Three U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists have been inducted into the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Science Hall of Fame for their discoveries that provide solutions for infectious animal diseases, improve breeding for beef production, and enhance perennial grass breeding and bioenergy production systems.
Veterinarian Donald Knowles, animal geneticist Larry Cundiff, and plant geneticist Kenneth Vogel were honored Dec. 5 during a ceremony in College Park, Md. ARS established its Science Hall of Fame in 1986 to recognize agency researchers for their outstanding lifelong achievements in agricultural science and technology. Nominees must be retired or eligible to retire to receive the award.
Knowles was recognized for his leadership on infectious animal diseases, impacting national and global food security. Cundiff, has developed internationally recognized programs of excellence in beef genetics, impacting beef production and increasing global use of crossbreeding. Vogel was recognized for his research, which to the development of switchgrass as a bioenergy crop.
"The extraordinary contributions of Knowles, Cundiff and Vogel have had a significant impact on food and agriculture worldwide," said ARS Administrator Edward B. Knipling. "Their outstanding accomplishments demonstrate commitment, knowledge and perseverance. They have paved the way for future research that influences national and international agricultural programs and policies."
