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The Nebraska State Dairy Association (NSDA) has named Dr. Paul Kononoff, a Professor and Dairy Nutrition Extension Specialist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, as the 2024 recipient of the prestigious Philip H. Cole Industry Person of the Year award.
This annual award recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to advancing the Nebraska dairy industry through leadership, innovation, and dedication.
Kris Bousquet, Executive Director of the Nebraska State Dairy Association, commended Dr. Kononoff’s achievements, stating: "Dr. Kononoff is respected as one of the brightest minds in dairy cattle nutrition in the world. His commitment to research, mentorship of countless students, and his unwavering support of Nebraska’s dairy producers have had a profound impact on our industry. There is no one more deserving of this recognition than Paul.”
Dr. Kononoff has published over 100 scientific peer review articles and advised 31 graduate students. In recent years, he has spearheaded groundbreaking research, securing a substantial grant for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln to study how genetic and microbial factors can be manipulated to reduce methane production in cattle . His efforts have also focused on chemical characterization of feed, especially those grown in Nebraska, and understanding how they can be used to support the cow's needs for energy and protein during lactation. Kononoff serves as a board member of both the NSDA and the Dairy Council of Nebraska. He is also the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Dairy Science and served on the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine committee to outline the nutrient requirements for dairy cattle.
Dr. Kononoff’s dedication to the Nebraska dairy industry reflects the spirit of the Philip H. Cole Industry Person of the Year award, which honors those who go above and beyond to support the growth and success of the state’s dairy sector.
The NSDA will formally present the award to Dr. Kononoff at the 2025 Nebraska State Dairy Association Annual Meeting & Tradeshow on February 25th in West Point, Nebraska where dairy producers, industry leaders, and stakeholders will gather to celebrate his achievements. For more information about the Nebraska State Dairy Association Annual Meeting & Tradeshow, visit nebraskamilk.org or call 402.421.4472.
About the Nebraska State Dairy Association
The Nebraska State Dairy Association (NSDA) serves as the voice of Nebraska's dairy farmers, dedicated to promoting growth, success, and sustainability within the dairy industry. Through advocacy, education, and support, NSDA strives to advance the interests of dairy producers across the state.
