LINCOLN, NEB. – Nebraska Farm Bureau has named Dr. Chris R. Calkins, Emeritus Professor of Animal Science at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, as the recipient of its Silver Eagle Award, the organization’s highest honor. Best known as the co-discoverer of the flat iron steak, now one of America’s most popular cuts, Calkins built a distinguished career as a professor of meat science, shaping both the beef industry and generations of students.
“Dr. Chris Calkins has had an extraordinary impact on Nebraska agriculture and the beef industry worldwide,” said Mark McHargue, president of Nebraska Farm Bureau. “Through his groundbreaking work, from helping develop the flat iron steak to dedicating decades to research, education, and promoting beef from Nebraska worldwide, Dr. Calkins has opened new doors for farmers and ranchers and helped make Nebraska synonymous with top-quality beef. He embodies the very spirit of the Silver Eagle Award.”
The Silver Eagle Award honors individuals who have made exceptional contributions to Nebraska agriculture and rural life. Dr. Calkins, a renowned meat scientist and muscle biologist, has spent more than 40 years advancing the beef industry through his groundbreaking research, teaching, and global outreach. Since joining the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 1981, he has published hundreds of scientific works, earned six patents, and secured over $6.5 million in research funding, all while driving innovation and adding significant value to Nebraska’s agricultural economy.
Among his many achievements, Calkins co-led the landmark Beef Muscle Profiling Project, which identified value-added beef cuts such as the flat iron, petite tender, and ranch steaks, contributing billions of dollars to the beef industry, including more than $6 billion to Nebraska alone. His work on instrument grading for beef tenderness, the impact of distiller’s grains on beef quality, consumer marketing research, and dry-aged beef has set new standards for innovation and industry practices.
Beyond his research, Calkins has been a global ambassador for Nebraska beef, leading educational programs and demonstrations in 22 countries to strengthen Nebraska’s reputation for beef quality. His collaboration with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture helped boost the state’s share of U.S. global beef sales five-fold and European sales ten-fold over 12 years. He continues to promote Nebraska beef worldwide and has mentored more than 50 graduate students and numerous undergraduates who now hold leadership roles in academia, industry, and government.
His extensive list of honors includes awards from the American Meat Science Association, the American Society of Animal Science, and induction into the Meat Industry Hall of Fame.
Dr. Calkins is a native of Lake Stevens, Washington. He and his wife of 48 years, Ellen, are the parents of two daughters and proud grandparents of two grandchildren.
“Through his dedication to research, education, and advocacy, Dr. Calkins has elevated Nebraska agriculture on both the national and global stage. He’s so deserving of this recognition. We’re truly honored to present Dr. Calkins with the Nebraska Farm Bureau Silver Eagle Award,” McHargue said.
The Silver Eagle Award will be presented during the Nebraska Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting and Convention on Dec. 8, at the Younes Conference Center South in Kearney.
