Department of Animal Science

Emeritus Faculty

	Richard L. Willham Emeritus Professor of Animal Science C.F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor Iowa State University 225 Kildee Hall Ames, IA 50011-3150 Phone: 515-294-3533 Email: rwillham@iastate.edu
Education Doctor of Philosophy, Iowa State University: 1960 Master of Science, Iowa State University: 1955 Bachelor of Science, Oklahoma A and M College: 1954
Awards 2004: Portrait Award (Saddle and Sirloin Club) Dr. Willham celebrated his retirement July 7, 1997, but continues to be very active.
Instruction Dr. Willham created the Computer Cow Game, used by extension agents and in undergraduate instruction internationally. He has taught livestock heritage (history), population genetics, and applied cattle breeding.
Research Dr. Willham's area of research was quantitative beef cattle breeding, including beef-dairy crossbreeding, three synthetic lines of beef cattle that differed in size, and studies on the genetics of body composition of beef cattle. He was a pioneer in utilizing field data for genetic analysis and is widely known as the "father" of expected progeny differences (EPDs). He also played a key role in establishing national genetic evaluations for the beef industry. In addition, Willham made major contributions to the development of theoretical population genetics.
Professional Affiliations American Society of Animal Science - Breeding and Genetics Committee Chair Beef Improvement Federation - Charter Member, Genetic Prediction Committee Secretary, Board of Directors ex-officio member Living History Farm, Board of Directors
Selected Publications Willham, R.L. 1996. A heritage of leadership: A story of the first 100 years of the Animal Science Department at Iowa State University. Iowa State University Press, Ames. Willham, R.L. 1993. Ideas into action: A celebration of the first 25 years of the beef improvement federation. University Printing Services, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater OK. Willham, R.L. 1985. From husbandry to science: A highly significant facet of our livestock heritage. J. Anim. Sci. 62: 1742. Willham, R.L. 1985. The legacy of the stockman. Winrock Intl., Conway Press, AR. Willham, R.L. 1982. Genetic improvement of beef cattle in the United States: cattle, people, and their interaction. J. Anim. Sci. 54:659.
Other Links Saddle and Sirloin Club