Future Awards Will Bear His Name
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee Beef and Forage Center presented its inaugural Service Award to Neal Schrick earlier in November. The award ceremony took place during annual industry meetings in front of industry representatives, advisory council members, administrators, esteemed guests and UT faculty, staff and students.
Schrick, professor and head of the Department of Animal Science at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA), has been a driving force in the state’s beef and forage industry for more than 30 years. His leadership and expertise in reproductive physiology have shaped not only his department but also agricultural practices across Tennessee. A pioneer in his field, Schrick was part of the groundbreaking team that cloned the nation’s first Jersey calf, highlighting his significant contributions to animal science.
Raised on a beef cattle, wheat and cotton family farm in southwest Oklahoma, Schrick began his academic journey at Oklahoma State University, where he earned his B.S. in animal science. He continued his studies at Clemson University, earning both his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees and completed a National Institutes of Health Postdoctoral Fellowship at West Virginia University.
Since joining UTIA in 1994, Schrick has built a nationally recognized reputation as a reproductive physiologist, with a research focus on reproductive physiology and endocrinology, including studies on environmental and management factors affecting embryonic mortality, male fertility and estrous cyclicity. He has also been a key speaker at international, national and local events on reproductive loss in cattle and ways to improve fertility rates.
One of Schrick’s most impactful contributions to the agricultural industry was the establishment of the UT Beef and Forage Center in 2012. Recognizing the need to bridge the gap between academic research and practical applications for Tennessee farmers, Schrick’s vision for the Center was to create a hub for research and communication. Twelve years later, the UT Beef and Forage Center continues to advance the state’s beef and forage industry, benefiting producers through science-based innovations.
“Dr. Schrick’s leadership and vision have had a profound impact on Tennessee’s beef and forage industry,” said Gary Bates, professor and head of the UTIA Department of Plant Sciences. “His dedication to ensuring that research is translated into practical solutions for farmers is a legacy that will benefit our state for years to come,” added Bruno Pedreira, associate professor and director of the UT Beef and Forage Center.
In addition to his work with the Center, Schrick has been instrumental in developing precision beef and genomics programs, mentoring young faculty and expanding undergraduate program in animal science. He is also heavily involved in the state’s 4-H programs, fostering the next generation of agricultural leaders.
The UT Beef and Forage Center has announced that the award will now be known as the F. Neal Schrick Service Award, a fitting tribute to Schrick’s contributions to industry and to the university. This award will be presented annually to individuals who demonstrate outstanding service and dedication to advancing Tennessee’s beef and forage industry, recognizing exceptional commitment to research, education and collaboration.
Schrick shared the following upon receiving the award: “So many people have played a role in shaping the Center from a vision and there are several other individuals that deserve recognition for their time and efforts. This award came as a complete surprise, and Schrick expressed appreciation to Pedreira, Bates and David McIntosh, Beef and Forage Center program coordinator, for their support and vision for the Center.
The UT Beef and Forage Center serves as an information hub to advance Tennessee’s beef and forage industry by facilitating research, education and communication of science-based information. The Center works with producers, industry representatives and researchers to develop innovative solutions that promote sustainable practices in agriculture. For more information, visit utbeef.tennessee.edu.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is comprised of the Herbert College of Agriculture, UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch and UT Extension. Through its land-grant mission of teaching, research and outreach, the Institute touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. to Tennesseans and beyond. utia.tennessee.edu