Dr. John Campbell receives 2019 Canadian Beef Industry Award for Outstanding Research and Innovation

Calgary, AB – A leader in beef animal health and welfare has been awarded the 2019 Canadian Beef Industry Award for Outstanding Research and Innovation. Dr. John Campbell was honored tonight at the 2019 Canadian Beef Industry Conference, held in Calgary, Alberta.

Dr. Campbell is a professor and researcher at the University of Saskatchewan in the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences. His work focuses on clinical research in beef cattle health management and the epidemiology of infectious diseases. He received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1985 and his Doctor of Veterinary Science in 1991 from the Ontario Veterinary College at the University of Guelph.

Dr. Campbell has assisted producers, researchers, veterinarians, and policy makers across Canada with his numerous research projects on infectious diseases, such as respiratory disease and trichomoniasis, and industry-relevant issues, such as antimicrobial resistance and animal welfare. As the Head of the Disease Investigation Unit at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), he has led an effort to keep local veterinarians, provincial officials, and beef producers updated with the information they need to keep their cattle healthy.

Dr. Campbell was responsible for establishing the Western Canadian Cow-Calf Surveillance Network and subsequently the national Canadian Cow-Calf Surveillance Network. Through this network, Dr. Campbell and his colleagues have been able to examine a variety of topics which help scientists from across Canada manage future research projects, identify emerging problems and evolving practices, and support beef producers as they manage production decisions in their herds.

“Dr. John Campbell embodies the spirit of cooperation and communication between academia and the cattle industry,” said Ryan Beierbach, Chair of the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) and producer near Whitewood, SK. “He maintains impactful and relevant research by staying actively engaged with cattle producers and is not afraid to get his hands dirty as he digs into the details to solve complex herd health and nutrition problems.”

Over the course of his career, Dr. Campbell has served on numerous beef industry committees such the National Beef Research Strategy, Western Beef Development Centre Strategic Advisory Committee, Antimicrobial Stewardship in Canadian Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine Conference Organizing Committee, and International Symposium of Beef Cattle Welfare Organizing Committee. He was also a member of both the Scientific and Technical Committees for the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Beef Cattle for the National Farmed Animal Care Council, a document that is now a best-practices manual for Canadian cattle producers.

“There are few veterinarians practicing in Canada who have not been impacted by Dr. Campbell,” added Matt Bowman, Vice-Chair of the BCRC and a producer from Thornloe, Ontario. “John’s teaching, research, communication style, willingness to help, and his personable approach have contributed greatly to veterinary medicine, as well as the competitiveness and sustainability of the Canadian beef industry.”

As a researcher, teacher, and veterinarian, Dr. Campbell has more than 80 peer-reviewed publications, has trained over 50 graduate students, and has influenced innumerable veterinary students. He is frequently called upon to present at conferences and regional producer meetings, as well as to contribute to columns in agricultural publications. Dr. John Campbell’s commitment to beef producers and bovine health is extremely evident in his efforts to provide information and advance best practices within the industry.

-30-

The Canadian Beef Industry Award for Outstanding Research and Innovation is presented annually by the BCRC on behalf of Canada’s beef industry stakeholders. The award recognizes scientists and academics that are actively involved in strong research programs aligned with industry priorities, continually engage with industry stakeholders, and demonstrate their passion and long-term commitment through leadership, teamwork, and mentorship. Nominations are accepted by the BCRC from industry stakeholders and must be accompanied by letters of support from industry stakeholders and scientific colleagues. The recipient is selected by a committee comprised of beef producers, industry experts and retired beef-related researchers located across the country. The award was established in 2015. See past recipients at http://www.beefresearch.ca/about/award.cfm

Nominations for the 2020 award must be submitted to the BCRC by May 1, 2020.  Eligible nominations from previous years will be considered for the 2020 award, which will be presented at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference in August 2020.

For further information, contact:

Tracy Herbert
Extension and Communications Director
Beef Cattle Research Council
306-850-5026 | herbertt@beefresearch.ca