Industry leaders inducted into the 2022 Livestock Hall of Fame

Four outstanding industry leaders were inducted into the Virginia Livestock Hall of Fame this September.

The inductees were honored and their portraits permanently hung in the Virginia Tech Alphin-Stuart Livestock Arena during a special ceremony on Sept. 10.

A total of 81 individuals have been inducted into the Virginia Livestock Hall of Fame and have their portraits on permanent display in the Virginia Tech Alphin-Stuart Livestock Arena on Plantation Road in Blacksburg.

Nominees for the award come through the member state commodity organizations, namely the Virginia Cattlemen’s Association, the Virginia State Dairymen’s Association, the Virginia Pork Council, the Virginia Horse Council, and the Virginia Sheep Producers Association.

The following are the 2022 inductees:

W.E. “Bill” Beal provided leadership to Virginia Tech’s undergraduate advising program in animal and poultry sciences and served as advisor and mentor to countless students who have gone on to impact the industry. A dynamic and sought-after educator, Beal has been recognized for teaching excellence with Virginia Tech’s Wine and Sporn awards and nationally recognized by the American Society of Animal Science. During his career as a reproductive physiologist and consult, Beal left his mark on the livestock industry through research, education, and information dissemination on a state and national level. Beal was nomimated by the Virginia Cattlemen's Association.

Mary Howe diZerega was an exceptional leader within the beef cattle industry before her passing in 2004. Her Oakdale Farm Charolais herd was a model for the adoption and application of technology and performance recording. She provided leadership both in Virginia and nationally through the Virginia Cattlemen’s Association, American International Charolais Association, and other organizations, and she was a strong advocate for conservation. Her dedication to the advancement of livestock through supporting education and premier leadership is honored. diZerega was nominated by the Virginia Cattlemen's Association. 

Joseph Lineweaver was a pioneer in the development of embryo transfer in cattle. After 12 years at Virginia Tech, he established Blue Ridge Embryos Inc. For 40 years, he applied the science of reproduction to the emerging economic opportunities of embryo transfer to benefit livestock producers in Virginia. Lineweaver was nominated by the Virginia State Dairyman's Association.

Thomas Meacham developed and led equine teaching programs at Virginia Tech from their initiation in the late 1960s through his retirement in 1992. He was a recognized leader in the industry and mentor to thousands of enthusiasts, young and old, who shared his passion for horses. Meacham passed away in 2011. Meacham was nominated by the Virginia Horse Council.

For additional information contact Scott Greiner at 540-231-9159 or sgreiner@vt.edu, or Jamie Lucero at 540-231-9666 or jlucero@vt.edu.