Urbana, Illinois | May 28, 2025 — In a significant recognition of leadership in dairy science, Dr. Jim Drackley, world-renowned dairy nutritionist and emeritus professor at the University of Illinois, has been elected Vice President of the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA). The appointment marks the beginning of a one-year term, after which Drackley will ascend to serve as President of ADSA, one of the world’s leading organisations for dairy science advancement.
With over four decades of service to ADSA, Drackley brings unmatched expertise in dairy cow nutrition, transition cow management, calf nutrition, and ruminant metabolism—fields that have greatly influenced both academic research and global industry practices.
🐄 A Legacy of Dairy Innovation and Mentorship
Drackley’s impact spans far beyond his new leadership role. Before retiring in 2024, he led a groundbreaking research program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, focusing on:
- Nutrition and metabolism during the dry period and transition to lactation
- Liver function and lipid metabolism in ruminants
- Practical approaches to dairy calf feeding and management
He also made major contributions to undergraduate teaching and graduate mentorship, training 45 graduate students and earning regular recognition on the university’s “Teachers Ranked as Excellent” list.
📚 Prolific Contributions to Global Dairy Science
Throughout his career, Drackley has:
- Delivered over 500 invited talks globally at conferences and industry events
- Published 236 peer-reviewed journal articles
- Authored 14 book chapters and 450+ abstracts, technical reports, and popular press articles
He has worked with dairy and feed organisations around the world, reinforcing global understanding of energy balance, protein metabolism, and dairy cow productivity.
“Dr. Drackley is a world-renowned dairy nutritionist who has made a tremendous impact on the industry,” said Dr. Dan Shike, interim head of the Department of Animal Sciences at UIUC. “His leadership at ADSA will strengthen dairy science globally.”
🏆 Recognised for Excellence in Research & Teaching
Drackley has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including:
- 🏅 2024 Zinpro Award for Excellence in Dairy Science (ADSA)
- 🏅 FASS-AFIA New Frontiers in Animal Nutrition Award (2024)
- 🏅 Applied Dairy Nutrition Award, Nutrition Professionals Inc.
- 🏅 Paul A. Funk Recognition Award & Spitze Career Excellence Award, College of ACES
- 🎓 Named an ADSA Fellow in 2015
With this election, ADSA gains a leader known for both scientific depth and industry insight—a powerful combination as the association works to guide the future of global dairy research, sustainability, and nutrition policy.