Aug. 1, 2007

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DALLAS – Dr. Ellen Jordan, Texas Cooperative Extension dairy specialist, has received the American Dairy Science Association's DeLaval Dairy Extension Award.

The DeLaval, the association's highest honor, is presented each year to a specialist who has made noteworthy contributions to the industry. It was presented on July 10 at the association's annual meeting in San Antonio.

"Dr. Ellen Jordan is a very deserving recipient of the 2007 DeLaval Dairy Extension Award," said Dr. Ray Nebel, chairman of the association's awards committee. "She is the prototype for young dairy Extension specialists in that she is research-based and proactive. She transfers technical information to the farm so that it is easily understandable and put into practice."

Jordan is based at Texas A&M University System's Extension and Agricultural Research Center in Dallas.

The award was created to recognize outstanding achievement, according to the association. It takes its name from DeLaval Inc., a Swedish company whose founder, Gustaf de Laval, made contributions to the design of steam turbines and dairy machinery in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

The award winner "must have made a valuable and noteworthy contribution to the dairy industry through dairy Extension in the broad areas of production, manufacturing, marketing and youth work," the association said in its formal announcement.

Dr. Robert Hagevoort, an Extension dairy specialist at New Mexico State University, was one of three association members who nominated Jordan for the award.

"I have long been aware, and very impressed with the quality Extension work Dr. Ellen Jordan has provided to the dairy industry in general and in the reproduction arena in particular," Hagevoort said. "She is very deserving of this award as a token of appreciation for her commitment and dedication to the industry."

Dr. Tamilee Nennich, an Extension specialist based in Stephenville, praised Jordan for dedicating her career to working with dairy producers and improving the industry.

"She has been an exemplary Extension specialist, as well as a great colleague, mentor, and friend," said Nennich, who also nominated Jordan. "Dr. Jordan has made many contributions to both Texas A&M University and the dairy industry, and this award is well-deserved."