Dr. Frank Baker is considered the “Founding Father” of the Beef Improvement Federation (BIF).
1923-1993 | Artist: Everett Raymond Kinstler (1926-2019)
Impact & Accomplishments
Dr. Frank Baker is considered the “Founding Father” of the Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) and was a pioneer in the industry, using creative strategies and new technologies to solve a wide range of problems, from diet-health to animal welfare issues.
Baker was born in Oklahoma and was awarded the Purple Heart while serving as a paratrooper during World War II. He studied at Oklahoma State University, completing his Ph.D. in 1954. Dr. Baker had a distinguished career as an animal scientist at four universities: Oklahoma State (1951-1953 and 1958-1962), Kansas State University (1953-1955), the University of Kentucky (1955-1958), and the University of Nebraska (1966-1979).
He was president of the American Society of Animal Science and of the Council of Agricultural Sciences and Technology. At the time of his death in 1993, Dr. Baker was Senior Program Officer for the nonprofit organization, Winrock International, where he directed the International Stockmen’s School.
Did You Know?
The Frank Baker Memorial Scholarship Award Essay competition for graduate students provides an opportunity to recognize outstanding student research and competitive writing in honor of Frank Baker.
American Gelbvieh Association