Ames, Iowa
July 22, 2003

James Russell, an Iowa State University animal science professor, received the Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc. Forage Award at the 98th Annual Meeting of the American Dairy Science Association on June 24 in Phoenix. The award recognizes outstanding research on forage production, processing, storage and utilization.

Russell's research focuses on forage utilization systems that optimize long-term return on investment in beef production. His primary research areas are summer rotational grazing and winter systems using crop residues and stockpiled forages. More recent research centers on improving environmental quality through grazing management. Russell also conducts research on improving forage utilization through nutritional supplementation and storage methods.

Russell received his doctorate, master's and bachelor degrees from the University of Wisconsin. He came to Iowa State in 1979 and began teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in animal nutrition, ethics and sustainable agriculture. He also advises undergraduate and graduate students.

Since 1989, he has lead an interdisciplinary team of Iowa State researchers and extension faculty, governmental personnel and farmers in the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture. The group works to implement research and outreach programs to improve the economic and environmental sustainability of beef production systems.