Beef researcher receives CSAS Extension and Public Service Award

Dr. Greg Penner, professor in the Department of Animal Science at the University of Saskatchewan, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Canadian Society of Animal Science (CSAS) Canadian Industries Award in Extension and Public Service.

The award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to extension, education, and public service in support of Canadian animal agriculture.

Well known to Canada’s beef industry for his beef production research, Penner has become a leading authority on rumen and gastrointestinal health, with research focused on areas such as ruminal acidosis, feed intake disruptions, and gastrointestinal barrier function.

His work has helped translate complex scientific concepts into practical information that can be applied by producers, veterinarians, nutritionists, and other industry professionals.

Over the past decade, Penner has delivered more than 180 invited presentations, workshops, and training activities. More than 130 of those presentations have taken place in the past five years alone, providing science-based information to audiences across the beef, dairy, bison, and sheep sectors.

According to CSAS, Penner’s extension programming has helped inform feeding strategies, improve animal health outcomes, and enhance production efficiency across Canadian livestock industries.

In addition to his extension work, Penner serves as Co-Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian Journal of Animal Science, helping support the publication and dissemination of research relevant to producers and industry stakeholders. He has also contributed extensively to undergraduate and graduate education, mentoring students who now work throughout Canadian agriculture in academia, industry, consulting, and veterinary practice.

Penner’s contributions include beef cattle research supported through producer check-off dollars invested by the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC).

CSAS noted that Penner’s sustained commitment to technology transfer, education, and leadership has had a lasting impact on Canadian animal agriculture and exemplifies the principles of the Canadian Industries Award in Extension and Public Service.