University of Illinois’ Hutjens receives dairy award

Mike Hutjens, dairy specialist with the University of Illinois Extension, has been named a Fellow by the American Dairy Science Association (ASDA). The award, announced earlier this month, recognizes Hutjens for “distinguished service to the dairy industry over 20 years or more.”

ADSA praised Hutjens’ “exceptional contributions” to the dairy industry during a career that began in 1971 when he joined the University of Minnesota faculty after receiving his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

“Mike Hutjens is one of the seminal contributors to the dairy industry over the past 30-plus years,” said Neal Merchen, head of the Department of Animal Sciences. “Recognition of Mike as a Fellow of the American Dairy Science Association celebrates those contributions to the industry and to his flagship professional organization, and I can’t think of anyone who is more deserving of this important award.”

Hutjens, who joined the U of I faculty in 1979, serves as a professor of animal sciences and Extension dairy specialist. He is a frequent contributor to a number of dairy publications, including Dairy Today’s Nutrition column, and presents programs at international dairy conferences.

Catherine Merlo is Western editor for Dairy Today. You can reach her at cmerlo@farmjournal.com.