Dr. Bobby D. VanStavern, meat scientist and beef industry leader, age 90, died Feb. 21. VanStavern was a catalyst in the consumer-driven marketplace, where cattle ranchers came to realize they are in the beef business and meat companies identified that branded fresh meats satisfy restaurant, grocer and consumer needs for higher quality.
Known simply as "Dr. Bob," he was considered the scientific mastermind behind the Certified Angus Beef brand, as well as a teacher, speaker and friend. His vision and appreciation for the factors that affect beef palatability led to the brand’s science-based specifications in 1978, making it the nation’s first fresh beef brand. VanStavern’s specifications for the brand remain the industry benchmark for premium beef today, and have led to Certified Angus Beef product sales of more than 1 billion pounds per year throughout the United States and 50 countries.