In 1956, although I was enrolled and set to become a civil engineer, my experience growing up on a family tobacco and cattle farm in Maryland instilled a deep appreciation for agriculture. So, I dropped out of engineering school, worked as an inspector of highway construction in DC for two years, and received an offer from an elderly cousin to develop a 1200-acre cattle ranch in Alabama. It turned out that my true calling was more "moo" than math." This unexpected journey taught me the value of hard work, resilience, and the beauty of nurturing life. It was a path that shaped my career and enriched my soul, reminding me that sometimes, the most rewarding adventures are those we never planned for.

Though my parents weren't farmers, other family members were. The essence of farming runs deep in my veins. My maternal grandfather, born in 1842, was a remarkable dairy farmer in Maryland, and he supplied horses for the horse-drawn streetcars in D.C. My mom, with her high school education, and my dad, who pursued a career in law, taught me the importance of following one's passion and the courage to forge one's own path. Among my three siblings, I was the only one who ventured into the world of animal science. This journey has been a testament to the power of embracing unexpected opportunities and the profound impact of pursuing a life aligned with one's true purpose.

My cousin's offer to develop a 1200-acre cattle ranch in Alabama and my passion for animal agriculture allowed me to be admitted by Auburn University in 1959  (the name was officially changed from API that year) and pursue a degree in animal science. I received my bachelor's degree in animal science from Auburn University in 1962. During those years, I was fortunate to receive guidance, mentorship, and education from a group of extraordinary professors, including Drs. Earl Wiggins, Bill Warren, Troy Patterson, and Howard Tucker. These remarkable individuals encouraged me to consider attending graduate school. Dr. Wiggins, a PhD student of Dr. L.E. Casida, enquired on my behalf if Dr.
Casida had an opening for a graduate student.   

                     Bill Warren, Ph.D.               Troy Patterson, Ph.D.        L.E. Casida, Ph.D.            Ed Hauser, Ph.D.

A stroke of fortune came when the esteemed Dr. L.E. Casida had a rare opening for a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin–Madison (UW). This golden opportunity allowed me to enter a graduate program jointly with Dr. Casida and Dr. Ed Hauser in 1962, earn my MS in 1964, and earn my Ph.D. in 1968 in endocrinology and reproductive physiology. This path was not just about academic achievement; it was a testament to the power of following one's passion and "walking through" the doors that are opened for you.

As each new graduate student entered Dr. Casida's lab, we were told about the American Society of Animal Science and the value of being a member. I joined ASAS in 1962, during my first semester at UW.

In 1964 I attended my third ASAS meeting in Chicago, when the meetings always started the day after Thanksgiving. I was a bundle of nerves as I prepared to present my first paper, endocrinology and physiology of postpartum sows, among a sea of brilliant students and industry legends. Looking back, I chuckle at how I must have been Dr. Casida's most challenging grad student, taking a full five years to wrap up my Ph.D., but he never gave up on me! Although it's been a while since I last attended an ASAS meeting, I still cherish those experiences. The highlights were always the poster sessions and the chance to chat with everyone from eager grad students to seasoned researchers. Each meeting was a stepping stone, helping me grow in maturity, skill, collaborative research projects, and insight.

In 1967, I embarked on my career with The Upjohn Company Animal Health business, a journey that would see the company evolve through mergers and name changes; I retired from there in 1998 but returned the next day as a contractor to work for an additional about 8 years supporting three projects I had been intimately involved with during my career, MGA, Lutalyse, rbSt. Throughout my career, I focused on advancing reproductive technologies in livestock
and maintaining an ongoing commitment to reproductive management in support of the U.S. beef and dairy cattle, swine, equine, and ovine industries through research at Upjohn and through collaborative research with colleagues in academia and USDA. I formed a consulting company in 1999 and continued to actively work in the animal industry until 2017.

My first wife, Ann, and I were blessed with three wonderful children: Jim, Maggie, and Martha, each finding their own career success. Jim is a Department Chair (Cell Biology) at U. GA and internationally known for his research; Maggie, a professional thoroughbred jockey, followed her passion to pursue a degree in animal science from Michigan State University (MSU) under the mentorship of Dr. Roy Fogwell, and has a thriving dog breeding business, Lauderdoodles, and is successful in training thoroughbred race horses;  Martha found that dressage was the best means of stress removal during her career of leadership in lean management in the auto, asphalt shingle, and health businesses.

                                                   
                              Jim and Linda, at the 2005             (Left to Right): Drs. Jim Lauderdale, Fred Stormshak, and
                                ASAS Annual Meeting             Keith Inskeep. Dr. Stormshak receiving the "L.E. Casida Award."

In 1998, I married Linda, and we shared a beautiful life together until her passing in 2020. Linda was my steadfast companion at every ASAS meeting, and she absolutely loved the camaraderie of the "ASAS wives club." Together, we forged countless cherished friendships with many wonderful couples, each one adding a special chapter to our shared story.

As I reflect on this incredible journey, I am truly amazed at the moments I underestimated or overlooked, realizing how deeply ASAS was woven into every step of the way. As our reason and purpose for ASAS membership change, it's incredibly special that the bonds we've formed along this path have only grown stronger and more meaningful. For me, what began as a student seeking a platform to share papers, to opportunities to connect with fellow researchers, and to maintain the pipeline of future animal scientists for my company turned into connections that have transcended professional boundaries, becoming a group of lifelong friends. This journey has taught me the power of community, the importance of collaboration, and the endless possibilities that arise when passionate individuals come together with a shared vision.

The 2025 ASAS Foundation campaign slogan, "Inspire ● Ignite ● Invest," truly resonates with me. It captures the essence of what we strive for in our animal science journey. No matter where you are on this path, I believe we all have the power to inspire, ignite, and invest in our professional community, helping our animal science family grow and flourish. I invite you to join me in supporting a cause through the ASAS Foundation that speaks to your heart, whether it's student scholarships, internships, prestigious awards, distinguished lectures, or any of the other critical initiatives. Thank you for joining me on this journey!

To support the ASAS Foundation, visit online here.

Extra:
Jim has received the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) Animal Physiology and Endocrinology Award (1986) and the Retiree Service Award (2008). He served as President of ASAS (2002-2003) and as President of the Federation of Animal Science Societies (2005). The James W. Lauderdale Appreciation Club was fully funded in 2007 with 56 Charter Members.