2000 ASAS Extension Award

Sponsored by

Pfizer Animal Health

Palmer J. Holden

Palmer Holden received a B.S. degree from North Dakota State University and graduate degrees from Iowa State University. After serving in the US Army in Vietnam as an agricultural advisor, he joined ISU Extension in 1972 and has coordinated livestock programs since 1984. He promotes interdisciplinary programs for producers and extension staff with business plans, spreadsheets, and applied research. A 1998 International Satellite Symposium releasing the NRC’s Nutrient Requirements of Swine was uplinked to 26 sites in the United States, Canada, and Brazil under Holden’s chairmanship. He also solicited funding and arranged a pre-conference briefing for hosts to review case studies and authors’ presentations. His publication ISU Life Cycle Swine Nutrition is internationally recognized and has been translated into four languages. He has lectured or consulted in 13 countries, including presentations in Spanish. As a result of his contacts an extension exchange program is underway with a Thai university. In 1983 Holden initiated the Iowa Pork Congress “Ask the Specialist” booth, where over 50 faculty and extension staff members volunteer to assist producers. As TEAMPork nutritionist, Holden has helped develop business plans for 53 clients. He is currently an ISU Faculty Senator and has chaired or served on university committees affecting faculty governance. From traditional Vietnamese extension to innovative endeavors at Iowa State University, Dr. Holden has served extension and the swine industry.