AASV Founding Member Inducted into the Cattle Production Veterinarian Hall of Fame

September 26, 2012 — 

John Herrick, D.V.M. was inducted posthumously into the Cattle Production Veterinarian Hall of Fame at the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) 45th annual conference in Montreal during the Hall of Fame banquet sponsored by Merck Animal Health.

The Cattle Production Veterinarian Hall of Fame was established in 2011 to celebrate the rich traditions of production veterinary medicine by honoring the exceptional men and women who have made lasting contributions to the veterinary profession.

Dr. Herrick was best known for pioneering the concept of preconditioning programs for weaned calves and his continued advocacy for veterinarians. His dedication to the profession led to a distinguished career and multiple leadership positions.

Dr. Herrick was an Iowa native and received his bachelor’s, master’s and veterinary medical degrees from Iowa State University. He practiced large-animal medicine before returning to Iowa State University, where he spent 35 years as a professor of veterinary clinical science and an extension veterinarian.

Dr. Herrick played a leading role in the formation of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians, as well as the Society for Theriogenology, the use of artificial insemination in cattle and swine, and establishing semen production standards. He also is known for his work to prevent brucellosis and mastitis. Dr. Herrick’s efforts led to the creation of the Iowa Preconditioning Calf Program, viewed as the industry gold standard for such programs.

During his career, Dr. Herrick spent time in more than 40 organizations nationally and internationally, eight of which he was a founding member. He was a past president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Iowa Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Extension Veterinarians. Until his death in 2007, Dr. Herrick spent his retirement years as an animal-health consultant in Paradise Valley, Ariz.

Source: Merck Animal Health News Release