Longtime animal science professor Terry Klopfenstein was honored with two of his profession’s most prestigious awards this summer.
Klopfenstein, professor of ruminant nutrition, received the American Feed Industry Association’s New Frontiers in Animal Nutrition Award from the Federation of Animal Science Societies and received the Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame Industry Leadership Award.
“These are very significant honors that speak to Dr. Klopfenstein’s dedication to the beef industry in Nebraska and the nation,” said Larry Berger, head of UNL’s Department of Animal Science.
The Federation of Animal Science Societies cited Klopfenstein’s “pioneering and innovative research relevant to the nutrition of animals that benefits mankind and the nutritional value of foods from animals.” The award presentation was made in July during the annual meeting of the American Society of Animal Science.
The Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame Industry Leadership Award goes to advocates “who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, provided exemplary service and have made significant contributions to the advancement of the cattle-feeding business.”
“Terry’s passion and dedication to education and the beef community can been seen in his years of service and contributions to advancing our industry,” the Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame said in announcing the award. “Terry is considered to be one of the most productive animal science pioneers. Fortunately for the cattle-feeding community, he is still committed to the future of cattle feeding.”
Klopfenstein was honored alongside other recent inductees including Paul Engler, Kenneth Monfort and Ladd Hitch.
Klopfenstein is an internationally respected scientist and teacher. He has mentored over 150 graduate students throughout his 45-year career, many of whom are recognized themselves now as excellent nutritionists. Other students have credited Klopfenstein’s successful feedyard internship program as the springboard for their careers in the beef cattle business.
Klopfenstein’s tenure at UNL started in 1965 after he completed his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees from The Ohio State University. Klopfenstein held the University of Nebraska Wagner Professorship from 1989 to 2007.
— Dan Moser, IANR News Service
