
VA | Organizer: Fluvanna 4-H Official event details - Holiday Lake Cloverbud Camp
Summer weekend camp for young Cloverbud 4-H members at Holiday Lake in Appomattox. Held each year; the upcoming dates are June 18 to 20, 2027.
Appomattox, VA | Organizer: Virginia 4-H Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.