Dr. Cheryl Waldner receives national award for outstanding research and innovation

In a momentous evening at the 2024 Canadian Beef Industry Conference, Dr. Cheryl Waldner was celebrated at the recipient of the 2024 Canadian Beef Industry Award for Outstanding Research and Innovation. This prestigious accolade recognizes Dr. Waldner’s exceptional contributions to beef cattle health and welfare.

Craig Lehr, Chair of the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) and a beef producer from Medicine Hat, Alberta, praises Dr. Waldner’s impact.

“Dr. Waldner’s work has no doubt improved the competitiveness and sustainability of the Canadian beef industry. Her extensive and proactive efforts while supporting others is greatly admired and appreciated,” says Lehr.

Dr. Waldner, a professor and researcher at the University of Saskatchewan’s Western College of Veterinary Medicine, holds the NSERC/BCRC Industrial Research Chair in One Health and Production-Limiting Diseases. Her research focuses on the health and productivity of cow-calf herds, with a special interest in developing on-farm decision-making tools using new technologies.

“Dr. Waldner’s ability to translate complex scientific findings into actionable guidance for producers is unparalleled,” says Dr. Stephanie Smith, Chief Veterinary Officer at the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture. “Through her efforts, Dr. Waldner has also advanced our understanding of geographical risk factors for mineral deficiencies, providing producers and veterinarians with valuable tools to preemptively address potential health issues.”

Dr. Waldner’s extensive research has led to the development of tools for veterinarians and producers to monitor antimicrobial resistance and identify resistance and identify respiratory viruses and bacteria. Notably, she created a Johne’s Disease testing decision tool to help manage the disease in beef herds.

Dr. Waldner received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1988 from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine and her PhD in Epidemiology from the University of Saskatchewan in 1999. She has delivered over 100 invited talks at regional, national, and international scientific meetings.

“Her ability to successfully attract research funds and the appropriate collegial scientists to assist the study and reporting on industry issues makes Dr. Waldner the most significant researcher supporting an overall view of the research needs of Canada’s beef cattle industry,” says Dr. Eugene Janzen, Professor Emeritus at the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

As a researcher, professor, and veterinarian, Dr. Waldner has more than 270 peer-reviewed publications and has supervised numerous students and research associates.

The Canadian Beef Industry Award for Outstanding Research and Innovation, established in 2015, is presented annually by the BCRC on behalf of Canada’s beef industry stakeholders. It recognized scientists and academics actively involved in strong research programs aligned with industry priorities, who continually engage with industry stakeholders and demonstrate passion and long-term commitment through leadership, teamwork, and mentorship. Nominations are accepted from industry stakeholders and must be accompanied by letters of support from industry stakeholders and scientific colleagues. The recipient is selected by a committee comprised of beef producers, industry experts, and retired beef-related researchers from across the country.