Kris Johnson’s retirement marked by prestigious industry honor
Dr. Kristen Johnson was honored with the 2025 Friend of the Feeders award by the Washington Cattle Feeders Association (WCFA), recognizing her decades of dedication and invaluable contributions to the state’s beef cattle industry. As Alika Conley, President of the WCFA, shared, “Kris has always been a great friend to the Washington Cattle Feeders. She has helped formulate research projects that directly impact our industry, and she has a great common sense approach to getting information that we need to help steer our members in the right direction—both from a financial standpoint and a sustainability/ environmental standpoint.”
Jack Field, WCFA Executive Director, also praised Kris, stating, “Kris has been the go-to for all environmental issues for cattle feeders and has been committed to helping feeders as long as she has been with WSU. Her level of service is the highest! WSU needs to find the next Kris Johnson for the future of animal agriculture in Washington state. She is quite possibly the best that WSU has to help cattle feeders.”
Kris Johnson is a true ‘friend of the feeders.’ As she retires after more than 37 years of service, we celebrate her legacy of research excellence, leadership, innovation, commitment to educating the next generation of animal scientists, and unwavering support for Washington’s cattle feeders.
Min Du named Baxter Endowed Chair
On October 1, Regents Professor Min Du was named the Thelma and Max Baxter Endowed Chair in Beef Research and Education. This endowed chair was established in 1998 by a generous gift from Thelma and Max Baxter, passionate advocates for animal sciences at WSU. The Baxter Chair supports ongoing innovation and progress in the beef industry. Funding from this endowment will allow Professor Du, a leading expert in the study of nutrients, genetics, growth, and health, to pursue new research and provide opportunities for students.
Advancing livestock science: Zhihua Jiang’s Fulbright journey
Dr. Zhihua Jiang, an expert in animal genetics and phenomics, recently received his second Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program grant. In December, he traveled to Egypt to work with local researchers on improving livestock efficiency through advanced technologies such as AI, with a focus on Egypt’s native breeds. Due to increased tensions from the war in Iran, he returned to the U.S. in March, earlier than planned. During his 23 years at WSU, Jiang has earned multiple patents, mentored leading students, and made significant contributions to global animal science.
Award-winning research
Student Swine Cooperative (SSC)
In memoriam
James Cronrath died peacefully at his home in Cashmere, Washington, on June 18, 2025, at the age of 76. Jim earned both a BS and an MS in animal sciences at WSU. He was a laboratory technician in the department for 30 years, retiring in 2003.
Loyd Falen passed away on June 16, 2024. He was 83. Loyd earned an MS in animal nutrition from the University of Idaho and spent his career as a laboratory technician in the Department of Animal Sciences at WSU.
Orvil Sears died on May 3, 2024, surrounded by his family at home. He was 84. Orvil was hired by the department in 1966 and held several positions throughout his career, including herds manager of the horse barn and the cattle feeding lab. He retired in 2002.