Fred H. Meinershagen
The 1978 Dairy Leadership award, presented by the Association of Missouri Dairy Organizations, is bestowed upon a man who has served the dairy industry in Missouri for over 30 years.
The recipient is Fred H. Meinershagen, who has served as Extension Dairy Specialist beginning in 1953 and as Dairy Extension project leader since 1963. Fred has not only served the dairy industry. Before becoming Extension Dairy specialist, University of MO. College of Agriculture, Columbia, MO, he worked as a fieldman for the Production Credit Association; as farm advisor for American Dairies, Inc., and some five years as a County Extension Agent.
Fred was born in 1920 at Higginsville, Missouri. He graduated from the University of Missouri College of Agriculture in 1943 and received a Masters degree in 1956. His major study was in dairy husbandry.
In his role as Extension Dairy Specialist and project leader, Mr. Meinershagen has been instrumental in forwarding progress in the dairy industry of Missouri on numerous fronts. He, over the years, has done an outstanding job in transmitting scientific information to dairymen and developing realistic and practical programs that pay dividends. A hard and industrious worker Fred has played a prominent leadership role in organizing statewide programs in herd management and mastitis control; farm buildings and dairy farm lay-outs; calf raising; dairy farm waste disposal; herd health; improved breeding; record keeping, and junior dairy work.
Fred’s ability to work with dairymen and secure motivation for statewide and national programs is well illustrated by his active participation in dairy organizations. Among these are: program coordinator, Missouri Mastitis Council; Board member, American Dairy Association of Missouri; Secretary 1970-71, Association of Missouri Dairy Organizations; Asst. Treasurer and Board, Missouri DHI Federation, and principal innovator in the organization of the Missouri Livestock and Poultry Health Council.
During 1968-69 Fred served as Chairman of the Educational Committee of the National Mastitis Council. He long served as chairman for the Dairy Fieldmen’s Conference and has led the way for the Missouri Dairymen’s Institute. Fred took a sabbatical leave in 1972-73 and studied dairying in Europe. In recent years he has organized tours of Missouri dairymen to study methods in New York state and in Europe.
He has served, and continues, as the Superintendent of Dairy Cattle at the Missouri State Fair since 1963.
Fred and his wife, Reba, are long time residents of Columbia. Both are active in community life. He has served as president of the men’s organization in his church and is a member of the Board of Deacons.
Fred is known and respected for his sincerity, honesty and willingness to help others. It is with these thoughts in mind that the Association of Missouri Dairy Organizations takes pleasure in presenting Fred the Dairy Leadership Award for 1978. With this award goes our sincere thanks for a “job well done” and every good wish for health and happiness in his retirement.