Awards and Honorees
Guest of Honor
Each year, National Dairy Shrine recognizes a contemporary dairy leader for outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the dairy industry. This "Guest of Honor" award is one of the industry's most prestigious. The recipient need not be a National Dairy Shrine member, although the nomination must be made by a member. Portraits of honorees are displayed at the National Dairy Shrine Visitors' Center in Fort Atkinson,Wisconsin.
Application
| 2007 - Dr. H. Duane Norman Fulton, Maryland. A research leader at USDA's Animal Improvement Programs Laboratory (AIPL), he contributed to genetic improvement of yield and fitness traits in dairy cattle. He dedicated his career to developing accurate genetic evaluation methods for traits of economic importance to dairy producers. Under his direction, genetic improvement of U.S. milk yield has risen 1.5% annually over the past 25 years. Through Interbull studies and multi-country progeny test projects, he and his AIPL team are recognized for the proven superiority of U.S. dairy cattle genetics. |
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| 2006 - Dr. Leland Allenstein Whitewater, Wisconsin. Outstanding veterinarian, astute scientist, respected advisor, gifted teacher and leader, and personable colleague. For 25 years he served as the World Dairy Expo veterinarian where he was recognized for his compassion with animals and people. Driving force behind the establishment of the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine. |
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| 2005 - Richard E. Nelson Brattleboro, Vermont. Retired Executive Assistant of the Holstein Association U.S.A. Highly respected for setting a high industry standard relating to rules and regulations. Carried the lesson to many countries, on invitation. |
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| 2004 - Dr. Ben McDaniel North Carolina. An insightful researcher and inspirational teacher, his work at North Carolina State University helped shape the modern dairy cow, impacting every facet of the dairy industry. |
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| 2003 - Dr. Neal Jorgensen Madison, Wisconsin. Retired Ag College Dean and Professor Emeritus from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Gifted educator and administrator, highly respected dairy scientist in the field of dairy nutrition education and research. Lead the National Animal Genome Research Project. Through his efforts, genetic marker identification has led to significant advancements in the development of genomic maps for cattle, swine, sheep, poultry and horses. |
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| 2002 - Carl Zurborg Davenport, Iowa. Retired chief executive officer of Swiss Valley Farms Milk Cooperative in Iowa. Served as the catalyst in 1973 for Swiss Valley to become the first Midwest cooperative and one of the first in the nation to adopt multiple component pricing (MCP) of milk. He guided the mergers of some 45 local creameries and cooperatives with his management decisions always based upon "Is this good for the farmer member?" |
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| 2001 - Dr. A.E. “Gene” Freeman Ames, Iowa. Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor of Agriculture and Animal Sciences at Iowa State University. One of the most influential dairy cattle breeding educators, respected around the world. Keen ability to recognize practical problems dairy farmers face and apply scientific principles to solving problems. |
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| 2000 - James R. Nichols Ph.D., Blacksburg, Virginia. Retired in 1994 as Dean of College of Agriculture – Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. His leadership inspired students, dairymen, administrators and legislators. Served as general manager of Select Sires, 1971-1973. |
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| 1999 - Thomas L. Lyon Shawano, Wisconsin. Respected leader of the A.I. Industry. Catalyst for innovative consolidation of organizations, most recently serving as CEO of Cooperative Resources International, Shawano, WI. Effective policy-maker and facilitator in agriculture, government and education. |
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| 1998 - Richard Clauss Hilmar, California. Owner of CDF Jerseys, Hilmar, California, world’s largest Jersey operation. One of the founders and owners of Hilmar Cheese Company. A former president of the American Jersey Cattle Club and National All-Jersey, he was honored as World Dairy Expo Dairyman of the Year in 1995. |
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| 1997 - Maurice E. Core Columbus, Ohio. His 37-year career with the American Jersey Cattle Association began as a field representative. He was coordinator of the All American Jersey Show, managed first All American Jersey sale in 1971 and was executive secretary until his retirement in 1993. Also a past president and secretary of Dairy Shrine. |
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| 1996 - Willard G. Clark Hanford, California. President and founder of World-Wide Sires, Inc., a company that brought U.S. genetics to much of the rest of the world and enhanced the operations of U.S. AI cooperatives. World Dairy Expo Industry Person of the Year-1984. NAAB Distinguished Service Award-1992. Built Cal-Clark Dairy into one of the nation's top Holstein herds. |
