Oklahoma Angus Association Annual Banquet

Hall of Fame

The 2026 Oklahoma Angus Hall of Fame Inductees, Jim & Janet Strate have spent countless hours volunteering for Angus breeders of all ages. They are always willing to lend a hand to the OAA, OJAA, the National Junior Angus Association, and fellow Angus producers at their production sales.

They served as the Chairmen for the 2025 National Junior Angus Show, are the Breed Representative for the Open & Junior Angus Shows at the Tulsa State Fair, and are the Angus Heifer Show Superintendents at the Oklahoma Youth Expo.

In addition to their time spent volunteering for the Juniors, Jim can be found volunteering for the Gathering Sale, penning cattle, helping unload, and working the ring on sale day. Jim also served on the Oklahoma Angus Board of Directors and served as President from 2021 to 2023. In March 2026, he went back on the board as well.

Jim is employed with Koch Fertilizer in Enid. Janet is the Assistant Superintendent and Chief Instructional Development Officer at Autry Technology Center in Enid.

They raised their sons, Justin and Jarred, in the show barn and in the Angus breed, and are very excited and proud to have their grandkids continue the tradition of raising and showing Angus cattle.

Commercial Producer

Jerry White was raised with four siblings on a small family farm southwest of Chickasha, Oklahoma. After graduation from Ninnekah High School, he enrolled at Oklahoma State University, where he met and married his wife of 55 years, Michelle Jack, and received a degree in Animal Science. Jerry spent 6 years after graduation working in the banking industry. With a desire to spend more time with his cattle and farming, he purchased Farm Service Company, a farm management and appraisal business located in Chickasha. In that capacity, he managed farms, ranches, and minerals in central and southwest Oklahoma, as well as doing farm and ranch appraisals.

Jerry is active in his community. He recently stepped down after serving 41 years on the board of Grady County Rural Water District #7 but continues his service on the Grady County Excise and Equalization boards. He serves as a deacon at First Baptist Church in Chickasha and is a member of the Gideons International, where he serves as a member of the state cabinet.

In 1984, Jerry and his brother Dennis established White Brothers Cattle Co. Through that endeavor, they ran several thousand head of stocker cattle annually. As conditions in the business changed in 2013-14, Jerry began running more cows along with the stockers. Today, the White Brothers operation consists of about 180 home cows, as well as stocker cows and steers. The home cows are bred to registered Angus bulls with high growth and carcass qualities.

The home raised calves are retained through harvest at EXCEL Feeders in Watonga, Oklahoma, and sold on a quality grid earnings substantial premium. The White’s also have about 600 acres of cropland where corn and winter pasture are grown.

Today, Jerry continues to manage several thousand acres for long term clients while his son Cody and grandson Blake are involved in the family business appraising farms and ranches in central and western Oklahoma. Son Kevin works in the oil and gas industry as a Safety Specialist. Jerry and Michelle have five grandchildren with two having received Ag degrees at OSU and a third is currently a junior at OSU. They represent the fourth generation in the family to graduate from Oklahoma State University.

By John C. Pfeiffer, Presenter

Mr. Angus

When you think about the qualities that define Donnie Robertson, a few words quickly come to mind: loyal, charismatic, hardworking, and a master motivator. But those words only begin to scratch the surface. There is also an unrivaled attention to detail, an unmatched work ethic, and a steadfast commitment to always take care of business the right way.

For many of you reading this, your memories of him begin ringside. For more than 30 years, he has stood beside junior exhibitors at shows across this country—not just as a herdsman, but as a mentor, a cheerleader, and sometimes even a source of comfort during those moments when things didn’t quite go the way a young exhibitor had hoped. With a handshake, a pat on the back, or that familiar smile, he reminded countless young people why they loved being part of this industry.

His dedication to excellence has not gone unnoticed. Along the way, those efforts have helped lead to championship banners across the nation and ultimately recognition as Herdsman of the Year at the National Western Stock Show—one of the most respected honors in our business. There’s even a particular spot in Fayetteville, TN where I’ve been fortunate to listen to our fellow Angus breeders describe their friend Donnie’s accomplishments with great pride.

But many of you know him in another way as well.

You’ve seen him walk into your sale barns, study a set of cattle with a sharp eye, sort through sale offerings with careful thought, and then take his seat right there on the front row. Because at the end of the day, this is a people business, and the cattle are simply the catalyst that bring all of us together.

Across the state of Oklahoma, Donnie has been a constant presence—supporting breeders, supporting junior members, supporting programs, and supporting the Angus breed itself. No matter the event or the role, he shows up with the same dedication and unwavering commitment.

But while his accomplishments in the cattle industry are remarkable, what impresses me most about him has nothing to do with banners or awards: It’s the way he loves his family. If you spend even a few minutes around him, you’ll quickly hear about his children and grandchildren. The pride he has in them is unmistakable, and the love he shows them is even greater.

And just as evident is the way he lives out his faith. Whether it’s a Monday morning, a Tuesday night, a Wednesday afternoon, or any Sunday, he is bold about his belief and his love for Jesus Christ. He carries that faith into his work, his relationships, and the way he treats the people around him.

Now, his journey didn’t begin here in Oklahoma. It started in the Bluegrass State of Kentucky, where humble beginnings helped shape the work ethic and character we all know today.

And somewhere along the way, there was even a missed opportunity for him to serve as Kevin Costner’s stunt double in the movie Tin Cup — but that’s probably a story for another publication.

It is my privilege to call this man a friend and presenting him with this award was a moment that I will truly cherish forever.

By Jeremy Leister, Presenter

Oklahoma Angus Oueen

Andrea will be a Sophomore at Henryetta High School and is an active member of FFA/4-H. Andrea is a third generation Angus rancher, who can trace her family's Angus start back to Pharaoh Angus Ranch genetics. She spends her free time making hand tied fishing jigs, taking care of her herd/show cattle, and taking pictures.

As the Oklahoma Angus Queen I am ready to represent the breed that gave me a start in the cattle industry. I can’t wait to meet new people and share my love of cattle that made me who I am today. I want to show others what this breed can offer and pour into others the way breeders have poured into me. I was inspired to be the queen from long standing Angus breeders: Kent Pharoah, Clinton Laflin, Kayla McCabe, and my grandparents. Who without their encouragement and help I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Show Heifers of the Year

Owned:
The 2026 Owned Heifer of the Year is EXAR Princess 4630, exhibited by Jake Allison of El Reno, OK. She was born in January 2024 and bred by Express Ranches of Yukon. She was Reserve Junior Champion at the National Junior Angus Show, 2nd place at the Tulsa State Fair, Reserve Champion Angus at the Oklahoma Youth Expo, Reserve Junior Heifer Calf at Cattlemen’s Congress and Reserve Junior Heifer Calf at the North American International Livestock Expo.

Bred & Owned:
The 2026 Bred & Owned Heifer of the Year is JDD Winnie M441 and exhibited by Denton Cook of Foss, OK. She was Reserve Grand Champion at the Oklahoma Junior Cattlemen’s Association Preview Show, a Reserve Division at the National Junior Angus Show, Reserve Grand Champion Bred and Owned at the Tulsa State Fair and won Division Champion at the American Royal.