Terry Wehrkamp inducted into Ohio State University Animal Sciences Hall of Fame
The Ohio State University Department of Animal Sciences celebrated the achievements of those who have enhanced student education and enriched the animal sciences industry through the annual Evening of Excellence program at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center.
This year, the Department inducted Mr. Terry Wehrkamp, Director of Live Production for Cooper Farms and an industry leader, into the Animal Science Hall of Fame. Recipients of the Animal Science Hall of Fame recognition are not only honored for their individual success but also their commitment to their family, local community, and the broader realm of the animal industries. Wehrkamp earned his induction into the Hall of Fame through his continued leadership in the agricultural community and support of the next generation of animal scientists.
“Terry is very deserving of this honor,” said Dr. Henry Zerby, Chair of the OSU Department of Animal Sciences. “His actions and contributions in supporting the continued development of Cooper Farms and the agricultural industry in general make him a role model and a leader for many of us to follow.”
Wehrkamp grew up in Smithville, Ohio and went on to graduate from OSU in 1982. In 1985 he joined the team at Cooper Farms, after working for Foster Farms in California. Wehrkamp has been a leader in the industry and at Cooper Farms as the Director of Live Production for the company’s turkeys, hogs and chickens, where he manages the teams caring for all three species and the feed production. In his time at Cooper Farms the company has seen tremendous growth in all areas, has evolved into one of the largest vertically integrated turkey, swine and egg producing companies in the U.S.
“Through his over 30 years at Cooper Farms, Terry has excelled in his career in every position and through each promotion,” said Gary Cooper, COO of Cooper Farms. “It is very to good to know that his exemplary and passionate service toward the poultry industry has not gone unnoticed. Terry is very deserving of this honorable award.”
While his career at Cooper Farms has been impressive, what sets him apart from other successful individuals is his willingness to give freely of his time to outside organizations at the state, regional, and community level. Wehrkamp has a consistent history of support for 4-H and FFA youth activities. In addition, he is a strong supporter of the OSU Department of Animal Sciences and has given numerous invited lectures and facilitated many departmental student internships at Cooper Farms. Wehrkamp was awarded the OSU College of Food and Agricultural Education Distinguished Alumni Award in 2010.
“We especially appreciate Terry willingly and generously supporting the programs in the Department of Animal Sciences; he has impacted several students over the years as he has visited with them during invited lectures, tours, internships, and other events. We congratulate Terry on his induction to the Animal Sciences Hall of Fame and look forward to continued interactions with him in the future.”
Wehrkamp’s community involvement is a testament of his leadership and desire to be an active member of the community. Wehrkamp has served on the board of directors for the Paulding County Carnegie Library, Paulding County Farm Bureau, The Ohio State University Alumni Club of Van Wert and Paulding Counties and the Ohio Poultry Association. He is an active member and supporter of the Midwest Poultry Consortium and is also active in several ministries at Divine Mercy Catholic Church, Paulding.
A portrait of Wehrkamp will be hung in the Department Hall of Fame in the Animal Sciences Building, 20229 Fyffe Road, on the OSU campus.
Source: Cooper Farms
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