In 2016, the North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge (NAIDC) organization established the Dairy Challenge Founders Award to recognize those with extraordinary, consistent contributions and/or distinguished service to NAIDC. During the past 5 years, 12 Founders were awarded and recognized. This past weekend, another 6 Founders Awards were given out, including one to the late Dr. John Walton (October 5, 1949 to August 22, 2016).

John was a faculty member from 1979 to 2009 in the Department of Animal Biosciences (formerly Animal and Poultry Science) where he ran a successful research program in the area of animal reproduction. Following his retirement in 2009, John remained active teaching in the department, with much of his focus on developing, coordinating and leading a senior undergraduate course at the University of Guelph called “Challenges and Opportunities in Dairy Cattle Production”. That course not only helped prepare students for participation in the subsequent NAIDC competitions but also and more so for their future careers in the dairy industry. A landmark offering, “Challenges and Opportunities in Dairy Cattle Production” is held in great esteem by senior students at the University of Guelph interested in a variety of careers involved with the dairy industry.

John’s passion for teaching, mentoring the various NAIDC competition teams, and his networking with the local farming community was immense.  His unbridled enthusiasm for the dairy industry and for training these future professionals was infectious. John was a fierce supporter of the NAIDC right up to the final days of his life, and as such was nominated for and honored with this Founders Award.