ATLANTA – During a Jan. 30 awards breakfast at the International Production and Processing Expo, longtime contributing editor to Meat&Poultry and Publisher of Cattle Buyers Weekly, Steve Kay received the American Meat Institute’s Industry Advancement Award. Each year the AMI recognizes an organization or individual whose contributions have positively affected the industry. Past recipients of the award include a former secretary of agriculture, CEOs of respected companies and industry research organizations. This marks the first time a journalist has been the recipient.

“In addition to writing his own weekly newsletter, Kay writes monthly columns for publications and media outlets in the US, Canada and Australia and has been the contributing beef editor for Meat&Poultry since 1987,” said AMI Chairman Nick Meriggioli, president of Kraft Foods Inc./Oscar Mayer, who presented the award. “Through his coverage and his analysis, he has helped advance the industry and has forced policymakers to consider proposed policy more thoughtfully.”

Due to an obligation that required him to be in New Zealand, M&P Editor, Joel Crews accepted Kay’s award on his behalf. In his pre-recorded acceptance speech, Kay said receiving the award was the crowning achievement of his 40-year career.

“I love writing about the industry,” said Kay in his remarks. “What I treasure most are the deep relationships I have made. I have been privileged to work in an industry full of exceptionally talented men and women, many of whom have become close friends. As I bring to mind these people, I have great faith in the future of the industry,” he said.