A worldwide leader in sheep production research.
1910-2001 | Artist: Thomas Embert ("Tom") Phillips (1927-2005)
Impact & Accomplishments
A world leader in research to increase the efficiency of lamb and wool production, Clair E. Terrill was raised in Iowa and began his studies at Iowa State University. In 1936, he completed his doctorate at the University of Missouri. He was an animal scientist at the Georgia Experiment Station, and then from 1953 to 1955, was director of the U. S. Sheep Experiment Station in Dubois, Idaho.
Dr. Terrill became Chief of the Sheep and Fur Animal Research Branch of the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), in Beltsville, Maryland in 1955. From 1972 until his retirement in 1981, he was the ARS National Program leader for sheep and other animals.
He served as president of the American Genetic Association and the American Society of Animal Science. Dr. Terrill’s honors include the ARS Science Hall of Fame and International Stockmen’s Hall of Fame designations, the Silver Ram Award from the American Sheep Producers Council, and the 1980 Animal Industry Service Award.
Did You Know?
Dr. Terrill developed a three-pronged strategy for increasing efficiency of meat production from sheep without increasing feed demands: genetically increase the lamb crop, remove low-producing adults at a young age and reduce lamb mortality.
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