Occupation: Science Educator
Born: Glendale, California, May 16, 1942
Education:
PhD, Physiology of Reproduction & Range Science, Utah State University (1978)
MS in Animal Breeding & Range Management, University of Nevada, Reno, NV (1966)
BS in Animal Husbandry, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (1964)
Certifications:
Certified OFDA Australian Wool Tester, American Sheep Industry Association (2010-Present); Certified in Radiological Monitoring, U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Defense (1966); Certified Small Arms Training Instructor, National Rifle Association (1966)
Career:
Technical Consultant, Navajo Sheep Project (2002-Present)
Professor, Department of Animal, Dairy & Veterinary Science, Utah State University, Logan, UT (1979-Present)
Administrator, Animal and Equine Science Internship Program (1979-2017)
Founding Director, Navajo Sheep Project, Utah State University, Logan, UT (1977-2002)
Associate Staff Scientist, International Sheep and Goat Institute, Utah State University (1979-1989)
Co-founder, American Polypay Sheep Association (1980)
Professor, Animal Science Department, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA (1969-1979)
Seasonal Staff Scientist, United States Sheep Experiment Station, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Dubois, ID (1972-1977)
Co-owner, Quaking Aspen Ranch (1964-1972); Manager, Quaking Aspen Ranch (1964-1972)
Extension Agent, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension (1966-1969)
Graduate Research Assistant, University of Nevada, Reno, NV (1964-1966)
Shepherd, Animal Husbandry Department, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA (1962-1964)
Horse Handler, Animal Husbandry Department, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA (1961-1964)
Swine Herdsman, Animal Husbandry Department, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA (1961-1964)
Assistant Ranch Manager, Hidden Trails, Ltd, Agoura, CA (1960-1961)
Ranch Hand, Bar Lazy B Ranch, Ronan, MT (1959-1961)
State Educational Program Leader, Sheep and Wool Program, Utah State University
Member-in-Charge, Animal Fiber Laboratory, Utah State University
Horse and Sheep Specialist, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Veterinarian’s Assistant to Dr. Kurt A. Schilling, DVM, P.C., Tarzana, CA
Stud and Broodmare Manager, Asil Arabian Horse Ranch, Chino, CA
General Horse Management, Gimple Training Stables, Walnut, CA
Resident Live-In, Gimple Training Stables, Walnut, CA
Groom and Show Handler, McCoy Arabians, Chino, CA
Veterinarian’s Assistant, Broodmare Breeding Program, Ellsworth Thoroughbred Ranch, Chino, CA
Cattle Feeder, Feed Mill Operations, Ellsworth Feedyard
Feeder, Liggett Farms, Upland, CA
Candler, Liggett Farms, Upland, CA
Brooders, Liggett Farms, Upland, CA
Egg Collector, Liggett Farms, Upland, CA
Sanitation, Liggett Farms, Upland, CA
Packaging, Liggett Farms, Upland, CA
Babcock Butter-Fat Tester, Adohr Farms Creamery, Woodland Hills, CA
Ice Cream and Cheese Maker, Adohr Farms Creamery, Woodland Hills, CA
Sheep/Goat and Fiber Specialist
Career Related:
Director, Nevada Range Camps for Boys (Now Youth Range Camp, Nevada Section, Society for Range Management) (1966-1968); Counselor, Society for Range Management (1966-1968); Educational Representative, American Sheep Industry Association; Educational Representative, Utah Wool Growers; Planning Committee Member, Annual “Sheep & Goat Education Day” Event; Ranch Resident Faculty Supervisor, California Polytechnic State University; Manager, Horse Show, State of Nevada; Board of Directors, Bishop Tri-County Fair; Instructor, Nevada Range Camps for Boys (Now Youth Range Camp, Nevada Section, Society for Range Management); Collaborator, Range Management Seminars; Arabian Horse Showman, W.K. Kellog Arabian Horse Center, Pomona, CA; Breeder, American Suffolk Sheep Society
Military:
Pilot, 2848th Air Base Wing, United States Air Force (1958-1962); Operations Officer, 125th Composite Squadron, U.S. Air Force (1958-1962); First Lieutenant, U.S. Air Force, Norton Air Force Base, San Bernardino, CA (1959-1961)
