USMEF’s Clayton Receives Colorado State University Alumni Award

Paul Clayton

Citing his professional support and assistance to the school’s Animal Sciences program, Colorado State University (CSU) has named Paul Clayton as recipient of its 2018 Ram Alumni Award.

The award recognizes CSU alumni who have made an impact in their respective industries and continued to represent the “Ram spirit” to bring honor to the university. Clayton, USMEF senior vice president for technical services, earned both his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in Animal Science from CSU.

"The CSU Department of Animal Sciences, and the College of Agricultural Sciences, have very much appreciated the engagement and assistance Paul has provided to both faculty and students over the years,” said Dr. Keith Belk, a professor in the CSU Department of Animal Sciences and the Center for Meat Safety and Quality. “His knowledge about the technical impediments to trade offers a unique learning opportunity to CSU students. We are truly grateful that Paul has chosen to remain engaged with the department and university from which he obtained two degrees."

Dr. Kevin Pond, head of CSU’s Department of Animal Sciences, said Clayton’s continued involvement with his alma mater has helped connect and develop future ag leaders.

“Paul has been heavily engaged with our students and also as an annual speaker and organizer of our International Livestock Forum,” said Pond. “He has directly contributed to the international education of CSU and students from around the globe.”

Clayton, who joined USMEF in 2000, has more than 30 years of experience in the meat industry. Prior to USMEF, he was employed by Monfort/ConAgra for 17 years, holding several technical, managerial and executive positions. He also was vice president of technical services for the processed meat division of J.R. Simplot.

Those who have worked alongside Clayton during his tenure at USMEF recognize and appreciate his dedication to the meat industry, his willingness to help across all departments and his imperturbable demeanor.

“The team at USMEF would like to congratulate Paul, as this award is really a testament to his lifelong ambition to promote U.S. agriculture – especially in the global marketplace,” said Dan Halstrom, USMEF president and CEO. “CSU has been a wonderful partner to work with globally, and to have one of our leaders recognized by CSU is an honor for all of us at USMEF.”

Well-involved in the industry, Clayton has been a member of several meat science and food safety groups. He served as chairman of the Colorado Governor's Task Force on Food Safety and was co-recipient of the Edison Award for Best New Product Introduced in 1991. He is co-inventor on seven U.S. patents.

Paul Clayton, USMEF senior vice president for technical services, moderates a panel discussion at the 2017 USMEF Strategic Planning Conference

In his current role at USMEF, Clayton administers export service programs that include market access solutions in foreign countries, industry relations and various member services including research, technical and regulatory assistance.

Clayton and his wife Cheryl have two children and reside in Parker, Colorado.