The Farm Foundation honored Jayson Lusk, vice president and dean of Oklahoma State University Agriculture, with the 2024 R.J. Hildreth Public Policy Award. Lusk accepted the award at the Farm Foundation Round Table Chairman’s Dinner in Broomfield, Colo., on June 20.
The R.J. Hildreth Public Policy Award has recognized career achievement in government service, education or agricultural policy research. Since the 1990s, this award has been given to individuals who embody the mission and vision of the Farm Foundation and have made a significant impact on policy or education through their research, Oklahoma State University said in a release.
Trey Malone, assistant professor in agricultural economics and agribusiness at the University of Arkansas, nominated Lusk for the award.
“Dr. Jayson Lusk exemplifies the spirit of the R.J. Hildreth Award through his impactful research, policy engagement and mentorship,” Malone said in the release. “I can think of no one more deserving of this honor.”
Lusk’s research surrounding food policy, emerging food issues, consumer behaviors and more has set him apart as a leader in the industry, the release said. In addition to publishing more than 270 articles, he’s also authored six books.
The focus of Lusk’s research is on what people eat and why they eat it. His work is valuable to both the scientific community and the public for bringing a positive light to the importance of science, technology and entrepreneurship in the food and agricultural industry.
“I’m honored to be part of such a prestigious group of individuals presented with the R.J. Hildreth Public Policy Award,” Lusk said in the release. “I hold the Farm Foundation in high regard. I’m pleased to see the organization recognize individuals who are involved in not only ag policy but also food policy.”
Before beginning his role as the vice president and dean of OSU Agriculture in July 2023, Lusk served Purdue University as a distinguished professor and head of the Agricultural Economics Department for six years. From 2005 to 2017, Lusk worked at OSU as an agricultural economics professor, Willard Sparks Endowed Chair and later as a regents professor.
He received a bachelor’s degree in food science and technology from Texas Tech University, where he discovered his passion for food policy, and later pursued a doctorate in agricultural economics at Kansas State University.
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