Today’s Animal Science Department of the University of Florida traces its modern origin to the early 1950’s when Dr. Alvin C. Warnick was amongst newly hired faculty that provided leadership to the cattle industry of Florida. Dr. Warnick joined the Animal Sciences Department at a time when the cattle industry of Florida was emerging from...

Blake Whisenant’s primary goal in agriculture is always to be a good steward of the land. Whether mentoring students, working with university research/extension or sharing knowledge to foster a better understanding of agriculture, Mr. Whisenant spreads the message of protecting our valuable soil and water resources. Many consider Mr. Whisenant a pioneer. He began using...

For 39 years Dallas Townsend worked as an agent with the University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service.  He spent his long career making sure that Southwest Florida farmers and ranchers reaped the benefits of the latest agricultural research. Townsend was born in Fort Myers in 1939.  He studied agriculture at the University of Florida, earning...

Dr. Joseph Orsenigo was a well-known research scientist and professor of plant physiology at the University of Florida’s Everglades Research and Education Center.  From 1957 to 1975, he headed up the center’s research program in weed science, developing environmentally safe herbicide programs for sugarcane and vegetable crops. Orsenigo was born in 1922 in Berryville, New...

Dr. Paul Lyrene is a world-renowned plant breeder who has dedicated his career to the development of early ripening, high-quality blueberry cultivars that are productive in Florida’s humid, subtropical climate.  His work has been critical to the development of the Florida blueberry industry.  As University of Florida horticulture professor Dr. Jeff Williamson says, “The Florida...

Kay Richardson is the president and general manager of Richardson Brothers, Inc., one of the top-performing cow-calf operations in Florida. He is known for the advances he has made in cattle production and for his marketing innovations. He is a strong supporter of cattle research at the University of Florida and has held many volunteer...

Dr. Alto Straughn’s career in agricultural research, education, and commercial farming spans more than 50 years and has benefited both Florida agriculture and consumers.  He is among Florida’s most progressive watermelon farmers, and his work with southern highbush blueberries helped launch a $40 million-a-year industry. Born in 1934 in Walton County, Straughn grew up farming,...