College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Alumni & Friends

William “Dutch” Guthrie, of Vassar, Michigan, will receive the Michigan State University (MSU) College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) Distinguished Service Award at the March 7 ANR Awards Program.

The Distinguished Service Award honors individuals or partners who have made outstanding contributions to Michigan’s agriculture and natural resources industries, and who possess high standards of integrity and character to positively reflect and enhance the prestige of the college.

A native of Bay City, Michigan, Guthrie’s commitment to service began long before he became a Spartan. As a young man, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served during the Vietnam War. Motivated by a deep sense of duty, he volunteered multiple times to ensure that others wouldn’t have to serve in his place. Guthrie’s courageous actions earned him numerous recognitions.

After returning home from Vietnam, Guthrie began his education at CANR, enrolling in the Department of Animal Science. He quickly immersed himself in campus life and found a place within the Block and Bridle Club, a student organization that would play a pivotal role in his development as both a leader and communicator. His decisiveness, maturity and ability to speak confidently in front of crowds helped him gain recognition across the country as he advanced in livestock judging competitions. Guthrie graduated in 1976 with a degree in Animal Husbandry (now known as Animal Science).

After graduation, Guthrie spent the next 26 years as a loan officer with GreenStone Farm Credit Services. During this time, he used his expertise and strong relationships with clients to improve the financial stability of Michigan’s agricultural industry. In addition to his direct work with clients, Guthrie’s dedication extended to the mentorship and training of new loan officers, ensuring that the next generation of agricultural lenders was prepared to carry on the work he had started.

Guthrie’s passion for the equine industry led him to serve in numerous leadership roles, including as President of the Palomino Horse Breeders of America (PHBA) in 2008-2009. He also served as President of the Michigan Quarter Horse Association (MQHA) in 1999 and worked tirelessly on committees such as the Michigan Snaffle Bit Association and the Michigan Equine Partnership. Guthrie’s contributions were instrumental in developing the first strategic business plan for MQHA, and his extensive work on various national and state equine boards has cemented his legacy as a key figure in the growth and success of Michigan’s equine community.

Guthrie was also an outspoken advocate for the Animal Industry Initiative at MSU, a legislative effort that ultimately resulted in the construction of what is now known as the Farm Bureau Pavilion at MSU. His vision and determination helped ensure that MSU would have a state-of-the-art facility to support the next generation of agricultural and equine students.

Continuing his service to CANR, Guthrie serves on the committee working to raise funds for the expansion of the Farm Bureau Pavilion. He has also taken an active role in shaping the future of the MSU Equine Farm and the Great Lakes Draft Horse Show.

His influence on state and national boards has been profound. He has been involved in the Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program and worked on environmental issues with Farm Credit. His financial expertise has been sought by various committees and organizations at the state and national levels, ensuring that Michigan’s agricultural community remains strong and sustainable.

Guthrie has spent countless hours mentoring young people entering the equine industry, offering his guidance and expertise to help others succeed. He has become a role model for aspiring equine professionals and a symbol of leadership, integrity, and service. He also served as a longtime Secretary-Treasurer for the Tuscola County Livestock Committee and the Tuscola County Fair Board.

Alongside his wife, Roxann, Guthrie actively participated in equine competitions. In 1992, they achieved a major milestone when their mare, “Countrified Class,” won both the Open and Amateur World Champion Two-Year-Old Mare titles at the Palomino World Championship Show in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They continued to build upon this success, winning multiple World Championships, National titles, and even the PHBA Golden Horse Awards. Their daughter, Kelsey, has also been an integral part of their equine accomplishments, achieving numerous accolades alongside her parents.

You can learn more about past CANR Distinguished Service Award winners here. 

To learn more about the Department of Animal Science, visit https://www.canr.msu.edu/ans/