COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Department of Animal Sciences at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), has named John Grimes as the 2025 inductee into its Animal Science Hall of Fame, recognizing his decades of leadership, research, and service to Ohio’s beef industry.
Grimes, a 1986 graduate of CFAES with a degree in animal sciences, was honored posthumously during a ceremony held April 18 in the Animal Sciences Arena. He passed away two days prior to the event. His family accepted the award on his behalf.
The Animal Science Hall of Fame honors alumni who demonstrate outstanding achievements in animal production, academia, or allied industries, along with dedicated service to their professions at the local, state, or national levels.
Following graduation, Grimes returned to his family’s operation in Hillsboro, Ohio, and founded Maplecrest Farms, a purebred Angus seedstock enterprise. In addition to his on-farm contributions, Grimes served more than 30 years with Ohio State University Extension, the outreach arm of CFAES.
Grimes was well known for blending academic research with practical knowledge to help beef producers across Ohio improve their operations. His nationally recognized work on early weaning of beef calves was published in peer-reviewed journals and helped shape herd management strategies for farmers across the country.
Throughout his career, Grimes created educational programs, fact sheets, videos, and bulletins and was a sought-after speaker at local and national events. He served as an Extension educator in agriculture and natural resources until 2010, then as OSU Extension beef coordinator and associate professor from 2011 until his retirement in 2019.
“John was a guest speaker in my careers class. He never said no to the request,” said Stephen Boyles, professor in the Department of Animal Sciences. “Students interested in livestock could be counted upon to learn something about raising, managing, and marketing livestock.
“Students interested in cats, dogs, horses, and etc. could be counted upon to learn something, too. John demonstrated leadership, comradeship, and compassion for people of the land.”
Grimes also held numerous leadership roles in state and national beef organizations, including the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, Ohio Beef Council, Ohio Angus Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, American Angus Association, and the Beef Improvement Federation. He chaired the boards of Angus Genetics Inc. and Certified Angus Beef.
“John’s industry involvement and efforts have played an instrumental role in keeping Ohio’s beef industry relevant and progressive on a national scale,” said Elizabeth Harsh, executive director of the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association, who nominated Grimes for the award.