The American Meat Science Association (AMSA) announces that Craig Bacon has been named an AMSA Fellow and is a recipient of the 2015 AMSA Signal Service Award. The AMSA Signal Service Award was established in 1956 and is given to members in recognition of devoted service and lasting contributions to the meat industry and to the association. The Signal Service Awards are sponsored by Cargill, Johnsonville Sausage Company and Elanco Animal Health.Craig Bacon will be honored at an Awards banquet during the AMSA 68^th Reciprocal Meat Conference on Tuesday, June 16, 2015 in Lincoln, NE.

Craig joined Tyson Foods in 1990 as a Food Technologist and has risen to the current position of Senior Vice-President of Research and Development. In this role, Craig leads the development of all products for Tyson Foods located in the Discovery Center in Springdale, Arkansas and the North Discovery Center in Downers Grove, IL. Tyson is the 2^nd largest food production company in the Fortune 500 and produces 1 out of every 4 pounds of meat consumed in the U.S. He is an inspirational leader to the over 300 team members that he leads.

Craig grew up in Southwest Missouri and attended the University of Missouri. From there he attended the University of Tennessee to obtain his M.S. and Ph. D. under the supervision of Dr. Dwight Loveday.

Craig has served AMSA well. He won the Achievement Award in 1999, and was on the Board of Directors from 1999 - 2000 culminating as President in 2000. Craig was an invited RMC speaker in 2001, 2009, 2011 and 2014, RMC Chair in 2000 and RMC Co-Chair in 2009. He also has served on various committees within AMSA. Craig champions AMSA to the bigger Tyson organization and to the other industries that he touches.

He is involved in FFA, serving on the National FFA Sponsor Foundation Board since 2009. He received his FFA Honorary Degree from Arkansas in 2012 and from the national organization in 2013. Craig is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Tennessee in the Food Science and Technology Department and at the University of Arkansas in the Poultry Science Department. Craig also serves on the Agricultural Development Commission for the University of Arkansas.

He and his wife, Debbie, are the proud parents of three children, Cassie, Justin and Amanda, who are all involved in animal agriculture. They reside on a sheep and cattle farm in Northwest Arkansas.

Source: AMSA