The University of Illinois Poultry Research Farm was selected as Livestock Building of the Year by the Structural Insulated Panel Association (SIPA) at their annual meeting this March. The entry was made by Energy Panel Structures (EPS) who manufactured the buildings needed for the new facility. Consolidated Building Center in Forrest, IL built the facility.

The buildings are Solid Core construction, creating an energy-efficient, strong design. The buildings on site include a cage layer house, hatchery/chick laboratory, specialized research building, grower house, and breeder house, all with different temperature requirements.

Chet Utterback, supervising farm foreman, said, "The walls are easily washable and the joints are very tight. These factors are very important in a farm research facility such as ours. In my opinion, they are very well designed and I would recommend this type of building for other farm units."

The 5th Illini Dairy Judging Team Golf Outing was held on June 13th at the University of Illinois Blue Course in Savoy. The event is a way for former judging team members, friends, and University alumni to get together and help raise funds for the judging team. Ninety six golfers (twenty-four teams) completed the 18-hole Blue course. The Midwest Dairy Association provided prizes for the three flights. Individuals and organizations also provided twenty-four hole sponsors.

The Framed panoramic picture of the Rose Bowl signed by all the University of Illinois football coaches was the big item at the auction and purchased by Alumni Ron Debatin. Other auction items were Cardinal-Cubs tickets donated by Mike Turley, an autographed football signed by the University of Illinois Football coach Ron Zook, and a picture of Rose Bowl by Tintype Shoppe of Arthur, Illinois and alumni Don Kaiser. Fourteen items were sold at a silent auction with the silent auction and live auction netting over $4000.

The winner of the better ball scramble was the Ric Thacker team (16 under). The big winner was the University Dairy judging team as over $14,000 was raised to support judging team activities and scholarships.

Approximately 140 individuals attended the barbeque and swapped stories with old friends. Coach Ron Zook (University of Illinois football coach) spoke to the group relating to his days of being associated with dairying as a youth, discussed the future of the Illini football team, and answered questions.

Committee members Ron Debatin, Jason and Tammy Oertel, Chris Keim, Dan Hornickel, and Gene McCoy organized the event. Big thanks to HiDee Ekstrom, Secretary in Animal Sciences, for keeping everyone on the committee organized from mailing, phone calls, art work for brochure, signs, posters, and keeping the event flowing.

Plans are underway for next year’s event planned for June 12, 2009. Watch for further details!!!!!!

L to R: Ken Ropp (Alumni), Ron Zook, and Gordon
Ropp (Alumni & Oldest Illini Dairy Judging Team
member present at the outing)

The Meat Science Club attended and competed at the Reciprocal Meats Conference at the University of Florida from June 22-25. While there, the team placed 3rd overall. The team's advisor, Christine Leick (Tom Carr, advisor), won the Master's Poster Competition. Stacy Scramlin & Chad Souza participated in the Taste of RMC competition where the product had to be compromised of at least 75% of the protein source and have an overall Asian theme. They won first place in the competition with the "Amazin' Asian BBQ Egg Roll." In addition to the dish, they were also required to submit a marketing plan, HACCP plan, and a product label which were judged by experts from industry and academia.

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) announced two Illinois dairy graduate students have won NMPF National Dairy Leadership Scholarships for 2008. Kasey Moyes (Jim Drackley & Juan Loor, Advisors) received $3000 for her graduate program in energy balance, immune function, and mastitis. Kate Cowles (Michael Murphy, Advisor) also received a $3000 scholarship for her efforts in rumen digestion and pH effects along with her leadership in coaching the 2008 National Championship Dairy Challenge team from Illinois and as lead teaching assistant with the on-line Illinois dairy certificate program classes. These awards are given to students who exhibit academic excellence and demonstrate strong contributions to the dairy industry. The University of Illinois, College of ACES, and Department of Animal Sciences are pleased to have two national winners in 2008!

Dr. Mike Hutjens has been named a Fellow by the American Dairy Science Association. The award, announced earlier this month, recognizes Mike Hutjens for "distinguished service to the dairy industry over 20 years or more."

In announcing the award, the ADSA noted Hutjens' "exceptional contributions" to the dairy industry during a career that began in 1971 when he joined the University of Minnesota faculty after receiving his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

"Mike Hutjens is one of the seminal contributors to the dairy industry over the past 30-plus years," said Neal Merchen, head of the Department of Animal Sciences.  "Recognition of Mike as a Fellow of the American Dairy Science Association celebrates those contributions to the industry and to his flagship professional organization and I can't think of anyone who is more deserving of this important award."

Joining the U of I faculty in 1979, Hutjens serves as a professor of animal sciences and Extension dairy specialist. He is a frequent contributor to a number of dairy publications and presents programs at international dairy conferences.

The ADSA described Hutjens as "internationally recognized for his innovative and effective outreach programs" and for his outstanding teaching and mentoring abilities, as well. "His long-time teaching of introductory and advanced dairy management courses, along with his pioneering online program in dairy cattle management, have had a significant impact on many current and future leaders in the dairy industry," the ADSA noted.

