Pioneer Shropshire sheep breeder in America, elected to the Royal Agricultural Society and founder of the Altamont farm in Millbrook, NY.
1867-1936 | Artist: Robert Wadsworth Grafton (1876-1936)
Impact & Accomplishments
Making use of the Doctor of Veterinary Science degree he earned from the American Veterinary College in 1890, G. Howard Davison became the pioneer Shropshire sheep breeder in America, transforming the breed from a big-framed, slower maturing, open fleeced animal to a compact, thickly meated, early finishing type animal.
The work he accomplished, importing British stock to Altamont—his Millbrook, New York, farm—resulted in his election to the Royal Agricultural Society. To further promote and establish the breed, he offered sheep to agricultural colleges and experiment stations across the country, even if they could not afford to purchase them.
Dr. Davison held leadership positions with many organizations, including the New York State Fair, the American National Livestock Association, the National Horse Show Association, and the American Dairy Shorthorn Association.
He was a director and sheep superintendent of the International, serving as its president in 1917 and 1918. He was also president of several publishing firms, including the press that published Agricultural Digest. Dr. Davison died in England in 1936.
Did You Know?
Dr. Davison was commissioned, 1st Lieutenant, Veterinary Surgeon, Squadron A, NYNG, February 1, 1898. He served in Squadron A during the Spanish American War era and saw field service during the Croton Dam Strike, August 1900. He resigned from Squadron A in 1914.
Photo of Dr. Davison's residence in Millbrook, NY circa 1910.
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