VandeHaar appointed President of the American Dairy Science Association
Print
EmailDr. Mike VandeHaar, a professor in the Department of Animal Science at MSU, has been appointed president of the American Dairy Science Association
The American Dairy Science Association (ADSA) has announced the appointment of Dr. Mike VandeHaar, a professor in the Department of Animal Science at MSU, as its new President. VandeHaar began his term in late June and will hold the position until June 2025.
As a leading non-profit organization, ADSA fosters collaboration among international educators, scientists and industry professionals. Its mission is to advance dairy science through education, research and practice. ADSA’s initiatives, such as publishing the Journal of Dairy Science, hosting annual meetings and offering international networking opportunities, are rooted in this spirit of collaboration among members and related associations.
"ADSA is an important organization internationally for dairy scientists. It is the premier organization because we have both the food and production sides of dairy cattle,” said VandeHaar. “We have scientists who focus on yogurt or ice cream, those who emphasize keeping milk safe and production scientists who manage cows and how we feed them, so they are more efficient and sustainable. We have 1800 professional members from the U.S. and another 800 from almost every country in the world that has cows, plus 2100 graduate and undergraduate student members."
VandeHaar’s involvement with the ADSA dates to 1982. Over the years, he has been a dedicated contributor, serving on various committees, including the Journal of Dairy Science Editorial Board, the Overall Program Committee and the Production Division Council. As he steps into the role of president, he aims to enhance the planning and execution of ADSA’s annual meetings, which includes introducing a new meeting science director to ensure long-term, dynamic programming. VandeHaar’s tenure as president is a personal milestone and a testament to his dedication to advancing dairy science. His leadership is expected to further ADSA’s mission of enhancing the global dairy sector and addressing critical issues such as sustainability and efficiency in dairy production.
“I really enjoy leading the organization and ensuring we have robust meetings where great scientific interactions happen and people can make connections,” said VandeHaar. “I’m at the point in my career where I can give back for the years I have benefitted from participating in the ADSA, and I’m excited to do that.”
VandeHaar began his career researching dry cow and heifer nutrition and has been a professor of dairy nutrition at MSU since 1988. His primary focus on feed efficiency has resulted in various advancements, such as integrating the “Feed Saved” trait into the U.S. Net Merit Index. His current research efforts are directed at understanding how genetics and feeding alter methane emissions and demonstrating how dairy cows can contribute to a sustainable future for feeding people.
