Charles Frederick Foreman

Born in Blue Rapids, Kansas in 1920, Fred Foreman grew up on a general livestock farm that had several species of animals including a few dairy cows. The family’s cash crop was wheat. Both of his parents were from Missouri.

After completing bachelor’s degree in dairy science and master’s degree in animal physiology at Kansas State University, Fred studied under the guidance of Dr. Harry Herman and received his Doctor of Philosophy degree in dairy nutrition at the University of Missouri in 1953. At MU he was assistant professor of dairy husbandry from 1951 to 1953 and assisted Herman and Paul Cornelison in coaching the dairy cattle judging team that placed second overall and had the first place individual-Bob Marshall-at the America Royal Collegiate Contest in 1952.

For nine years at Iowa State University Fred coached the dairy cattle judging team which usually finished among the top five teams.

Fred’s experience in teaching dairy cattle judging led to many opportunities to judge 14 national and five international shows including those in Latin America, Australia, and Europe. Even while retired he travels to the World Dairy Expo where he was made “Industry Person of the Year” and to Dairy Shrine where he was named “Guest of Honor.”

A former student wrote “As one of the most popular tanbark judges ever, Fred had a flare as he would turn his back on the class and give his reasons. As a result people would listen intently and closely view the animals as they left the ring.”

Fred made important contributions in dairy cattle evaluation at many local shows where his influence on young people was significant. He particularly emphasized perfecting abilities to give oral reasons because of the positive effect on public speaking by his students.

Foreman’s first research publication, Effects of Carbohydrate Feeding Levels on Roughage Digestion in Dairy Cattle, was co-authored by Dr. Herman. He joined the faculty of the University of Minnesota in 1953 but moved to Iowa State University in 1955 to become assistant professor of animal science.

He was promoted to professor in 1964 and professor-in-charge of dairy science in 1968. Foreman retired to Emeritus status in 1985.

Always a student’s favorite, Foreman wrote “A Personal Philosophy about Teaching” for the Journal of Animal Science in 1971. The ISU College of Agriculture recognized him as “Professor of the Year” in 1966 and the American Dairy Science Association presented him the teaching award in dairy production in 1968.

Related to this was his service for several years as advisor to Alpha Zeta, the Honor Society of Agriculture.

Fred wrote numerous extension publications as well as refereed journal articles related to dairy cattle nutrition. The book he co-authored with professors Porter and Sims in 1964 entitled “Dairy Cattle in American Agriculture” won the annual Iowa State University press award.

Fred met and married Melba Zimmerman while each was attending Kansas State University. She obtained a B.S. degree from Kansas State University and an M.S. degree from Iowa State University. They have three children-John, Michael, and Lance. Fred and Melba now live in Sun City, Arizona.

Douglas Wilson, chief executive officer of Cooperative Resources International, wrote the following statement.

“Dr. Foreman is truly a unique personality who, during his professional years, touched countless people as an adviser, teacher, industry participant, and cattle judge. As a student who had the privilege of being at Iowa State University during the Foreman years, my appreciation level could not be higher. His role as an educator was great, but greater yet was his support during my career.”