Saddle & Sirloin Inductees
The Saddle & Sirloin portrait collection is the livestock industry’s hall of fame. Believed to be the world’s largest portrait gallery commemorating a single industry, the Saddle & Sirloin Club collection honors leaders in all facets of the American livestock industry — leaders chosen by their peers. The collection was established at Chicago’s Union Stock Yards in 1903, where the International Live Stock Exposition resided. In 1976, the collection moved to the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, home of the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE).
The following Michigan State University faculty are Saddle & Sirloin inductees with portraits featured at the Farm Bureau Pavilion:
Dr. Maynard Hogberg
Inducted in 2016
Painting by Richard Stewart Halstead
Raised on a livestock farm in southwest Iowa, Maynard Hogberg received his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees from Iowa State University. In 1976, he joined the faculty at Michigan State University with an appointment in extension, teaching, and research in swine nutrition and management. He was appointed chair of the Animal Science Department in 1984 and led a major effort to strengthen animal agriculture in Michigan. The Revitalization of Animal Agriculture in Michigan initiative added substantial funding to modernize facilities as well as expand faculty and programmatic support. In 2003, he was named chair of the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University. Recognized as a leader in the Animal Science departments, he elevated two major departments in scholarship and industry involvement to national standing, thereby maintaining their land grant mission. He elevated the departments as fundraising powerhouses, enabling them to recruit talented faculty, staff, and students. Dr. Hogberg was instrumental in the formation of the National Swine Registry and the National Junior Swine Association. He was involved in developing the Egg Industry Center and U.S. Pork Center of Excellence at Iowa State University as a response to the national need for university and industry partnerships. He served as President of the American Society of Animal Science and the Federation of Animal Science Societies, receiving the Animal Industry Service Award and Fellow Award. Dr. Hogberg was recognized with numerous additional awards including the Distinguished Service Awards from the Pedigreed Livestock Council, National Pork Board, National Swine Improvement Federation, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, and Iowa State University Foundation. The Livestock Publications Council presented him with the Headliner Award as well.
Dr. David Hawkins
Inducted in 2013
Painting by Richard Stewart Halstead
Native Ohioan David Hawkins earned his bachelor’s degree in animal science from The Ohio State University in 1963 and remained at the school to obtain his Master of Science degree in animal breeding and genetics. He accepted a teaching assistantship at Michigan State University (MSU), where he completed a Ph.D. in ruminant nutrition in 1969. Dr. Hawkins joined the MSU faculty as assistant professor, rising to full professor and coordinator of undergraduate programs, with responsibility over course and curriculum development. As faculty coordinator of the MSU Beef Cattle Teaching Center, Dr. Hawkins developed a world-recognized source of superior Angus and Hereford genetics. In demand as a judge, Hawkins was invited to judge national beef cattle breed shows and give seminars in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Europe, and 36 states of the U.S. Hawkins coached the MSU Intercollegiate Livestock Judging Team for several years in the 1970s and continued to serve as mentor to subsequent judging coaches. From 1996 to 2005, Dr. Hawkins was superintendent of the national senior college judging contest at the North American International Livestock Exposition. He led several student study abroad tours to Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and England. Hawkins received the Chevalier award from the Australian Angus Society for his work with student exchange programs. He received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Ohio State University (OSU) and was inducted into the OSU Animal Science Hall of Fame. The American Society of Animal Science honored Dr. David Hawkins with three national awards — Distinguished Teacher, Animal Industry Service, and Fellow.
Dr. Ronald H. Nelson
Inducted 1990
Painting by Richard Stewart Halstead
Born on a dairy farm in Union Grove, Wisconsin, Ronald H. Nelson earned his Ph.D. from Iowa State College in 1943, after completing degrees at the University of Wisconsin and Oklahoma A&M College. In 1946, he accepted the position of Assistant Professor of Animal Husbandry at Michigan State College. He was named Chairman of the Animal Science Department in 1950. Dr. Nelson developed an outstanding program teaching herds and flocks at the university. In 1978, he was honored with the International Animal Agriculture Award from the American Society of Animal Science for his work in nations including Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Nigeria.
Dr. Harlan Ritchie
Inducted 1994
Painting by Richard Stewart Halstead
Iowa-born Harlan Ritchie graduated from Iowa State University in 1956 and completed his doctorate at Michigan State University in 1964. While a graduate student, Dr. Ritchie served as a part-time instructor and judging team coach. After a distinguished career in teaching, research, and beef cattle extension, he retired from the university as a Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Animal Science. Dr. Ritchie’s research focused on swine and beef cattle improvement, beef cattle efficiency, beef cattle dystocia, enhanced carcass quality, and vertically coordinated beef production and marketing systems. A prolific writer, Dr. Ritchie authored hundreds of scientific and trade journal articles and extension papers. He officiated in the national shows of thirteen cattle breeds and seven swine breeds, and held positions in organizations including the Beef Improvement Federation, American Society of Animal Science, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Dr. Ritchie was honored with numerous awards, including the Distinguished Faculty Award, the Golden Book Award from the American Simmental Association, and service awards from the National Pedigreed Livestock Council and the Beef Improvement Federation. In 2001, he received the Livestock Publications Council’s Headliner Award.
Print
Email