Iowa State Honors Bob Walton

A distinguished animal scientist with strong Simmental ties is recognized.

by Dan Rieder

Robert “Bob” Walton, who earned his doctorate in animal science from Iowa State University in 1961, has been presented ISU’s Distinguished Alumni Award for “preeminent contributions to his life’s work.” The presentation occurred April 29 on the ISU campus. It is the highest honor given by the ISU Alumni Association. Walton’s life work centered on animal breeding and genetics, and began with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture and animal breeding from Oklahoma State University, followed by his PhD in animal breeding from ISU, while studying under the renowned Dr. J.L. Lush. His entry to academia occurred when he joined the faculty at the University of Kentucky. Subsequently he spent nearly 30 years with American Breeder’s Service (ABS), including 20 years as the organization’s president. The ISU citation described Walton as “a man who became widely recognized as one of the top agribusiness leaders in the nation and globally respected for his contributions in genetic research.” As ABS CEO, he implemented progeny testing of bulls and developed a mathematical formula for evaluating bulls that revolutionized the dairy cattle genetics industry and was adopted by the US Department of Agriculture. He championed use of frozen semen and direct herd marketing to make quality genetic material available to producers in remote locations, leading to development of artificial insemination training schools across the nation. There is little question that Dr. Walton’s work transformed the dairy industry, and his efforts also played a significant role in both beef cattle and plant genetics. Walton is well connected to the American Simmental Association, having signed on as one of the organization’s earliest members, receiving membership number 722. He maintained his own Simmental herd for 43 years on his farm near DeForest, Wisconsin, before dispersing in 2011. In 2005, he was recognized with ASA’s prestigious Golden Book Award. In 2013, Walton’s longtime acquaintance Jim Berry, a fellow Simmental breeder and owner of Wildberry Farms near Hanover, Illinois, established a grant to honor Walton’s ongoing dedication to animal breeding and Simmental cattle. Initially, the aptly named Walton-Berry Graduate Student Support Grant provided $8,000 annually to advance graduate research programs with preference given to the area of genetics in livestock species. By 2021, the grant had awarded more than $80,000 to research focused on advancing genetic awareness in beef cattle, while also helping to train the next generation of animal breeding and genetic researchers. ASA Executive Vice President Dr. Wade Shafer expressed his admiration for Walton: “Bob has devoted his life to furthering the cause of animal agriculture around the world. ASA has been blessed to have him in our midst. Due to the generosity and insight of his good friend, Jim Berry, the Walton-Berry scholarship continues to give to animal agriculture in the names of two members who have already given so much.” Jackie Akins, PhD, who has worked with Walton as ASA’s director of Science and Education, offered these thoughts: “Dr. Walton is a model scientist and agriculturalist. His charm, thoughtfulness, and genuine desire to improve beef cattle genetics comes through in every conversation I have with Bob. I learn something new every time we visit. From how he rose through ABS, the creation of Interbull, and philosophy on using science to improve cattle genetics, he is a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience.” n