The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) honored Joe Minyard with the Pioneer Award at the 36th Annual Meeting and Research Symposium in Sioux Falls, S.D., on May 27. The award recognizes individuals who have made lasting contributions to the improvement of beef cattle. Joe Minyard was born in Foard County Texas and graduated from Crowell High School. He received his bachelor's degree from West Texas A&M University in Agriculture Education. He then received his master's degree in animal breeding and genetics from South Dakota State University.
Joe began his career as a school teacher in Dupree, S.D. in 1951, and in 1953, became a county Extension agent for Harding County, SD. Mr. Minyard then served as an Assistant Professor of Animal Sciences at South Dakota State University were he conducting research on economically important traits and improvement in beef cattle performance and efficiency via selection based on performance records. He was instrumental in developing a statewide production records program. Joe also taught the animal breeding course.
In 1961 Minyard moved to the field station at Newell, S.D. and continued his research there. In 1966 he became an Extension beef specialist, associate professor and director of the West River Research and Extension Center where he continued his efforts in production records and selection. He also placed emphasis on crossbreeding systems for commercial herds, range beef nutrition and herd management.
Minyard served three years as head of the Animal and Range Sciences Department at SDSU starting in 1978. In 1981 he resumed his role as an Extension specialist with a statewide educational role. After retirement in 1987 he continued working with the South Dakota Beef Industry Council to promote the adoption of a nationwide beef checkoff program where he served as South Dakota state coordinator for the "pro checkoff" effort.
Minyard has served every capacity as an educator in the South Dakota system. His affect on his students and beef producers is greatly recognized and appreciated.