The Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences is proud to recognize Dan Schaefer, professor emeritus and former department chair, on his induction into the Wisconsin Meat Industry Hall of Fame. Schaefer joined the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1981 as an assistant professor and, over the course of a nearly 40 year career, made lasting contributions to the university, the department, and Wisconsin’s meat industry.
Schaefer is widely recognized for his groundbreaking research in feeding Holstein steers. His work on supplementing vitamin E in rations to improve meat color remains influential today. In addition to his research accomplishments, Schaefer served as department chair and was instrumental in efforts to construct the Meat Science and Animal Biologics Discovery building on campus.
The Wisconsin Meat Industry Hall of Fame was created in 1993 to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the meat industry in Wisconsin. Schaefer will be honored April 9 as part of an awards ceremony held in conjunction with the Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors Annual Convention in Middleton. The Hall of Fame program is coordinated by the UW–Madison Meat Science and Animal Biologics Discovery program, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, and the Wisconsin Livestock and Meat Council.
This story was repurposed from the Wisconsin Meat Industry Hall of Fame 2026 press release.