California Cattlemen honor
CVM Alumnus

Dr. John Maas

John Maas, who earned a master’s degree in veterinary microbiology at the MU College of Veterinary Medicine, received the Gordon K. Van Vleck Award at the 2011 annual convention of the California Cattlemen’s Association (CAA) and California CattleWomen, Inc.

The award, the highest honor the CAA gives, is presented to an individual who has greatly contributed to beef cattle production while not engaged in the industry as a primary occupation.

Ione Conlan, who is one of the beef producers who nominated Mass for the award, described the recipient by saying, “He is a selfless individual who has given tirelessly to producers, who have benefited from his extensive knowledge, kind demeanor, and prolific writing and research.”

Maas received his DVM at the University of California-Davis before pursuing graduate studies at MU.

He joined the faculty of the School of Veterinary Medicine at UC-Davis in 1988, and works in veterinary medicine extension in beef cattle health and food safety.

He is a founding member of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition and is a longtime California beef industry supporter, educator, and researcher. He has written hundreds of scholarly articles for beef publications and has been an integral part of California’s Beef Quality Assurance Program since its inception in the early 1990s.

CAA President Kevin Kester said of Maas, “While he has been instrumental in the success of California ranchers, his efforts have also been felt throughout our nation as he has dedicated himself to so many educational causes that have benefited ranchers everywhere.”

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