Animal Science, 1975

 

Larry Ferguson grew up on a farm in Grady County, Oklahoma, where he was active in both 4-H and FFA. To expand his knowledge and experience, he attended OSU, earning his bachelor’s degree in animal science in 1975.

 

Upon graduation, Ferguson began his career as a production supervisor with Schreiber Foods, the world’s largest employee-owned dairy company. In 1999, he became president and CEO of the company. Under Ferguson’s leadership, Schreiber grew from a U.S.-based cheese manufacturer to an international dairy company that is the third-largest yogurt manufacturer and second-largest cream cheese producer in the world.

 

Ferguson officially retired in 2007, but he continues to serve as chairman of the board. In retirement, he operates and manages Marantha Agriculture LLC in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, which consists of a pecan grove and a rice and soybean operation. Ferguson is active on the farm in addition to his philanthropic efforts at OSU and around the world.

 

Ferguson is an ardent supporter of OSU, establishing the Larry and Kay Ferguson Dairy Foods Scholarship in 2000 to provide an annual scholarship in the OSU Department of Animal Science. In 2002, the department recognized Ferguson with the Graduate of Distinction Award. In 2014, on behalf of the Ferguson Family Foundation, he gave $2 million and committed up to $4 million in matching support to build a state-of-the-art barn and renovate the OSU Dairy Cattle Center, which subsequently was renamed the Ferguson Family Dairy Center. The upgrades will create opportunities for teaching, research and better serving the industry through Extension.