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| 1995 - Dr. Clint Meadows Okemos, Michigan. Designed the "Dairy Wheel" used to calculate incomplete production records, organized a young sire sampling program for Michigan Guernsey Association, and managed the Michigan State Kellogg Guernsey herd. Represented the AI industry by speaking on the use of selection indexes internationally. |
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| 1994 - Richard H.L. Chichester Plain City, Ohio. General Manager, Select Sires, Inc. A pioneer in genetic testing for "Mulefoot." An early supporter of BLAD research and education. His leadership provided a more definitive semen test for Johnes disease. Held numerous industry posts; served on the NAAB and National Dairy Shrine Boards of Directors. |
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| 1993 - Arthur Nesbitt Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. President and CEO, NASCO International. Served as Secretary and Treasurer of Dairy Shrine and as a director of World Dairy Expo. Was Executive Secretary of Pennsylvania Holstein Association. Named Distinguished Alumnus by Penn State. Received National 4-H Alumni Award. Considered the "voice" of World Dairy Expo for many years. |
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| 1992 - Danny Weaver Cary, Illinois. Founded Agri-Graphics, Ltd. in 1967. Set the standard of excellence in dairy cattle photography. Introduced new techniques into dairy cattle photography, pioneering the first color dairy cattle photographs. A great teacher, he trained many young bovine photographers. Worked for Curtiss Breeding Service for 12 years. |
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| 1991 - G. Joe Lyon Toledo, Iowa. A milk marketer, a promoter and one of the nation's finest Jersey breeders. A founding director of National Dairy Promotion and Research Board. Pioneered promotion of Multiple Component Pricing. An internationally recognized dairy cattle judge. Named World Dairy Expo Man of the Year. Served as President of American Jersey Cattle Club and National All-Jersey. Received AJCC Distinguished Service Award in 1987. |
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| 1990 - R. Dean Plowman, Ph.D. Logan, Utah. Became Administrator of the USDA Agricultural Research Service in 1988. Joined ARS in 1956 as dairy research scientist at Beltsville, Md. Instrumental in development of USDA sire summary procedures. Played a key role in development of the National DHI coordinating group. |
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| 1989 - Olaf Kjome Spring Grove, Minnesota. Respected across the U.S. for his integrity and fairness as a dairy showman, breeder and judge. He was the first recipient of the Klussendorf Award while herdsman for the highly regarded Boulder Bridge Guernsey farm and later established his own top herd at Valleyland Farm. Served 25 years as executive secretary of the Klussendorf Memorial Association. |
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| 1988 - John Morris Frederick, Maryland. Recognized for his contributions to the Maryland 4-H dairy program while Extension Specialist from 1950 to 1977. Under his leadership, dairy project enrollment grew to record levels and judging teams he coached won 13 national championships. His program innovations included the 4-H "Dairy Bowl" and "Dairy Adventure" reaching urban youth. |
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| 1987 - Dr. Robert Walton DeForest, Wisconsin. President and General Manager of American Breeders Service. Designed and implemented first progeny testing program for dairy cattle. Developed Estimated Daughter Superiority System, later called Predicted Difference and used nationwide by AI industry. Past President of NAAB. World Dairy Expo Industry Person of the Year in 1982. |
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| 1986 - Eugene Meyer Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. Managing editor of Hoard's Dairyman, a magazine studied by virtually every dairyman in the U.S. Worked closely with 500-acre Hoard's Farm and 185-head Guernsey herd. Past President of Dairy Shrine; honorary member of Klussendorf Assn.; served on numerous breed organization committees. Great ability to sort important industry information and report it in a practical manner. |
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| 1985 - Wesley Sawyer Waterford, California. A recognized dairy leader in California and nationwide. Helped make Diamond S Ranch known internationally as a source of sound registered breeding stock. Made lasting contributions in the area of milk marketing. Held numerous leadership roles, including Holstein Association director; California Board of Food and Agriculture; National Dairy Council. World Dairy Expo Man of the Year-1977. |
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| 1984 - Dr. C. F. "Fred" Foreman Ames, Iowa. Made his greatest contribution guiding students toward successful careers following graduation. Served as head of Iowa State Dairy Science Department for 16 years and as a Professor of Animal and Dairy Science since 1955. Elected "Professor of the Year" in the ISU College of Agriculture. An internationally recognized dairy cattle judge and classifier, he judged or classified dairy cattle in 10 foreign countries and one or more times in 35 states. Served on numerous industry committees. |