Civic:
Faculty Adviser, Sheep & Goat Club, Utah State University (2003-Present); Scout and Adult Scouter, Boy Scouts of America, Logan, UT (1950-Present); Honors Program Adviser, Utah State University (1979-2014); Faculty Adviser, Agro-Ecology Club, Utah State University (1993-1999); Counselor, Director, The Nevada Range Camp for Boys, American Society of Range Management (1966-1968); Faculty Adviser, Native American and Hispanic Club, Utah State University; Animal Fiber Judge, County and State Fairs; Faculty Adviser, Boots & Spurs Club, California Polytechnic State University; Coach, Livestock Judging Teams, Douglas County; Board Member, American Heritage Sheep Center, Rawlins, WY; Trustee, Livestock Education Foundation, Logan, UT; Active Member, Cache Valley Historical Society, Logan, UT; Active Member, American West Heritage Center, Wellsville, WY; Consultant, Western Folklife Center, Elko, NV; Cache Valley Historical Society, Logan, UT; Festival of the American West, Logan, UT; Ronald V. Jensen Historical Farm, College Ward, UT; Pioneer Trail State Park and This is the Place Monument, Salt Lake City, UT; Military Vehicle Preservation Association, Independence, MO; Rocky Mountain Railroad Club, Denver, CO; Summer Senior Citizens Program, Logan, UT; Elderhostel, Logan, UT; Adult Leader and Livestock Judging Coach, 4-H Livestock Club
Creative Works:
Author, “Wool Grading and Fleece Evaluation Training Manual,” USDA-IIRD Program (2005-Present); Author, Magazine Columns, Livestock Q and A and Hobby Farms, EG Media Investment, LLC (2004-Present); Author, “Small Ruminant Production Medicine and Management,” Animal Health Publications (2002-Present); Reviewer, Projects Associated With Sheep, Goats, and Fiber, USDA-CSREES and SBIR (1989-Present); Editorial Reviewer, Applied Animal Science Section and Animal Fiber Research, Journal of Animal Science, American Society of Animal Science (1979-Present); Co-author, “Diné (Navajo) Parents’ and Community Leaders Perceptions of Agriculture-Related Injury Risk to Youth: A Social Narrative” (2014); Co-reviewer, “Practical Lambing and Lamb Care, Third Edition,” Blackwell Publishing (2014); Co-author, “An Introduction to Sheep and Goat Parasite Management in Hawai’i” (2012); Co-author, “Flushing Ewes Improves the Number of Offspring in a Commercial Range Management Operation,” Journal of the NACAA (2012); Author, “In Your Hands, Do-it-Yourself Veterinary Guide,” Hobby Farms Magazine (2007); Author, “Scouring Wool with Bubble Agitation: Part Two,” Sheep! Magazine (2007); Author, “Scouring Wool with Bubble Agitation: Part One,” Sheep! Magazine (2007); Editorial Review Board, Management Section, Sheep and Goat Research Journal (1987-1999); Author, Weekly Agricultural Column, The Record-Courier, Swift Communications, Inc.; Contributor, Book Chapters; Contributor, Articles, Numerous Professional Publications
Achievements:
Saving and breeding the famous Navajo-Churro sheep for the benefit of Navajo and Hispanic cultures (1977-2002); Rescuing the first domestic sheep brought to North America by the Spanish conquistadors from extinction; Following the bison migration of herds in Yellowstone National Park several times a yearr
Awards:
Recipient, Undergraduate Faculty Mentor of the Year Award, Utah State University (2017); Recipient, Animal Science Professor of the Year Award, Utah State University (2013); Recipient, Foreign Agricultural Service Award, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Iraq (2013); Recipient, Foreign Agricultural Service Award, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Armenia (2011); Recipient, U.S. Army Freedom Award, Utah State University (2009); Recipient, Friend of Utah Wool Growers Association, Utah Wool Growers (2008); Recipient, U.S. Professor of the Year Award, Carnegie Foundation (2007-2008); Recipient, National Faculty Advising Award, NACADA (2005); Recipient, Robbins Award for Faculty Adviser of the Year, Utah State University (2004); Recipient, Outstanding Service Award, Utah Wool Growers (2004); Recipient, National Excellence in Teaching Award, U.S. Department