Jason L. Emmert joined the College of ACES on August 1st as an Assistant Dean of Academic Programs. He will provide leadership for student recruitment from high schools and community colleges, develop and administer scholarship and leadership programs, and oversee the ACES Office of student Development and Career Services and its staff.

Dr. Emmert started working for Dr. David Baker during his sophomore year in 1989 and continued to study under Dr. Baker’s advisement while completing his M.S. (1992-1994) and Ph.D. (1994-1997). His research focused on vitamin, mineral, and amino acid metabolism. He also had a strong interest in teaching and performed teaching assistant duties in the Department of Chemistry and guest lectures in various graduate-level nutrition courses. As a student, he spent time in the old Ornamental Horticulture building in Animal Sciences and, of course, at the poultry farm.

Emmert joined the Department of Poultry Science at the University of Arkansas in 1997. His position was very student-oriented, and involved chairing the departmental scholarship, recruiting, and advising committees.  In addition, he conducted research in the areas of poultry nutrition and meat quality.  His time at the University of Arkansas was definitely one of preparation for this type of opportunity.  In Dr. Emmert’s own words--"My wife and I view this opportunity as a homecoming, and we are very glad to once again be a part of the College of ACES at the University of Illinois!"

Beginning in 2009, Dr. Joe Lyman will manage Deweycheatumnhowe, or "Dewey" for short, in his stud career. Many knowledgeable horsemen have opinioned that Dewey may be the greatest racing trotter of all time, and his win at the Hamletonian (August 9) furthers these opinions.

Dr. Lyman received his B.S. (1996) and M.S. (1999) degrees from the University of Illinois in Animal Sciences under the advisement of Dr. Kevin Kline and Dr. Matthew Wheeler. Dr. Lyman first became interested in reproductive physiology after working with Dr. Graves on an undergraduate research project using mouse embryos. While in our department, he served as the Horse Judging Team Coach where he was first exposured to Standardbreds by Drs. Kline & Lock (College of Vet Med). He later went on to complete his DVM degree in the College of Vet Med in 2003. His research and experience in reproductive physiology and Standardbreds has certainly played a role in why he has been chosen to manage Dewey. Most recently, Dr. Lyman has served as the Farm Veterinarian for the top Standardbred Stallion Station, Walnut Hall, Ltd., and has recently been promoted to General Manager while also retaining his duties as Farm Veterinarian.

If Dewey wins at the World Trotting Derby, Yonkers Trot, and the Kentucky Futurity he stands to earn over $3.25 million at the end his 3 YO year. The cross-training that Dewey currently completes--a combination of swimming and riding--keeps Dewey fit, happy, and racing at the top of his game. Even though Dewey could earn several millions more if he kept racing, he can earn even more millions as a stud. Dr. Lyman will, as a result, start breeding him next year.

"The Illinois hat on my head is daily attire. I’m through and through orange and blue," says Dr. Lyman. We hope to hear more great news from Dr. Lyman soon!

Dr. Joe Lyman & "Like A Prayer," one of the horses he manages.

Dr. Mike Hutjens will be named the 2008 Industry Person of the Year on October 1st in Madison, Wisconsin at the World Dairy Expo, the world’s largest dairy event.

According to Dr. Neal Merchen, "Over the past 30 years, I can't think of anyone who represents the face of academia to the dairy industry more than Mike Hutjens," he said.

Dr. Hutjens noted that it is nice to be recognized by the industry that he serves--companies, dairy managers, agri-business, and producers. "The dairy industry has a dedicated group of hard working and committed managers."

This year's Departmental Awards Luncheon honored faculty members and graduate students who have shown outstanding achievement in the areas of teaching, counseling, and research.

Dick Cobb, Sheep Research Specialist, was awarded the G.R. Carlisle Award for Excellence in Extension Teaching.

Dr. Janeen Salak-Johnson, Associate Professor, was awarded the D.E. Becker Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching and Counseling.

Dr. Sandra Rodriguez-Zas, Associate Professor, was awarded the H.H. Mitchell Award for Excellence in Graduate Teaching and Research.

Sean Holmer (John Killefer, advisor) was awarded the Sean Murray Memorial Scholarship and the David H. and Norraine A. Baker Graduate Fellowship in Animal Sciences.

Kathleen Barry (George Fahey, advisor) was awarded the Mitchell Fellowship in Animal Nutrition.

Congratulations!

From L to R: Dr. Robert Easter (Dean), Dick Cobb, Dr. Sandra Rodriguez-Zas, Dr. Janeen Salak-Johnson, Dr. Neal Merchen (Head)

From L. to R: Dr. Robert Easter (Dean), Kathleen Barry, Sean Holmer, and Dr. Neal Merchen (Head)

From L. to R: Dr. John Killefer, Sean Holmer, Dr. David H. Baker, and Norraine A. Baker

Congratulations to the Teachers and Teaching Assistants ranked as excellent by their students in the Fall 2007 semester! These results are based on Instructor and Course Evaluation (ICES) questionnaire forms that students turn in for each class at the end of the semester. Instructors from our department were:

* - The instructor’s ratings were outstanding