A longtime Purdue tradition returned to Tippecanoe County as the annual Ag Alumni Fish Fry was hosted at the Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds Saturday, February 4, after almost 20 years of being held in Indianapolis. The signature event, which is considered the unofficial homecoming of Indiana Agriculture, reflects the longtime association between the Purdue University colleges of veterinary medicine and agriculture.
Attendees had the opportunity to explore Ag Avenue, the exhibit area that highlighted Purdue College of Agriculture departments and industry partners as well as Purdue Veterinary Medicine, which hosted a booth showcasing the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital, Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (ADDL), and the Caesars Entertainment Equine Specialty Hospital in Shelbyville, Indiana. The layout of newly constructed facilities at the Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds made it possible to offer an expanded Ag Avenue space, compared to previous years, enabling attendees to more easily visit the various displays and mix and mingle with fellow alumni, colleagues, and guests.
PVM representatives staffing the College of Veterinary Medicine booth visited with alumni from ages four to 90. The PVM display featured a slide show of the new David and Bonnie Brunner Purdue Veterinary Medical Hospital Complex, which was a popular topic of discussion. Many children who shared how they dream of becoming a veterinarian one day, were able to learn about the Boiler Vet Camps. Purdue veterinary alumni also came by to talk about how things have changed since they were veterinary students at Purdue.
After perusing Ag Avenue, attendees sat down for the meal and program, which featured remarks by new Purdue President Mung Chiang as well as the presentation of the Ag Alumni Association’s highest award, the Certificate of Distinction. One of this year’s recipients is Purdue Veterinary Medicine Professor Emeritus of Theriogenology Larry Horstman, who served 36 years on the College of Veterinary Medicine faculty in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences. He was praised as an outstanding teacher with an impeccable reputation and extensive knowledge of beef cattle. A respected authority on theriogenology – the veterinary medical specialty focused on animal reproduction – Dr. Horstman was board-certified by the American College of Theriogenologists and helped develop and use embryo transfer in the beef industry.
In 2015, Dr. Horstman was inducted into the Indiana Livestock Breeders Hall of Fame. At the time, a supporter wrote, “His knowledge of veterinary science and his ability to relate to producers, 4-H’ers, and anyone in between is unmatched.” Dr. Horstman also played a major role in bull evaluation and testing at the Feldun-Purdue Agriculture Center near Bedford, Indiana, and was the consulting veterinarian for the Indiana Beef Evaluation Program for more than 25 years. Today his consulting service, Horstman Bovine Reproduction Services in West Lafayette, is well-known in the commercial and purebred cattle world.
The Certificate of Distinction is intended to recognize those who have contributed significantly to agriculture, forestry, or natural resources. Nominees do not have to be graduates of Purdue agriculture. As Dr. Horstman was recognized at the event, a video about him was played. Click here to view the video. Dr. Horstman also received a recognition plaque.