The American Meat Science Association (AMSA) announced that Dr. Roger Johnson, Director of Pork Quality, Smithfield-Farmland Corporation, is the recipient of the 2014 Distinguished Extension-Industry Service Award. The award was established in 1965 to recognize outstanding achievement in meat science extension and service to the industry and is sponsored by the American Meat Institute Foundation (AMIF).
Dr. Roger Johnson earned a Bachelor of Science degree in animal science from the University of Illinois. He earned his master's and doctorate degrees in animal science from South Dakota State University. While working on his graduate degrees, he was an advocate for meat judging and coached many successful teams and individuals. Dr. Johnson has a remarkable recollection and can tell you his team’s strengths and weaknesses for any contest you ask about. He also introduced alternative beef and pork cut judging classes, helped with the Meat Animal Evaluation Handbook, has served on many contest committees, and continues to help supply product to contests.