Virginia Tech alumni and former faculty members inducted into Virginia Livestock Hall of Fame
Seven prominent livestock industry leaders were inducted into the Virginia Livestock Hall of Fame at the Alphin-Stuart Livestock Teaching Arena at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg on Sept. 21.
"The Livestock Hall of Fame allows Virginia’s beef, sheep, dairy, pork, and horse industries to recognize those who have made outstanding contributions to the commonwealth’s livestock industry," said Ike Eller, a retired Virginia Cooperative Extension animal scientist who chairs the hall of fame committee. "We are proud to celebrate the accomplishments of this year’s honorees. They join a distinguished group of leaders who have helped make Virginia’s livestock industry what it is today."
Five of the inductees have a connection to Virginia Tech. The 2013 inductees are
- John Henry Carter Jr. of Suffolk, Va.; 1954 and 1959 Virginia Tech graduate, Virginia Cooperative Extension animal scientist, and state swine specialist.
- Ernest E. Copenhaver (1931-2012) of Meadowview, Va.; cattleman, businessman, and beef industry leader.
- Harold W. Craun (1912-1990) of Roanoke, Va.; 1935 Virginia Tech graduate, Extension agent, dairyman, and state and national dairy industry leader.
- Hubert John Gerken Jr. (1929-2012) of Blacksburg, Va.; 1954 and 1966 Virginia Tech graduate, Virginia Cooperative Extension agent, and Extension animal scientist.
- Ervin T. Kornegay (1931-1999) of Blacksburg, Va.; professor of animal science and swine nutritionist at Virginia Tech.
- David A. Leonard of Lebanon, Va.; 1962 Virginia Tech graduate, cattleman, banker, businessman, and civic leader.
- John William Riley (1925-1994) of Staunton, Va.; livestock producer and agricultural leader.
Established in 2009, the Virginia Livestock Hall of Fame bestows honor and recognition on outstanding Virginians who have made significant contributions to the state’s livestock industry and people. The Virginia Cattlemen’s Association, Virginia Pork Industry Association, Virginia Sheep Producers Association, Virginia State Dairymen’s Association, and the Virginia Horse Council have the opportunity to nominate living or deceased individuals to the Virginia Livestock Hall of Fame.
For more information, contact Ike Eller at 540-951-2109.
2013 Livestock Hall of Fame Inductees
Top row: John Henry Carter Jr., Ernest E. Copenhaver, Harold W. Craun, and Hubert John Gerken Jr. Bottom row: Ervin T. Kornegay, David A. Leonard, and John William Riley.
