Harris Ranch Beef Chairman David E. Wood Wins 2008 Richard L. Knowlton Innovation Award
Chicago, IL - David E. Wood, chairman of Harris Ranch Beef Co., has been selected by Meatingplace magazine to receive the 2008 Richard L. Knowlton Innovation Award, which honors excellence in the U.S. meat industry in the areas of innovation, business success, leadership and industry contribution.
In particular, Wood was selected to recognize Harris Ranch's pioneering work in value-added branded beef, vertical integration and all-natural processing. "Many of the practices and philosophies that meat packers and processors have adopted in recent years are ones that Harris Ranch has been doing for decades," said Mark Lefens, president and editor-in-chief. "Long before it was in vogue to brand your product, actively market "natural" production practices, or adopt farm-to-plate production standards, Harris Ranch was at the forefront."
Wood's personal contribution to Harris Ranch and the industry is a model of dedication. Having begun his career with Harris Ranch in 1970, Wood rose through a variety of management and operations positions before assuming his current role as chairman of Harris Ranch Farms' Beef Division. He has served the industry through several organizations, including stints as president and chairman of the Western States Meat Packers Association; chairman of the Cattleman's Beef Promotion and Research Board; and executive committee assignments with the United States Meat Export Federation, among others.
In receiving the award, named after Richard L. Knowlton, the storied former chairman of Hormel Foods, Wood joins an impressive roster of past honorees that includes Phil Clemens, CEO and chairman, Hatfield Quality Meats; James Stonehocker, COO, Odom's Tennessee Pride; Bill Rupp, president, Cargill Meat Solutions, Beef Division; Joel W. Johnson, CEO and chairman, Hormel Foods Corp.; Henry Davis, president, Greater Omaha Packing Co.; Temple Grandin, associate professor, livestock behavior, Colorado State University; Bernie Hansen, former president, Flint Hill Foods; and Justin Segel, former CEO, Emmpak Foods.
Wood was selected from a field of several prominent executives, all nominated by their peers, customers or associates. Final candidates were screened by a panel of editors, prior Knowlton winners and other industry leaders.
Wood will receive the award Oct. 25 in Chicago at a breakfast in his honor.
SOURCE: Harris Ranch Beef Co