Jerry Messer, Jamestown, N.D., has been honored by the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board as the 2017 recipient of the Richard E. Lyng Award for his contributions and distinguished service to dairy promotion.

Messer serves as chair of Midwest Dairy Association’s North Dakota Division Board and the North Dakota Dairy Promotion Commission, roles he’s held for 25 years. Since the early 2000s, Messer also served on the Midwest Dairy Association corporate board, holding the position of chairman from 2008-2017. Nationally, he’s been a member of the United Dairy Industry Association and Dairy Management Inc. boards and held national leadership positions as DMI treasurer and UDIA 2nd vice chairman. Since 2012, Messer has been chairman of the National Dairy Council.

As part of the Richard E. Lyng Award, the NDB will contribute a $2,500 scholarship in Messer’s name to North Dakota State University’s Animal Sciences Department.

Source: Midwest Dairy Association