The National Dairy Shrine has honored three Cornellians with the 2007 Pioneer Award to recognize their significant research to the dairy industry.

The honorees are Robert Foote '50, Cornell professor emeritus of animal science; Richard Keene '57, owner of Keeneland Farm, Gilbertsville, N.Y.; and Dale Van Vleck, Ph.D. '60, professor of animal science at the University of Nebraska.

The National Dairy Shrine membership includes dairy producers, scientists, students, marketers and others who preserve dairy heritage and keep the dairy industry strong. Awardees were honored in early October at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wis. Their portraits will be displayed at the National Dairy Shrine Visitors' Center in Fort Atkinson, Wis.

Foote studied animal reproduction; his research led to the discovery of more efficient methods of semen harvest, processing and analysis. He also researched embryo transfer and cloning. His Cornell research is now standard practice in artificial insemination and dairy operations across the globe.

Keene's work led to the improvement of the Holstein breed as a whole; he was also recognized for his contributions to the dairy community.

Van Vleck, a former Cornell faculty member in animal science, conducted research that identified accurate genetic evaluation models, selection strategies and exploration of new traits. This research has led to improved breeding decisions and maximizing economic returns.

The National Dairy Shrine was founded in 1949 and has more than 17,000 members.