AAFC scientist wins award for outstanding beef forage research

An old saying goes, “find something you love to do, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” Growing up, Dr. Yousef Papadopoulos always had an interest in science. Beginning his profession as an AAFC research agronimst almost 40 years ago, in Truro, Nova Scotia, he knew he made the right career choice. He focused on characterizing the role of forage species and their varieties in modern cropping systems.

Last August, Dr. Papadopoulos was honoured as a leader in forage development and sustainable livestock production. He was awarded the 2022 Canadian Beef Industry Award for Outstanding Research and Innovation. The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) presents awards to researchers or scientists whose work has contributed to advancements in the competitiveness and sustainability of the Canadian beef industry.

“It’s a true honour to be recognized by the Beef Cattle Research Council. When I was presented with this award, I read the application submitted by producers and my research colleagues. The application was very heartfelt and brought me so much joy.” – Dr. Yousef Papadopoulos.

Paying tribute to colleagues

It’s fitting that Dr. Papadopoulos has received this prestigious recognition. Over the course of his career, he paid tributes to former colleagues:

• Beginning this tradition in 1995, he registered his first cultivar; AC Langille birdsfoot trefoil. Dr. Papadopoulos honoured his late colleague, Mr. J. E. Langille, for his contribution to forage crop research at the AAFC Nappan Research Farm. Dr. Papadopoulos released two more forages cultivars: Tapani red clover and Bruce birdsfoot trefoil cultivar. Tapani red clover was named after Dr. Tapani Kunelius for his contributions to the Canadian agricultural research community and the advancement of forage and livestock production in Atlantic Canada. Bruce birdsfoot trefoil cultivar was named in honour of the late Mr. Bruce Petipas for his contribution to forage and livestock technology transfer in Nova Scotia. In 2015, Dr. Papadopoulos released a grass cultivar, Pratt timothy, paying tribute to Mr. Roddy (Dhuey) Pratt for his contribution to conducting forage and other crop research trials in Prince Edward Island
• Most recently, Dr. Papadopoulos honoured Mr. Brian Trueman, a former farm manager at the AAFC Nappan Research Farm, for his contribution of 30-plus years conducting forage and other crop and livestock research trials in Nova Scotia. He named a new alfalfa cultivar, AAC Trueman.

“I worked with many incredible colleagues over the years who have had major impacts on my work and my life. This is a great way to honour those who have helped my research and those who have had major impacts in the agriculture sector.” – Dr. Yousef Papadopoulos.

Congratulations to Dr. Papadopoulos on his latest award for outstanding research and innovation!

Learn more about Dr. Papadopoulos research projects over the years:

• ‘Making hay’ with forages
• New alfalfa variety will offer farmers a tougher forage
• Grass fed beef (Video)

Interested in reporting on this story? Contact AAFC Media Relations at aafc.mediarelations-relationsmedias.aac@agr.gc.ca to arrange an interview with one of our experts.