Ames, IA. – On Sunday, March 27th, the Dairy Science Club at Iowa State University hosted the 93rd annual Dairy Science Banquet. Animal science faculty, club members, and alumni are invited each year to recognize departmental and club success. The banquet was held in-person, after a virtual celebration the previous year, with 120 attendees.
Participants were able to celebrate the results of various awards and scholarships for Dairy Science Club members and Dairy Science majors including Dairy Challenge, Dairy Judging, Outstanding Sophomores and Seniors, and various leadership honors. The club’s Spirit of the Industry Award was presented to Tehya Demmer, current club president, and the Thomas John “TJ” Houdek Award went to club member Jenna Trenhaile. Leadership awards were presented to members Jessica Schmitt, Meghan Lacrosse, Amber Engelken, Deidra Green, Tehya Demmer, Shelby Westhoff, and Rebecca Burns.
The annual silent auction was held in a virtual format where bidders were able to view and bid on a display of items using an online platform. The Dairy Science Club saw tremendous success, raising over $2,800 thanks to the generous companies who donated items and those who participated in the online auction.
The Dairy Science Club Distinguished Graduate Award, first given in 1978, honors an Iowa State graduate not directly involved in dairy production. However, the individual has had a major impact on the Dairy Science Club, Iowa State, or the dairy industry through their career activities. Michael Turley of Greenville, Illinois was named the 2022 Distinguished Graduate. Turley is a fourth generation dairy farmer with Rolling Lawns Farm in southern Illinois. Since 2016, Rolling Lawns Farm has marketed its Grade A fresh milk and dream in the St. Louis metropolitan area. While in the Dairy Science Club at Iowa State, Turley served as the president and the editor of the Squirts and Kicks yearbook. He also competed on the dairy judging team.
Donald C. Beitz of Ames, Iowa was named the Honorary Member. This award was first given out in 1925 to honor someone involved in dairy for their service to our club or industry. It is often said by dairy farmers to be one of the most prestigious recognitions for those in the Iowa dairy industry. Donald C. Beitz was raised on a Guernsey dairy farm in Illinois where he developed his interest in animal science. He earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees in animal science from the University of Illinois and Ph.D. from Michigan State University. Currently, he holds the title of Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor of Agriculture. Beitz has been with Iowa State for 54 years and has taught over 13,000 students.