Dr. Duane “Dewey” Wachholz taught Animal Science at the Collegiate level for over 50 years. He has played a role in nurturing a passion for livestock and meat science among countless young people during his career, many of whom found careers in agriculture not only Wisconsin, but throughout the United States.

He was born on a diversified farm in Central Wisconsin. Although the farm included many enterprises, including raising cucumbers for a nearby packing company in Wautoma, it was livestock, especially the hogs that captured his attention at a young age. Early memories include caring for young pigs in A-frame houses. His interest in animal husbandry and swine nutrition helped launch his academic career.

Dewey graduated with a degree in agriculture education from the University of Wisconsin – Platteville in 1965. His first job in education came the following fall, when he accepted a teaching job in Sawyer, Michigan. He began taking graduate level courses at Michigan State, and soon returned to the UW – Platteville to complete a Master’s Degree in Swine Nutrition. He then went to South Dakota State University with the agreement he would return to UW – Platteville as a full-time professor once earning his PhD in swine nutrition.

Dewey taught animal science at UW – Platteville from 1972 to 1982, before accepting a faculty position at the University of Wisconsin – River Falls. There, he not only taught courses, but began coaching the college’s livestock judging, and meat animal evaluation teams. At UW – River Falls, he helped oversee, and grow, the St. Croix Valley Bull Test.  Dewey was recognized as the Distinguished Teacher in 1989, an honor bestowed upon a professor annually by the students. Dewey’s discussion-based teaching style made him a favorite among students.

In 1974, Dewey accepted the role of one of UW – Extensions Livestock Specialists in addition to his professorship.  It was a position he held until 2001. It was through this role that he helped start Wisconsin’s Area Animal Science Days. The day-long events around the state provide opportunities for young people to increase their knowledge through judging contests and skill-based activities. During his career, he has judged livestock shows in nearly every county in Wisconsin. He has evaluated livestock at shows at the local, regional, state and national level. Dewey encouraged youth to pursue further education in the livestock and meat sector whenever the opportunity presented itself.

He retired following the 2015 school year, although continued to help with the University’s Meat Animal Evaluation courses and the UW- River Falls Beef Management Team. He served as a product show judge at the Wisconsin Association of Meat Processors contest for over 50 years,

A respected member of the livestock and meat communities his untiring dedication to teaching cannot be overstated., Dewey has been recognized as the Friend of Wisconsin Cattlemen, was inducted into the Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame. The Performance Steer show at the Wisconsin State Fair was named in his honor. He shaped Wisconsin’s livestock and meat sector through sharing his knowledge and dedication.