East Foundation Ranches Honored with BQA Award

Winners of the 2026 Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Awards were announced during Cattle Industry Convention in Nashville. The BQA Awards annually recognize outstanding beef and dairy producers, marketers, and educators that best demonstrate animal care and handling principles as part of day-to-day activities.

2026 BQA Cow-Calf Award

East Foundation Ranches, LLC, Hebbronville, Texas 
East Foundation Ranches, located in South Texas, traces its origins back to the 1900s when Tom T. East began his cattle operation. Today, the ranch spans 217,000 acres across six ranches in separate locations encompassing diverse native rangeland. The ranch is dedicated to advancing land stewardship through ranching, science, and education and their mission is to do what’s right for the land and the life that depends on it.

The national BQA Awards are sponsored by Cargill and Sam’s Club. Award winners are selected by a committee comprised of BQA certified representatives from universities, state beef councils, sponsors and affiliated groups, who assess nominations based on their demonstrated commitment to BQA practices, their service as leaders in the beef industry and their dedication to promoting the BQA message. For more information about each of the award winners, visit https://www.bqa.org/beef-quality-assurance-awards.