The Saddle and Sirloin Portrait Gallery added another legendary name to its historic walls during the 2025 North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) in Louisville, Kentucky. On November 16, William H. “Bill” Rishel, a long-time Angus breeder from North Platte, Nebraska, was inducted as the 380th honoree into the prestigious gallery, a recognition reserved for individuals whose lifetime contributions have shaped the livestock industry.
Family, friends and industry leaders gathered at the induction banquet to celebrate Rishel’s career. The evening featured heartfelt speeches, historical reflections and the unveiling of an original oil portrait by artist Richard Halstead, now displayed in the Saddle and Sirloin Portrait Gallery.
Rishel’s foundation for success was laid starting from his early days managing 4-H beef projects to earning an animal science degree and competing on Pennsylvania State University’s 1966 National Champion Livestock Judging Team. That experience sparked a lifelong admiration for the Saddle and Sirloin honorees and inspired his own continued pursuit of excellence.
During research for his nomination Rishel explained, “Since 1966, the year I was privileged to be on the Penn State National Champion Livestock Judging Team in Chicago, I have admired the stories and lifetime contributions of previous honorees of the Saddle and Sirloin Club. I believe that early exposure to this special place was my driving force to not only breed a great herd of purebred Angus, but also to become actively involved in cattle industry organizations, contributing my ideas and time to help make all beef producers more successful.”
In 1975, Rishel and his wife, Barb, made a move west, leaving New York for Nebraska with three young daughters, a bull named New Criterion and 12 purebred Angus females. With limited resources and determination, they established Rishel Angus, a program that would become synonymous with quality genetics and progressive breeding philosophies.
“Bill Rishel’s commitment to the Angus breed and the beef industry exemplifies true leadership and influence,” said Kelli Retallick-Riley, Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI®) president. “His work established foundational strategies that continue to drive genetic progress today. Bill is someone who not only asks the right questions but also collaborates closely with those who can help find answers, and ensures those answers are put into action.”
In 1981, Rishel Angus purchased the bull AAR New Trend. The commercial industry recognized the value of the bull; and in 1986, Rishel embarked on a structured sire evaluation program beginning with New Trend to measure carcass merit, placing emphasis on quality and a satisfactory eating experience for consumers.
Rishel’s forward-thinking approach didn’t just influence his own herd; it helped shape the future of genetics. His emphasis on carcass merit and structured sire evaluation laid the groundwork for strategies that remain central to advancing beef genetics today.
“Our committee documented Bill’s lifetime commitment to the beef cattle industry as inspiration for future generations of breeders, producers and leaders,” said Michael Bishop, chair of the nominating committee.
The banquet program included remarks from industry leaders and friends, who highlighted Rishel’s influence. Speakers emphasized his role in shaping Angus genetics and mentorship.
In 2017, Rishel Angus became TD Angus at Rishel Ranch when the operation was sold to Trey and Dayna Wasserburger. The Rishels were introduced to the couple by a banker friend who thought they would be a good fit for the transition they had long considered and deeply desired to carry on their life’s work.
Paired with the induction, the Rishel Research Fund was established through the Angus Foundation to honor his enduring commitment to progress. The Rishel Research Fund is committed to delivering real-world answers and applications to cattlemen to increase profitability and support the generational advancement of their operations.
“The Rishel Research Fund was created to honor Bill Rishel’s lifelong dedication to advancing Angus genetics and leadership in the beef industry,” said Jaclyn Boester, Angus Foundation executive director. “It aligns with the Angus Foundation’s mission by fueling cutting-edge research that benefits cattle producers nationwide, while offering donors and partners a direct way to invest in the future of the breed.”
The creation of the Rishel Research Fund is a strategic investment in the future of Angus genetics. By channeling resources into research that delivers practical solutions for cattlemen, the fund ensures Bill Rishel’s vision for progress lives on.
“At AGI our mission is to empower genetic change in the Angus breed and beef industry,” Retallick-Riley said. “We know our industry depends on having a maternal female that can utilize available resources, wean a profitable calf, and breed back annually. The Rishel Research Fund supports that goal by providing resources not only to tackle new traits but also to uncover whether greater value exists in the information we’ve already collected.”
In perpetuating the life story of Rishel, the fund will also serve as an inspirational pathway for future generations to follow in his footsteps of foresight, perseverance and hard work. The fund will aim to support research initiatives with the goal of improving genetics, production and efficiency.
“The Rishel Research Fund adds more value to the Angus Foundation’s mission of research and advancing ongoing projects,” Boester shared. “This adds a dedicated stream of resources enabling Angus to continue to be an innovation pipeline, so Angus breeders remain at the forefront of genetics and management. Overall, it is a forward-looking investment in the future of Angus cattle.”
Contributions to the Rishel Research Fund will help promote innovation and education within the beef industry. To learn more or make a donation, visit www.angus.org/foundation.
“I’m most excited that the impact of this fund can be rooted in developing applied tools that directly contribute to the advancement of the Angus breed,” Retallick-Riley added. “Research and innovation are constant priorities for the beef industry, and this fund ensures Angus remains at the forefront of those conversations. The commitment from individuals supporting the Rishel Research Fund strengthens our ability to lead in genetic progress and deliver practical solutions that benefit breeders and the entire beef supply chain.”
The Saddle and Sirloin Portrait Gallery, founded in the early 1900s, is considered the highest honor in the livestock industry. With Rishel’s portrait now hanging among other icons, his story joins a collection that chronicles more than a century of leadership and progress.
Visit www.rishelportrait.com to read Bill Rishel’s full story, view photos from the induction, and contribute to the Rishel Research Fund.
