Forrest Dryden Click here to view the presentation (Flash Viewer Required) The AMSA Distinguished Extension-Industry Service Award was established to recognize outstanding achievement in meat science extension and service to the industry. The recipient of the 2005 Extension-Industry Service Award is Dr. Forrest D. Dryden. |
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Forrest is vice president of research and development for Hormel Foods Corporation, headquartered in Austin, Minnesota.
Forrest did not begin his career in the meat industry, but rather in academia at the University of Arizona. From 1971 to 1979, he was an assistant, then associate professor in animal science and nutrition and food science, where his research focused on factors influencing lipid metabolism in ruminants, as well as the microbiology of fresh and processed meat products.
Prior to joining Hormel, Forrest worked for the American Meat Institute. As AMI’s assistant director of scientific affairs, he worked on many issues important to the meat industry, including defending the safe use of sodium nitrite in cured meat products.
Forrest joined Hormel Foods Corporation in 1981 as a research associate. He rose through the ranks to his current position, one that he has held for the past 18 years. In his work, Forrest has overseen the development of several, highly successful new meat and poultry products. Under his leadership, Hormel has completed three major expansions of their R&D facilities. His work on implementing state-of-the-art technologies has made Hormel Foods an industry leader in improving meat and poultry product safety.
His influence, however, extends well beyond Hormel headquarters. Forrest’s expertise and influence have led to numerous food safety standards being adopted by other industry leaders. His participation and leadership with the Food Products Association has prompted that organization to reach out further to its meat and poultry processing members. Forrest has been a key contributor to the AMI scientific advisory committee for many years and his participation with AMI’s nitrite advisory committee was instrumental in achieving recent landmark decisions regarding the safety and use of nitrites.
As one of his nominators so eloquently summarized: “Dr. Dryden is admired and respected by his colleagues for his innovation, service to the industry and personal qualities of leadership and integrity. He is recognized as a leading authority on food safety, product development, and quality management. His active participation in many professional societies and organizations has significantly contributed to the advancement of the industry.”
Because of his leadership in advancing the science and technology of this industry, Forrest Dryden is a truly deserving recipient of this year’s AMSA Extension-Industry Service Award.
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