American Society of Animal Science

Publisher of the Journal of Animal Science

www.asas.org

ASAS Annual Meeting

July 24-28, 2001

Indiana Convention Center

Indianapolis, IN

PRESS RELEASE

For information contact:

Lisa Cobb

Phone: 217-356-3182

E-Mail: lisac@assochq.org

Ritchie Honored with ASAS 2001 Fellow Award for Extension

Harlan D. Ritchie, a professor at Michigan State University, received the 2001 Fellow Award at the American Society of Animal Science Award banquet in Indianapolis on Friday, July 27. The Fellow Award recognizes ASAS members for their distinguished service to the animal industry for 25 years or more. Each nominee must have made exceptional contributions to the animal industry, to an animal related discipline, or to ASAS; must have had continuous professional membership in ASAS for a minimum of 25 years; and must be in good standing with the Society.

With a Ph.D. from Michigan State University, Ritchie rapidly became one of the most influential people in changing beef cattle from extremely fat, small-framed, early-maturing animals to leaner, faster-growing cattle that better met the needs of the commercial cattle feeding industry. He is currently a leader in developing balanced approaches to breeding programs and is well-known for his work in beef production efficiency, beef cattle dystocia, retained ownership, beef quality, food safety, and present and future trends in the beef industry.

The greatest contributions throughout his career have been; his perception of problems as they arise, his ability to bring people together, and his development of educational programs to communicate solutions to the industry.

During the last 37 years, Ritchie has received several awards including: ASAS Extension Award in 1983, ASAS Animal Industry Service Award in 1992, Saddle and Sirloin Club Portrait Award in 1994, Michigan State’s Distinguished Faculty Award in 1994 and the ASAS Animal Management Award in 1997.

The American Society of Animal Science sponsors the Fellow Award.