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2021 NAAB Pioneer Awardee, Dr. Ole Meland, receiving his award from NAAB Board Chair, Paul Hunt.
Dr. Ole Meland
Dr. Ole Meland was a leader in the A.I. industry, dedicating his life to the betterment of the entire industry. Dr. Meland received his BS in Dairy Science from California Polytechnic State University in 1977. He received his MS in Dairy Genetics and PhD in Animal Breeding from Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University in 1980 and 1984, respectively. Dr. Meland was responsible for the genetic program at the Tri-State Breeders/Accelerated Genetics Cooperative, which brought in many bulls that were utilized by the Cooperative and marketed around the world. Many US and international dairy farmers were beneficiaries of these outstanding genetics. Dr. Meland’s work while at Accelerated Genetics was key in the development of marker assisted selection.
Dr. Meland started his work as the Director of Genetic Programs at Tri-State Breeders Cooperative in 1984, later becoming the Vice President-Genetics and served in that capacity until 2011. From 2011-13, he served as the Director of Business Development at Accelerated Genetics.
One of Dr. Meland’s most important contributions to the industry was his selfless work in helping to establish the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding. The industry was profoundly and positively affected by his efforts to assist with the establishment and creation of the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB). Dr. Meland was also a Genetic Consultant to NAAB from 2013-2015. He continues to stay active as the Genetic Consultant for World Wide Sires, Ltd. From 2015 – present.
Dr. Meland has made many contributions to the industry through publications. Topics such as: commercial corrective mating, Holstein milk yield response, selection of cows for embryo transfer, genetic and phenotypic relationship among measures of reproduction in dairy cows, and the use of Elite Genomic Young Sires in a Genetic Improvement Program are just a few examples of his contributions. He also has a way of explaining complicated topics in an easy-to-understand format for the general public and producers. In these different capacities, Dr. Meland has assisted many breeders and industry members select top bovine genetics or establish critical infrastructure that contributed to the success of the industry.
Dr. Meland has received many awards over the years, such as the Outstanding Graduating Senior of Cal Poly Dairy Science College of Agriculture, National Dairy Student of the Year, National Distinguished Service Award from Alpha Gamma Rho, and The Brother of the Century from Alpha Gamma Rho. He has also served on the Genetic Visions Board of Directors from 1988 - 2011, Alpha Zeta High Chancellor from 2007 – 2009, NAAB Board of Directors from 2007 – 2013, Chairman of NAAB from 2011 – 2013, and the Chairman of the CDCB Board from 2010 – 2015.
Dr. Meland’s contribution of time, energy, and talent have made him a true leader in the global bovine genetics industry. For these reasons, he is a deserving recipient of the NAAB Pioneer Award.