David Patterson
Professor of Animal Science
University of Missouri-Columbia
Dr. David Patterson is the initiator and program director of the Missouri Show-Me-Select Replacement Heifer Program, a statewide educational program in cow-calf production. This program currently has over 775 farms enrolled and helps improve reproduction and management of beef heifers in Missouri. Patterson’s program has increased the quality of Missouri beef heifers through genetic management and added value to Missouri raised heifers overall in the national market. The economic impact of the program exceeds $3.5 million annually.
Patterson also developed the Quality Beef by the Numbers Program, which bolsters the benefits of the SMS program. The mission of this program is to improve profitability of Missouri beef by fostering the application of reproductive and genetic technologies. The program helps capture the economic value of selling higher quality calves from higher quality heifers, ultimately putting more money in the pockets of Missouri producers.
Patterson’s research covers a wide range of topics affecting cattle breeding, but it is all focused on improving the economics for farmers. For example, Patterson has conducted significant research in synchronizing estrus in beef heifers, which in turn has led to more effective reproduction rates. Patterson’s work on this matter is made available to producers all over the state through extension programs, on-farm demonstrations and a web-based curriculum he designed.
“I have never worked with an individual as dedicated as David Patterson to combining all the expertise available on the MU campus to find complete solutions to tough issues and then deliver these programs to production agriculture,” wrote one nominator.
Through these programs and his research, Patterson exemplifies the commitment of extension vital to the mission of the university as a land-grant institution. His work has helped farmers statewide capitalize on the resources and expertise at MU, moving the state as a whole forward.
Reviewed 2019-10-01