The Cattle Production Veterinarian Hall of Fame was established to celebrate the rich traditions of American cattle production veterinary medicine by honoring the exceptional men and women who have made lasting contributions to their profession. Inductees are true pioneers whose achievements span their entire careers.
“As the inaugural inductees, both of these men truly exemplify why the Cattle Production Veterinarian Hall of Fame was established,” said Mark Spire, D.V.M., technical services manager for Merck Animal Health. “They have made a powerful impact on cattle production veterinary medicine with their integrity, dedication and passion for the industry.”
Six organizations sponsor the hall of fame including AABP, the Academy of Veterinary Consultants (AVC), Bovine Veterinarian, Merck Animal Health and Osborn & Barr Communications. The inductees were selected from among their peers, and all AABP and AVC members had the opportunity to vote for one beef and one dairy veterinarian.
Dr. Harold Amstutz, West Lafayette, Ind.
Dr. Amstutz is well known for pioneering and supporting both national and international organizations for bovine veterinarians. He held several leadership positions throughout his career, including roles as president of the World Association for Buiatrics and the American Association of Veterinary Clinicians. He also was chairman of the organizing committee and inaugural president of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 1972 and served AABP in various capacities, including 23 years as the organization’s first executive vice president.
“At 92 years of age, this is an extraordinary honor,” said Dr. Amstutz. “Receiving this award from among such a prestigious group of nominees means so much to me.”
Born near Barrs Mill, Ohio, Dr. Amstutz received his bachelor’s and veterinary medical degrees from The Ohio State University. He had a private veterinary practice in Orrville, Ohio, before becoming an instructor of veterinary medicine at The Ohio State University, where he later became chairman of the Department of Veterinary Medicine. He moved on to become head of the Department of Veterinary Clinics at Purdue University and served as the section head of large animal medicine. His research focused on calf diseases, bovine respiratory disease, dehorning, bovine lameness and stray voltage.
Dr. Amstutz is a professor emeritus of veterinary clinical sciences at Purdue University and consults with dairy producers, veterinarians and insurance companies across North America. He and his wife, Mabelle Jo, live in West Lafayette, Ind., and have four children: Suzanne, Cynthia, Patricia and David.
Dr. Dan Upson, Manhattan, Kansas
Dr. Upson is best known for his commitment to helping ranchers produce safe, wholesome beef through residue avoidance and providing practitioners with knowledge and guidance for the prudent use of antimicrobials in beef cattle production medicine. He laid the groundwork for regulations in drug compounding and for veterinary prescription drug distributors. His Handbook of Clinical Veterinary Pharmacology is in its fourth edition and is widely used throughout the field of veterinary medicine.
“Receiving this award is overwhelming,” said Dr. Upson. “Cattle production veterinary medicine has been my life’s work, and I am very grateful for this honor.”
A native of Hutchinson, Kan., Dr. Upson received his bachelor’s, master’s and veterinary medical degrees from Kansas State University (K-State). He established a private practice in Pretty Prairie, Kansas, for seven years and then had a 35-year tenure at K-State, teaching pharmacology and serving as a section leader in veterinary extension. He also enjoyed working as a referee for college football games. He now is professor emeritus in pharmacology at K-State.
Dr. Upson is a past president of the Kansas Veterinary Medical Association and the K-State Alumni Association board of directors. He also served on the AVC board of directors for three terms. Dr. Upson and his wife, Stephanie, live in Manhattan, Kansas, and have three children: Connie, Ron and Elizabeth. 
