E.T. “Scratch” Itschner (1898-1968), Columbia, Missouri

E.T. “Scratch” ltschner was nominated for the 1986 AMDO Pioneer Dairy Leadership Award by the Missouri Brown Swiss Association in recognition of his 20 years of devoted service as their Secretary­ Treasurer. In addition he must be remembered for his 42 years of dedicated service with the University of Missouri Agricultural Extension Division.

Mr. Itschner was born at Macon, Missouri in 1898. His parents, of Swiss descent, were dairy farmers and he grew up milking cows and working on the farm. He graduated from Macon High School in 1916 and enrolled at the University of Missouri, College of Agriculture in 1917 and received his B.S. Degree in 1921. While a student, he was a member of the 1919 University Dairy Cattle Judging Team and won a Gold Medal in the Dairy Cattle Congress Collegiate Judging Contest. While in school he worked on a Columbia dairy farm to help pay expenses. In 1921 he was appointed Assistant County Agent in Jefferson County. The next year he was appointed as the County Agent in that county. That same year (1922) he married Mary Frances Black of Wayne County.

In 1935 “Scratch” was transferred to Holt County as County Agent where he served until 1935 when he was transferred to Columbia as the State 4-H Club Agent. In 1938 he received his Master’s degree. He became Extension Assistant Professor of Dairy Husbandry in 1942 and in 1953 attained full professorship. For many years he supervised the DHI program in Missouri. He initiated the Dairy News Letter in 1942 and edited it for many years. He not only traveled throughout the state teaching and demonstrating improved dairy practices he wrote some 25 Extension Circulars and Bulletins covering all phases of dairying. Always a quiet, yet persistent worker “Scratch” was a constructive leader and inaugurated many programs still followed in the state. He stressed leadership at the local level and few extension workers in Missouri have been more respected.

From 1943 to 1963 “Scratch” served as Secretary-Treasurer of the Missouri Brown Swiss Association. He effectively guided the Brown Swiss breeders into a well knit organization with emphasis on good herd building practices. Cantons were established. Local and state meetings were held on a regular schedule. Canton shows, picnics and meetings of the Swiss cattle owners were held and young breeders’ clubs organized. “Scratch” not only performed his duties as Secretary-Treasurer in an effective manner, he brought timely well-planned educational messages on breeding, feeding and herd management. The Brown Swiss breeders as well as owners of other dairy breeds in Missouri, loved and admired “Scratch” for his sterling character and devotion.

Mr. Itschner was a member of Alpha Zeta, a scholastic fraternity; Alpha Gamma Rho; Gamma Sigma Delta and Epsilon Sigma Phi, National Honorary Fraternity. He was a staunch member of the Columbia Presbyterian Church and served on its Board of Deacons.

The Itschners have three children: John, Webster Grove, Missouri; Betty (Mrs. Jim Elliott), Godfrey, Illinois; and Virginia (Mrs. Robert Barnes), Sun Prairie Wisconsin. Mary, “Scratch’s” wife of nearly 50 years, passed away in 1984.

Few persons in a leadership role in Missouri dairying have been more influential than “Scratch” ltschner. He will be long remembered.