of Agriculture (2003); Recipient, Goldtooth Begay Lifetime Achievement Award (2003); Honoree, The Wall of Honor, Smithsonian Institute (2001); Honoree, Man of the Year, American Biographical Institute (1998); Recipient, Com-Net Instructor Distinguished Service Award, Utah State University (1997); Recipient, National Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award, ASAS (1996); Recipient, Camptender Award, American Sheep Industry Association (1996); Honoree, America’s Conservation Breeder of the Year, The Livestock Conservancy (1996); Recipient, Friend of Students Award, Utah State University (1996); Recipient, Flying Professor Award, Utah State University (1995); Recipient, Outstanding Service Award, Utah State University (1995); Recipient, National Excellence in College and University Teaching Award, U.S. Department of Agriculture (1994); Recipient, Award, NHL (1994); Recipient, Re-Entry Student Center Award, Utah State University (1993); Recipient, Provost Award for Curriculum Development, Utah State University (1993); Recipient, ‘Selected Projects’ Award, The Rolex Awards for Enterprise (1993); Honoree, The Navajo Lifeway (1992); Recipient, Academic Adviser of the Year, Utah State University (1990); Recipient, Distinguished Alumnus Award – 50th Anniversary, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (1989); Recipient, Golden Gazelle Award, Women’s Center, Utah State University (1989); Recipient, Award, National Organization for Women (1989); Recipient, Utah Distinguished Civilian Award, U.S. Air Force (1988-1989); Recipient, Charles A. Lindbergh, Jr. Award in Intercultural Communications, Charles A. and Anne Morrow Lindbergh Foundation (1988); Recipient, Distinguished Service Award, The Navajo Nation (1987); Honoree, Honorary Lifetime Member, Navajo-Churro Sheep Association (1986); Recipient, Men of Achievement Award, University of Cambridge (1985); Recipient, National Champion Fleece Judge, American Sheep Producers Council (Now American Sheep Industry) (1984); Honoree, Professor of the Year, Utah State University (1983); Honoree, Honorary Lifetime Member, American Polypay Sheep Association (1980); Recipient, Award of Achievement, Society for Technical Communication (1980); Recipient, Bronze Award, International Film & Television Festival of New York (1979); Recipient, Best All-Around Teacher Award, Agriculture Council, Utah State University (1977-1978); Recipient, Silver Award, Festival of the Americas (1977); Recipient, Cinema in Industry Award (1975); Recipient, Honorary Lifetime Member, Boots & Spurs Club (1975); Recipient, Distinguished Teacher of the Year Award, California State Polytechnic University (1972-1973); Recipient, Woodbadge Award, Boy Scouts of America (1972); Recipient, Adult Leadership Award, Western Region 4-H, J.C. Penney (1968); Recipient, 4-H Meritorious Service Award, Douglas County 4-H Clubs (1968); Recipient, Agriservices Foundation Scholarship, International Stockman’s School (1967-1968); Recipient, Nevada State Coaches Award (1967); Recipient, Max C. Fleischmann Foundation Graduate Award, University of Nevada, Reno (1964-1966); Honoree, Alpha Zeta National Honorary Agriculture Fraternity, University of Nevada, Reno (1965); Honoree, National Order of the Arrow, Tannu Lodge, Boy Scouts of America (1964); Honoree, Dean’s Academic List, School of Agriculture, California Polytechnic State University (1962-1964); Recipient, Sweepstakes Trophy, Homecoming Float, Animal Science Club, California Polytechnic State University (1962); Recipient, Airman’s Medal for Valor, U.S. Air Force; Recipient, Commendation Medal, U.S. Air Force; Recipient, Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award; Honoree, Marquis Who’s Who Top Professional
Memberships:
