Dr. William G. (Bill) Luce | 1998

Pork production has changed dramatically over the past few decades, but one thing that has not changed is Dr. William (Bill) Luce's dedication and commitment to pork producers.

Dr. Luce was an Extension Swine Specialist for over 30 years at Oklahoma State University, retiring with the rank of Regents Professor. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from the University of Kentucky and Master of Science and Ph.D. degrees in Animal Science and Animal Nutrition respectively from the University of Nebraska. But even after retirement from the university, Dr. Luce continued his passion of working with pork producers through the Oklahoma Pork Council.

Although many think of Dr. Luce as an educator, his early work in research helped to improve swine health and to secure Oklahoma's current ranking as a major pork producing state. He developed and managed the tested-boar stations and coordinated the auction of performance-tested gilts and boars. He developed animal workshops and seminars on pork production techniques including farrowing-house management and artificial insemination. Under his direction the Oklahoma Pork Congress and Trade Show attracted national participation. He was instrumental in establishing a validated pseudorabies-free swine-health program and a statewide specific-pathogen-free (SPF) program. Much of the credit for Oklahoma achieving the status of hog-cholera free also can be directed to Dr. Luce.

Through this award the pork industry recognizes the lifelong commitment of an outstanding leader. Producers of Oklahoma and the entire United States have benefited from the talents, determination and foresight of Dr. William Luce.