Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE- In recognition for his contributions to the advancement of the beef industry, Phil Wyse, director of Pioneer Farm at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, received the Friends of Cattlemen’s Award. The Wisconsin Cattlemen's Association presented the award on Feb. 16.

"He brings a positive outlook, a level head and a sense of humor to all he's involved in. Perhaps his greatest attributes are his ability and willingness to facilitate the success of others," said Allen Arndt, Wisconsin Beef Improvement Association president.

Wyse has served as the WBIA bull test station manager for 36 years. Pioneer Farm is contracted to provide expected progeny difference testing and facilities for and the sale of various breeds of beef bulls. Pioneer Farm team monitor the progress and records weight per day of age, carcass quality and average daily gain. They also test fertility and perform ultrasounds. The annual sale is held in early April. Since 1972 when Wyse joined Pioneer Farm, over 4,600 bulls from hundreds producers have gone through the test station.

"He's done a wonderful job over a long period of time, said Bob Walton of the WCA board of directors. According to Arndt, Wyse has made the facilities very open and welcoming to the public by keeping them clean, neat and organized. Under his supervision, the farm has been used as a recruitment tool, teaching facility, laboratory for agriculture and criminal justice students, employment source for students and a member of the Wisconsin Agricultural Stewardship Initiative, which is a statewide collaboration between producers, government and the University of Wisconsin System to evaluate best management practices in production agriculture.

An alumnus of UWP, Wyse holds a bachelor's degree in animal science and master's degrees in agriculture education and agriculture industries. He resides in Platteville with his wife, Janean.

Anyone wanting more information about Wyse or Pioneer Farm may contact him at (608) 342-1850 or wyse@uwplatt.edu.

Contact: Phil Wyse, director, Pioneer Farm, (608) 342-1850, wyse@uwplatt.edu Written by: Krystle Kurdi, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, kurdik@uwplatt.edu