Steve Gabel has accomplished much in his professional career: he owns and operates Magnum Feedyard, which has 22,000 head of cattle; he worked for Cattle-Fax, the nation’s leading livestock marketing analysis firm; and he has coached the Weld County Livestock Judging Team for 25 years. Now Gabel can add Livestock Leader to his long list of accolades.
In a ceremony held before Colorado State University Ag Day, Gabel was recognized by College of Agricultural Sciences Dean Ajay Menon, Animal Sciences Department Head Kevin Pond and CSU President Tony Frank as the 2015 Livestock Leader.
An industry leader
“Steve Gabel is an exemplary leader,” said Pond. “Not only has he helped continue the cattle industry’s prominence in Colorado, he has served as an inspiration for the students he coaches as well as to the faculty, staff and students of Colorado State University.”
Gabel graduated from CSU with a degree in Animal Sciences and Industry in 1978. Following graduation, he joined Cattle-Fax and focused on learning the dynamics of cattle markets. After three years working at a management investment firm, Gabel went on to purchase Magnum Feedyard in Wiggins, Colo., an operation that he expanded from 5,500 head to the current 22,000 head of cattle.
Inspiring and coaching young people
One of Gabel’s passions has always been cultivating and developing the enthusiasm of young people. Many of the young people he has coached over the last 25 years have gone on to receive judging scholarships and have competed at the junior college and university levels. Two of his alumni have been named Junior College All-Americans, and one has been named to the Senior College All-American Team.
Gabel has been a force in the cattle industry throughout his career. He served as chairman of the Colorado Beef Council and is a past president of the Colorado Livestock Association. He served in these leadership positions at critical times for Colorado’s cattle industry, and he hopes that he has passed his leadership skills and commitment to youth on to his son Case, his daughter Christie and their families.
“I feel blessed that my kids will be afforded the same opportunities that I’ve had, and blessed that this industry has given me so many opportunities,” said Gabel.
