Odie T. Stallcup

Odie T. Stallcup was a faculty member at the University of Arkansas for more than 40 years. During World War II Mr. Stallcup served with the 35th Infantry Division in Europe and was decorated with the Distinguished Service Cross and Purple Heart. Mr Stallcup’s education included a BSA from the University of Arkansas and a Ph.D from the University of Missouri. After returning to the University of Arkansas Faculty he undertook research into different methods of utilization of forages grown in Arkansas to increase cattle performance. The ultimate goal in all his research has been to strive to increase the profitability of the cattlemen of Arkansas utilizing forages that farmers can produce. He has investigated the effects of forage quality on dry matter intake and how it affects milk production and growth rate. He was a pioneer in the study of rumen development. The most elaborate equations for predicting energy content of forages were developed by Dr. Stallcup from his hundreds of digestion trials on every forage produced in Arkansas. He is a basic scientist in the area of rumen development and function and was capable of applying these research facts to increase productivity and profitability for the Arkansas cattle industry. Mr. Stallcup has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Distinguished Faculty Award, University of Arkansas Alumni Association, the John W. White Award for Research, a Merit Certificate from the American Forage and Grassland Council, Man of the Year in Arkansas Dairying, an Award of Honor by Arkansas Dairy Products Association, and Outstanding Research Award by Arkansas Association of Extension Specialists and the Arkansas Cattlemen's Association Award. During his distinguished career Mr. Stallcup produced a total of 83 scientific publications and 260 total publications. Through his achievements Dr. Stallcup has proved himself to be one of those rare individuals who was a truly excellent basic scientist, a skillful teacher and a great humanitarian.