Dr. David Patterson, Chancellor’s Professor in Animal Sciences, joined the faculty at the University of Missouri in 1996 after serving as State Extension Beef Specialist in Reproduction at the University of Kentucky.    Dr. Patterson led development of the Missouri Show-Me-Select^® Replacement Heifer Program, creating an educational conduit for beef producers focused on reproductive management and genetic improvement of their herds.  The program has meaningfully impacted Missouri’s agricultural economy, acknowledged by Dr. Patterson being named recipient of MU’s President’s Award for Economic Development; selection as one of “50 Missourians You Should Know,” by Ingram’s Kansas City Business Magazine and past recognition as “Man of the Year in Missouri Agriculture.”  Dr. Patterson received funding for the past 20 years from USDA supporting development of new strategies to synchronize estrus and ovulation in beef heifers and cows, and was the first recipient of an integrated award in Animal Reproduction from USDA.  Dr. Patterson was a founding member and Chair of the Beef Reproduction Task Force, and a past recipient of the Continuing Service Award from the Beef Improvement Federation, the Research Award presented by the National Association of Animal Breeders, and the American Society of Animal Science Extension, Animal Industry Service, and Animal Management Awards.