MSU CANR awards Allyn Anthony Distinguished Service Award
The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) at Michigan State University is honoring four leaders in agriculture and natural resources for their community, state and national leadership with the Distinguished Service Award.
East Lansing, Mich. – The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) at Michigan State University (MSU) is honoring four leaders in agriculture and natural resources for their community, state and national leadership with the Distinguished Service Award. The awards will be presented on March 9 during the annual ANR Week luncheon at the Huntington Club at Spartan Stadium.
Allyn Anthony grew up on a 180-acre fruit and vegetable farm near Hartford, Mich., graduated from Michigan State University in 1966 and has remained a leading figure in Michigan agriculture ever since.
Following the passing of his father, Mr. Anthony returned to take over production on the family farm. In 1980, he, along with his family, received MSU’s award for Farm Manager of the Year.
Mr. Anthony has served Michigan’s farming community and fruit and vegetable industries his entire career. As a leader in multiple Michigan agricultural groups, most recently as executive director of the Michigan State Horticultural Society, his work supported farmers throughout the state.
"Allyn masterfully parlayed his education at MSU and his farming acumen into long-lasting relationships through the Michigan State Horticultural Society," Scott Piggott, CEO of Michigan Farm Bureau, said in support of Anthony's nomination. "Allyn's many years of excellentservice to Michigan's horticulturists and his lifelong service to Michigan agriculture have made him an outstanding leader in our industry."
In concert with the Michigan Vegetable Council, Mr. Anthony helped transform the Great Lakes EXPO into the premiere venue for Extension educational programs for fruit, vegetables and greenhouse crops in the Midwest.
A supporter of MSU research, Mr. Anthony facilitated the awarding of specialty crop grants to MSU, supported MSU faculty and Extension educators and was instrumental in the creation of the Michigan Tree Fruit Commission. He served in many MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources programs, particularly those supporting the Department of Horticulture and AgBioResearch fruit research centers, as well as helping develop MSU faculty positions to benefit Michigan fruit and vegetable farmers.