Join us at the Tennessee Trailblazer Gala, April 24, 2026 6:00PM – 9:00PM!
Step into an unforgettable evening at the legendary Neyland Stadium in Knoxville as we celebrate excellence, legacy, and the future of the beef industry. Enjoy a mouthwatering steak dinner, an electrifying live auction, and a powerful moment of tribute as we honor this year's Tennessee Beef Industry Trailblazer award recipient Ed R. "Prof" Lidvall. You can purchase tickets & learn more about this year's recipient below!
Step into an unforgettable evening at the legendary Neyland Stadium in Knoxville as we celebrate excellence, legacy, and the future of the beef industry. Enjoy a mouthwatering steak dinner, an electrifying live auction, and a powerful moment of tribute as we honor this year's Tennessee Beef Industry Trailblazer award recipient Ed R. "Prof" Lidvall. You can purchase tickets & learn more about this year's recipient below!
2026 BEEFoundation Trailblazer Recipient – Ed R. "Prof" Lidvall
After his service, Ed earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Animal Science from Iowa State University in 1948. It was during his college years that he met Dorothe “Dee” G. Hausmann, who became his wife and lifelong partner, beginning a love story that spanned more than 60 years. He later earned a master’s degree from the University of Tennessee and went on to devote nearly four decades to the university as a tenured professor, serving on the faculty for 37 years.
Fondly known as “Prof” or “Lid,” Ed was far more than a professor. He was a teacher, researcher, coach, advisor, colleague, mentor, and friend who shaped countless lives. Many of his students went on to make significant and lasting contributions to the livestock industry, a testament to his influence and dedication. A nationally recognized livestock judge, he won national championships both as a team member at Iowa State University and as a coach at the University of Tennessee in 1962.
Throughout his distinguished career, Ed received numerous honors, including the University of Tennessee National Alumni Association Outstanding Teacher Award in 1978. He also served as national president of his fraternity, Alpha Gamma Rho, and in 1988 was named Man of the Year by Progressive Farmer magazine.
In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to education, agriculture, and the livestock industry, Professor Ed R. Lidvall is the 2026 Tennessee BEEF Foundation Trailblazer Award recipient. Through this award, we celebrate his remarkable life and enduring legacy—one defined by mentorship, service, and a steadfast commitment to shaping youth and strengthening the livestock industry for generations to come.