Jennifer Van Os, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist in the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, has received the Louise Hemstead Leadership Award from the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.
The award honors the legacy of Louise Hemstead, a 1988 graduate of the Meat and Animal Science program who built a distinguished 30-year career in the dairy industry, including leadership roles as Chief Operating Officer of CROPP Cooperative/Organic Valley and president of Organic Logistics. Hemstead was known for her innovation, service leadership, commitment to cooperation, and advocacy for women in agricultural leadership.
Van Os was recognized for her leadership in advancing dairy cattle welfare, strengthening connections between research and industry, and developing practical resources that support both farmers and animals. As a faculty member and statewide extension specialist, her work brings together behavioral science, animal welfare, dairy management, and public trust in agriculture.
Her path into dairy science reflects the tenacity and innovative spirit celebrated by the award. Coming from a non-agricultural background, Van Os has built a nationally recognized program focused on dairy cattle behavior and welfare. Her approach emphasizes collaboration with farmers, industry professionals, and other stakeholders to ensure that research outcomes are practical, credible, and useful for improving animal care on dairy farms.
In the nomination letter, Jeffrey J. Sindelar, Professor and Extension Meat Specialist in the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, highlighted Van Os’ ability to lead by example through “initiative, organization, and integrity.” He noted that her work embodies the spirit of the Louise Hemstead Leadership Award through a combination of scientific accomplishment, service leadership, and commitment to agriculture.
Van Os has also contributed extensively to service and leadership within the department, college, university, and national dairy community. In the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, she has served in leadership roles on the Teaching Assignment and Advisory Committee and the High-Impact Undergraduate Opportunities Committee, and she has contributed to the department’s Animal Operations Committee. At the college and university levels, she has served on advisory groups supporting Extension leadership and was nominated to represent CALS on a university committee focused on academic freedom.
Nationally, Van Os has served as a scientific advisor to the Farmers Assuring Responsible Management Animal Care Program, which provides animal care standards used across much of the U.S. dairy industry. She has also served as a panel manager for the USDA-NIFA Welfare of Agricultural Animals funding priority area, a significant leadership role in the national animal welfare research community.
Through her research, extension, and service, Van Os has demonstrated the qualities central to the Louise Hemstead Leadership Award: innovation, cooperation, stewardship, service leadership, and persistence in advancing new solutions for agriculture.