Founding Board Member, American Sheep Center (1999-Present); Certified Llama and Alpaca Judge, ALSA (1998-Present); Balance Review Panel Member, Charles A. and Anne Morrow Lindbergh Foundation (1997-Present); Adviser, Navajo Sheep and Goat Producers Association (1995-Present); Heifer International Consultant, Navajo Nation and Chihuahua, Mexico Operations (1993-Present); Technical Adviser, Dine’ be iina, Inc. (Navajo Life-Way Ag Cooperative) (1992-Present); Technical Review Panel Member, Charles A. and Anne Morrow Lindbergh Foundation (1991-Present); Honorary Lifetime Board Member, Dine’ Be’iina, The Navajo Lifeway (1991-Present); Judge, International Sheep Shearing Contest (1991-Present); Life Member, Navajo-Churro Sheep Association (1986-Present); Small Business Innovative Research Grants Proposal Reviewer, Small Business Administration (1981-Present); Alpha Zeta (1964-Present); Judge, National Sheep and Wool Show (1964-Present); Four-Corners Value-Added Agriculture Committee (1993-2002); Leader, Four-Corners Navajo Nation Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Project, USDA-Western Region SARE Program (1993-1997); Small Ruminant Projects Review and Evaluation, United States Agency for International Development (1989-2001); Coordinator-Manager, First International Sheep Dog Trials (1987-1988); Regional Representative, Farm Flock Task Force, American Sheep Producers Council (1985-1987); Co-founder, American Polypay Sheep Association (1980); Adviser, Navajo Wool Marketing Industry (1978-2003); Teacher Committee, ASAS (1972-1977); Co-Founder, First Annual Poly Vue Intercollegiate Rodeo (1964); Junior and Senior Livestock Judging Teams, Animal Husbandry Department, California Polytechnic State University (1963-1964); President, Animal Science Club, California Polytechnic State University (1963-1964); Manager, Shepherd, Team Leader, California Polytechnic State University Sheep Show String (1963-1964); Co-Chair, Animal Husbandry Department, Poly Vue Annual Open House, California Polytechnic State University (1962-1963); Chairman, Animal Science Club Homecoming Committee, California Polytechnic State University (1962); Active Participant, Beef Cattle, Sheep, and Swine Projects, California Polytechnic State University Agricultural Enterprise Project System (1961-1964); Trainer and Exhibitor, W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Show Team (1961-1963); Livestock Exhibitor, Major U.S. Livestock Shows (1959-1964); Founding Task Force Member, National Sheep Improvement Program; ASAS; American Sheep Industry Association; The Livestock Conservancy; Utah Wool Growers; Sheep Industry Development Program; Natural Color Wool Growers Association; Montana Mohair Producers; Honorary Lifetime Member, American Polypay Sheep Association; United Suffolk Sheep Association; National Bison Association; CAST; AARP; Memphis Belle Memorial Association; Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association; Air Force Association; Colonel, Commemorative Air Force; NACADA; Dairy Sheep Association of North America
Family:
Grandson of John Mista
Son of Darrell Glenn McNeal; Elizabeth Vessie McNeal
Married: Nancy Coles Wilkie (August 10, 1962)
Children: Tamara A.; Sean E.; Joshua M.; Travis G.; Susannah R.; Jenny L.; Ian B.; Ilene L.
Grandchildren: Sophie; Molly; Eva; Eden; Grace; Hope; Elsa; Livy; Hillie; Nixon; Camry; Abigail; Hazel; Zeke
Hobbies:
Horseback riding; Fly fishing; Piloting aircrafts; Reading; Collecting historical memorabilia; Western history and Americana; American military and aviation history
Biography Sources:
Who’s Who in America – 2019, 72nd Edition (pub. 2019)
Who’s Who in America – 2018, 71st Edition (pub. 2018)
Who’s Who in America – 2016, 70th Edition (pub. 2016)
Who’s Who in America – 2015, 69th Edition (pub. 2014)
Who’s Who in America – 2014, 68th Edition (pub. 2013)
Who’s Who in America – 2013, 67th Edition (pub. 2012)
Who’s Who in America – 2012, 66th Edition (pub. 2011)
Who’s Who in America – 2011, 65th Edition (pub. 2010)
Who’s Who in America – 2010, 64th Edition (pub. 2009)
Who’s Who in America – 2008, 62nd Edition (pub. 2007)
Who’s Who in America – 2007, 61st Edition (pub. 2006)
Who’s Who in America – 2006, 60th Edition (pub. 2005)
Who’s Who in America – 2005, 59th Edition (pub. 2004)
Who’s Who in America – 2004, 58th Edition (pub. 2003)
Who’s Who in the World – 2009, 26th Edition (pub. 2008)
Who’s Who in the World – 2005, 22nd Edition (pub. 2004)
