Michigan State University senior Extension educator Gerald (“Jerry”) May was awarded the Michigan Pork Producers Association (MPPA) Distinguished Service Award on Feb. 20 at the Professional Pork Producers Symposium luncheon at the Lansing Center.

Michigan State University senior Extension educator Jerry May gives his acceptance speech upon receiving the Michigan Pork Producers Association (MPPA) Distinguished Service Award Feb. 20, 2014, at the Professional Pork Producers Symposium at the Lansing Center in Lansing, Mich.
Photo credit: Megan Sprague, MPPA
Jerry received the award, MPPA’s highest honor, for a lifetime of outstanding service to the pork industry. During the ‘80s, he served as a board member and two years as president of the MPPA. He continues to contribute with his work as an MSU Extension educator. Jerry has been with MSU Extension since 1999, working with commercial pork producers and in pork-related youth activities. He’s a pork producer himself, which is one of the reasons he relates so well to the industry. He has been working as an air quality educator and has various outreach and research activities in that area. Jerry has taken the lead on many of the environmental efforts Extension is making. He helps producers site new livestock facilities and helps them comply with GAAMPs (generally accepted agricultural and management practices).
Jerry was promoted to senior Extension educator status in 2013, evidence that we think he’s pretty effective, too. But there’s nothing to compare with recognition from the industry you serve. Congratulations, Jerry!