Virginia Livestock Hall of Fame to honor four industry leaders

A fifth-generation cattle producer and national industry leader, a longtime dairy cooperative executive, an equine veterinarian who practiced for more than 50 years, and a pioneer in swine reproductive physiology make up the 2026 class of the Virginia Livestock Hall of Fame.

Gene Copenhaver ’83, Carroll Wayne Dudley ’73, Ronald L. Fessler, DVM, and William L. “Billy” Flowers ’82 will be inducted Friday, Oct. 30, at Virginia Tech’s Alphin-Stuart Livestock Arena. Registration and event details are available at https://aimsbbis.vt.edu/LivestockHOF2026.

Established in 2009, the Virginia Livestock Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Virginia’s beef, dairy, pork, sheep, and horse industries. Inductees are nominated by the Virginia Cattlemen’s Association, Virginia State Dairymen’s Association, Virginia Pork Council, Virginia Sheep Producers Association, and Virginia Horse Council, and may be living or deceased.

With the 2026 class, 102 individuals will have been inducted into the Hall of Fame, with their portraits permanently displayed in the Alphin-Stuart Livestock Arena.

The following are the 2026 inductees:

Gene Copenhaver ’83, Meadowview, Virginia

A fifth-generation beef producer from Washington County, Copenhaver has combined a career in agricultural lending with <a href="https://myappsplus.com/what-it-means-for-cx-leaders/” title=”What It Means for CX Leaders”>leadership in the cattle industry. In addition to his family’s stocker operation, he has held key roles in industry organizations at the local, state, and national levels. In 2026, Copenhaver became the first Virginian to serve as president of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. He was nominated by the Virginia Cattlemen’s Association.

Carroll Wayne Dudley ’73, Powhatan, Virginia

Dudley spent 37 years with the Virginia Animal Breeders Association cooperative and its expansion organizations, including 17 years as general manager. He guided multiple expansions and mergers while promoting quality genetics and representing the interests of farmer-owners. Dudley retired as chief executive officer and general manager of Select Sire Power in 2011. He was nominated by the Virginia State Dairymen’s Association.

Ronald L. Fessler, DVM, Forest, Virginia

Fessler practiced veterinary medicine for more than 50 years, spending most of his career as a solo equine veterinarian serving at least five counties in rural Virginia. His patients ranged from million-dollar racehorses to backyard ponies. A 1967 honors graduate of the Iowa State School of Veterinary Medicine, Fessler received outstanding service awards from the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association in 2012 and the American Association of Equine Practitioners in 2018. Fessler died in 2022 and is being recognized posthumously. He was nominated by the Virginia Horse Council.

William L. “Billy” Flowers ’82, Apex, North Carolina

Flowers is a pioneer in swine reproductive physiology whose research helped drive the global adoption of artificial insemination and ultrasound technology. A William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor at North Carolina State University, he has mentored more than 11,000 students, helping prepare generations of professionals in the livestock industry. He was nominated by the Virginia Pork Council.

Registration for the event is encouraged by Friday, Oct. 23. For more information, contact Scott Greiner, professor and Extension animal scientist, at 540-231-9159 or sgreiner@vt.edu.