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| 1983 - Ivan K. Strickler Iola, Kansas. A leader in the dairy industry as an operator of a successful home dairy operation and served as president of several national dairy organizations. President of Mid-America Dairymen, Inc.; director, Vice President and President of Holstein Association; World Dairy Expo Board member; Executive Committee, National Milk Producers Federation; Vice President, Dairy Research, Inc. World Dairy Expo Man of the Year-1978. International dairy cattle judge. |
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| 1982 - Dr. George Trimberger Ithaca, New York. Professor Emeritus of Animal Science at Cornell University. A world traveler in behalf of dairy cattle improvement. Coached 24 college judging teams. Internationally recognized judge. Helped launch AI program in New York. Authored "Dairy Cattle Judging Techniques." Spearheaded development of Holstein Descriptive Type Classification Program. |
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| 1981 - Stanley Chittenden New Lebanon, New York. Nationally-recognized Jersey breeder. A Pioneer in and the leading breeder of Polled Jerseys, he was active with the Jersey breed at all levels. Served as Director and President of American Jersey Cattle Club, and President of both New York and National Purebred Dairy Cattle Associations. Received the AJCC Distinguished Service Award in 1971. |
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| 1980 - Bliss H. Crandall President and General Manager of DHI Computing Service, Provo, Utah. Developed the first computerized system in this country for recording and calculating dairy records known as DHIA. The program grew from 10,000 cows in Utah in 1952 to more than 3,000,000 cows' performance records from all over the U.S. through 11 centers that process DHIA records. Received many awards for his outstanding dedication to the dairy profession. |
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| 1979 - Keith King Former American Milking Shorthorn Society President, served on the corporate board of AMPI and the National Association of Animal Breeders Board. Judged every major Milking Shorthorn show in the U.S. and Canada and was the first American to judge Illawara Shorthorns in Australia. He was involved in breed associations, milk marketing organizations, the AI industry, the Purebred Dairy Cattle Association and in promoting the dairy industry. |
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| 1978 - James F. Cavanaugh Executive secretary of American Jersey Cattle Club and National All-Jersey Inc. Pioneered the adoption of the USDA sire summary. Served as Hoard's Dairyman editorial staff until 1947, then American Jersey Cattle Club's assistant secretary. Worked to improve consumer milk standards and get equitable prices for producers. Dairy Shrine president in 1962. |
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| 1977 - Dr. Raymond Brown Becker Dairy husbandman emeritus at the University of Florida. His research on mineral nutrition found solutions to mineral deficiencies limiting production. An early pioneer in using citrus byproducts, his work on genetics and body abnormalities earned him the Borden Award for Dairy Production Research. |
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| 1976 - Robert H. Rumler Executive Chairman, Holstein-Friesian Association of America. Traveled throughout the world representing America's dairymen. A past president of Dairy Shrine, he served as officer and director of the National Society of Livestock Records Associations and was one of four advisors to the USDA Joint Task Force on Dairy Research. An original member of the National DHIA Coordinating Group. |
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| 1975 - Dr. Ralph E. Hodgson A former director, Animal Husbandry Research Division, Ag Research Center, USDA. Was president of the American Dairy Science Association and the World Association for Animal Production and was the U.S. liaison officer and chairman of the U.S. delegation to five International Dairy Congresses. He is the author of three books on dairying and has written over 100 bulletins. |
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| 1974 - Harry A. Herman First executive secretary of the National Association of Animal Breeders. Helped guide the direction of the Artificial Insemination industry. In 1974 he began work as AI coordinator for the Purebred Dairy Cattle Association. In the early days of AI, he developed training programs for technicians and taught one of the first college-level courses on artificial insemination in America. |
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| 1973 - Enos J. Perry Extension Dairyman at Rutgers University, New Jersey, from 1923 until his retirement in 1956. He established the first cooperative artificial breeding association in the U.S. in 1938. His text, "The Artificial Insemination of Farm Animals," has been widely used throughout the world. Lectured, consulted and advised dairymen around the world. |
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| 1972 - Dr. James H. Hilton President Emeritus at Iowa State University, Ames. Was recognized as an outstanding teacher, researcher, administrator, and cattle judge. He served as Head of the Animal Husbandry Department and Dean of the College of Agriculture at North Carolina State University prior to becoming President at Iowa State in 1953. |
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| 1971 - Lawrence O. Colebank Knoxville, Tennessee. Had more influence on the improvement of type in the Guernsey breed than any other person. He was the official classifier from 1954 to 1971. Recognized as the foremost ambassador of the breed, he classified more than 230,000 Guernseys in nearly 6,500 herds throughout the country. |
