The American Dairy Science Association: The Fourth Twenty-Five Years, 1981–2005

Abstract

Great leaders have stepped forward to successfully lead the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA) through its fourth 25-yr period of its 100-yr history. Rather than meeting on college campuses, the annual meetings of the ADSA are now held at convention centers that are easily accessible, and are usually held jointly with the American Society of Animal Science. Besides the scientific and social exchanges, regular members and students are recognized for their professional excellence with awards at these meetings. The Student Affiliate Division continues to hold an active meeting along with the parent society. The last 25 yr experienced the termination of the Purina Mills Fellowship Program after 52 yr of support for graduate students. The establishment of an ADSA Foundation has increased resources for enhancement of the ADSA. Newly established DISCOVER Conferences are recipients of Foundation support. The last 25-yr period experienced the development of a formal business arrangement with the American Society of Animal Science and Poultry Science Association that resulted in the establishment of the Federation of Animal Science Societies (FASS), which now houses the 3 societies in its building in Savoy, IL. The Journal of Dairy Science has become the leading journal for publication of dairy science research in the world. The Journal as well as the membership of the ADSA has become increasingly internationalized. Truly, the ADSA has much to celebrate because of its successes in mission during the fourth 25 yr of its history. Its membership can be confident as the ADSA begins its second century of service to the dairy industry.