MISSISSIPPI STATE -- A Mississippi State University animal scientist who explores physiological factors affecting the ability of horses to reproduce and an MSU agricultural economist who makes sense of the interaction of market forces have each been honored with a prestigious award. 

Peter Ryan, a faculty member of the MSU Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, received the 2009 Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station Excellence in Research Award. The award is sponsored by Southern Ag Credit, a part of the Farm Credit System.

John Anderson, a faculty member of the MSU Department of Agricultural Economics, was named 2009 Outstanding MSU Extension Service Worker. This award is sponsored by the Land Bank of North Mississippi, also a part of the Farm Credit System.

Ryan joined MSU in 1999 and has earned international acclaim for his research on fescue toxicosis in horses. This syndrome often causes pregnancy complications in mares and can affect the health of the developing fetus.

“Dr. Ryan has added a new dimension to our research program,” said Terry Kiser, head of the MSU Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences. “He has distinguished himself, the department and Mississippi State University.”

Anderson, who has been with MSU Extension for eight years, provides market updates on livestock and row crop commodities to Mississippi producers. He is known for his ability to combine an applied economic perspective and his knowledge of production agriculture to issues that involve the disciplines of animal and poultry science, agronomy, aquaculture and veterinary medicine.

“His analysis of economic problems and policies has benefited the citizens of Mississippi,” said Steven Turner, head of the MSU Department of Agricultural Economics. “Because he continues to develop expertise in his field, Dr. Anderson has become a valuable and reliable resource for agricultural producers throughout the nation.”

Writer: Patti Drapala