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| 1971 - Norman E. Magnussen Lake Mills, Wisconsin. Was widely recognized as an outstanding breeder of registered Brown Swiss cattle, an excellent salesman, an inspirational leader, and a nationally known judge. Norvic Farm bred more Brown Swiss Superior and Qualified sires than any other breeding establishment in the nation. |
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| 1970 - Dr. Earl Weaver Well-known educator, counselor, and dairy cattle judge. Spent 26 years on the staff at Michigan State University, 18 years as head of the Dairy Department. He traveled throughout the world as a lecturer and consultant and was recognized as an outstanding teacher. |
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| 1969 - Dr. Jay L. Lush Internationally known geneticist. Applied population genetics to animal breeding. He spent 35 years at Iowa State University where he laid the foundation for modern methods of dairy cattle improvement. He trained more than 200 graduate students in animal breeding. |
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| 1968 - Glenn Lake Michigan dairy farmer. Served as president of the National Milk Producers Federation, and sparked the formation of the Great Lakes Milk Marketing Federation. He is recognized for his long and effective contribution to milk marketing and his leadership in bargaining for better prices for dairymen. |
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| 1967 - William D. Knox Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. Editor of Hoard's Dairyman since 1949. His major contributions were in the field of dairy cattle health, expanding the markets for dairy products, and the development of peacetime dairy programs to improve the economic lot of the American dairy farmer. |
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| 1966 - Warren Kinnery New Vernon, New Jersey. Master breeder of registered Brown Swiss and owner of Lee's Hill Farm, which established an outstanding reputation for milk production and show winners. His active participation in the farm and its breeding program helped create one of the outstanding dairy herds of all time. |
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| 1965 - Harold R. Searles Minnesota Extension Dairyman form 1922 until his retirement in 1960. He was a leader in organizing cooperative artificial breeding associations, a widely known judge and Brown Swiss classifier, and was superintendent of the Cattle Department at the National Dairy Cattle Congress for more than 25 years. |
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| 1964 - W.D. Hoard, Jr. Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. Publisher and general manager of Hoard's Dairyman. Grandson of W.D. Hoard, the "father of American dairying," he vigorously employed his energy toward strengthening the magazine's reputation for reliability of information and courage of editorial leadership for 350,000 readers. |
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| 1963 - Maurice S. Prescott Lacona, New York. Editor and publisher of the Holstein-Friesian World for more than half century. In 1922, he originated the All-American Holstein-Friesian awards and is the author of the Holstein-Friesian History. He helped bring about improvement in all phases of dairying. |
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| 1962 - Otto H. Liebers Lincoln, Nebraska. Owned Skyline Dairy, a large distributor of Golden Guernsey milk and home of an outstanding registered Guernsey herd. He was Nebraska's first county agent, served in Nebraska's Unicameral Legislature, and for many years was on the board of The American Guernsey Cattle Club. |
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| 1962 - Roger W. Jessup Founder of Jessup Farms, Los Angeles, California. One of the largest drylot dairy operations in the world. He also created Jessup Breeders, for years the largest western-based artificial insemination company. He was a strong leader and active in all matters concerning the dairy industry. |
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| 1962 - Elbert S. Brigham St. Albans, Vermont. A renowned Jersey breeder for 58 years on the farm where he was born. His was the first 100-cow herd to average more than 600 pounds of butterfat in one year. As a United States Congressman, he championed the dairy farmer's cause and was president of The American Jersey Cattle Club. |
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| 1961 - Dr. Carl F. Huffman World-renowned dairy nutritionist at Michigan State University. Author or co-author of more than 125 papers published in scientific journals dealing with dairy cattle nutrition. The recipient of many honors and awards, he was president of the American Dairy Science Association in 1957. |
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| 1960 - Dr. W.E. Peterson Internationally known professor of dairy husbandry. Spent 39 years at the University of Minnesota where he was known best for his research in milk secretion. He was the recipient of many national and international honors for his contributions as teacher and researcher. |
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| 1960 - J.C. Penney Founder of the J.C. Penney Company, Inc.. Made his mark in agriculture through his devotion to the Guernsey cow. He founded Emmadine Farms where some the breed's outstanding animals were developed. In 1952, he gave his Foremost Guernsey herd to the University of Missouri to support research and teaching in agriculture. |
