2016 Awards
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Angie Stump Denton, Kansas State University Department of Animal Sciences & Industry Communication Coordinator, angiedenton@ksu.edu or 785-562-6197
Hixon Presented BIF Pioneer Award
MANHATTAN, Kan. (June 16, 2016) — The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) presented Doug Hixon, Laramie, Wyoming, a BIF Pioneer Award June 16 during the group’s annual meeting and symposium in Manhattan, Kansas. The award recognizes individuals who have made lasting contributions to the improvement of beef cattle, honoring those who have had a major role in acceptance of performance reporting and documentation as the primary means to make genetic change in beef cattle.
A native of Donovan, Ill., Hixon has been a nationally respected leader in bringing animal science research to cattle producers. He earned his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in animal science at the University of Illinois (U of I). He managed the U of I beef cattle teaching and research unit from 1970-1980 and served as an assistant professor at the University of Tennessee from 1980-1982.
He joined the University of Wyoming (UW) animal science faculty in 1982. He worked as a professor, researcher and extension beef cattle specialist for 19 years before being named department head in 2001. In that role he oversaw an integrated program in teaching, research and extension.
Hixon’s research interest was in the area of beef cattle production and management with emphasis on reproduction and nutrition and their interaction. More specifically, he focused on the effects of heifer development and management of 2-year-old first-calf heifers on future production under range conditions. In addition, applied research was directed toward the evaluation of the effects management and cow herd winter nutrition programs have on production and reproductive efficiency.
He received the Distinguished Service Award from the Western Section, American Society of Animal Science, and also received the UW President’s Faculty Stewardship Award for building external relationships and promoting fundraising programs.
Hixon served as the BIF Western Region secretary from 1986-1994. He was a recipient of the BIF Continuing Service Award in 1996.
More than 600 beef producers, academia and industry representatives were in attendance at the organization’s 48th annual convention. BIF’s mission is to help improve the industry by promoting greater acceptance of beef cattle performance evaluation.
For more information about this year’s symposium, including additional award winners and coverage of meeting and tours, visit www.BIFconference.com. For more information about BIF, visit www.Beefimprovement.org.
Doug Hixon (center) Laramie, Wyoming, receives the Beef Improvement Federation Pioneer Award from from Craig Bieber (left), Leola, S.D., 2015-16 BIF president; and Marty Ropp (right), Normal, Ill., 2016-17 BIF president. Hixon was honored June 16 at the organization’s 48th annual convention in Manhattan, Kansas.
Editor’s Note: This article is supplied as a new release by the Kansas State University Department of Animal Sciences and Industry. For more information abou K-State's ASI department asi.ksu.edu.
