Max Fernandez: Distinguished Service Award 2006

Max Fernandez, a Silverdale Centerville rancher, received the department’s distinguished service award for support of departmental research. He donated Wagyu crossbred cattle to the department in 1998 to further research on the Japanese beef breed known for meat tenderness.

Fernandez, a retired oil exploration manager for British Petroleum, operates one of the last two range sheep outfits in the state, carrying on a family tradition that dates back to the 15th century in Spain.