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| 1959 - Harry Strohmeyer, Jr. For more than a half century, was recognized as the foremost photographer of dairy cattle. An avid student of dairy cattle conformation, his untouched photographs of successive generations of dairy cattle are an indispensable aid in recording progress through breeding. One of the founders of the Klussendorf Trophy. |
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| 1959 - Harold J. Shaw Sanford, Maine. Was widely recognized as a master Holstein breeder and outstanding farmer. A former county agent and New England Green Pastures winner, his Shaw's Ridge Farms cattle made a lasting influence on Holstein herds throughout the nation. He served as President of the National Holstein Association. |
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| 1958 - Fred S. Idtse Popular secretary of the Brown Swiss Cattle Breeders' Association from 1938 through its period of most significant growth. Established Canton Shows, the State Herd program, and a type classification program and was one of the founders of the Purebred Dairy Cattle Association and Dairy Shrine, serving the latter as president. |
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| 1957 - Alfred M. Ghormley Was president of the Carnation Company after serving in various capacities from the age of 19. He worked as herdsman, farm manager, manager of the fluid milk division, a member of the company's board of directors, and a member of its executive committee. |
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| 1956 - John S. Ames Was for many years the manager of Langwater Farm, North Easton, Massachusetts. One of the best known line-bred Guernsey herds. The Guernsey Performance Register credits Langwater Farm with 1,092 animals, more than any other Guernsey breeding establishment. He was president of the AGCC for several years. |
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| 1955 - Horace W. Norton, Jr. Became identified with the Holstein breed in 1919 and served the association in various capacities, including secretary-treasurer until 1953. Previously, he had served as assistant dean of agriculture and director of the Michigan Bureau of Animal Industry. He was known as a quiet, forceful leader, who pioneered HIR. |
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| 1955 - Karl B. Musser Made a remarkable contribution to the growth and popularity of the Guernsey breed as secretary-treasurer of the American Guernsey Cattle Club for 31 years. Was a leader in organizing the Purebred Dairy Cattle Association and Dairy Shrine, serving as officer of both groups; PDCA's secretary for many years. |
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| 1954 - Joe Eves Is credited with starting the Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest at the National Dairy Cattle Congress as well as the Herdsman's Contest. A nationally known judge of all dairy breeds, he was a founder and, through the years, the most dedicated servant of Dairy Shrine as its long-time secretary. |
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| 1953 - E.S. Estel Was secretary-manager of the National Dairy Cattle Congress for nearly 40 years. Under his leadership, it grew and expanded from a small, one-building fair to a plant of 26 major buildings covering 86 acres that was self-supporting. He also assisted in planning the formation of the American Dairy Association. |
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| 1952 - Dr. E.V. McCollum Devoted his life to research and education in human nutrition. Was the first to discover that edible fats were not all alike and that butterfat contains something which sustained life and promoted growth in laboratory animals when other fats failed. This factor was vitamin A. His efforts led to the formation of the National Dairy Council. |
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| 1951 - Fred Pabst Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. Developed the Pabst Holstein herd, for many years one of the best known registered dairy herds in the world. Conceived the idea of preparing scale models of the ideal Holstein cow and bull. The Pabst farming operation set an outstanding example for dairy farmers throughout the country. |
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| 1951 - Charles L. Hill Rosendale, Wisconsin. Prominent Guernsey breeder who imported many outstanding animals for his "Sarnia" farm. He pioneered the monthly milk test and was first chairman of the Advanced Registry committee of the American Guernsey Cattle Club. He served as president of the former National Dairy Show. |
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| 1950 - Henry W. Jeffers Plainsboro, New Jersey. Contributed much to the advancement of dairying through the Walker-Gordon Laboratory, the world's largest certified dairy farm. He helped develop the world famous rotolactor, the first commercial machine drying of hay, the first extensive use of grass silage, and the covered milk pail. |
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| 1949 - Dean Emeritus H. H. Kildee Ames, Iowa. For many years one of the most popular and widely known judges of all classes of livestock. One of his many lasting contributions was his leadership in developing the unified dairy cattle scorecard, still used by all breeds. He was Dairy Shrine's first Guest of Honor. |
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