College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Animal Science

Larry Chapin spent over 40 years as a research assistant in the Department of Animal Science at Michigan State University. He began his career working with Dr. Edward Convey and Dr. H. Allen Tucker in hormonal control of reproduction, growth and lactation in dairy cattle. It is therefore fitting that at the 2025 H. Allen and Ann Tucker Lecture, he was inducted as an Honoree of the Michigan Dairy and Memorial Scholarship Foundation.

Growing up in Louisiana, Larry became interested in agriculture while working with friends and family raising beef cattle and horses on a hobby farm. He earned a B.S. in agriculture from Oklahoma State University. Continuing his studies at Mississippi State University, he obtained a Master of Science in Animal Physiology, studying the effects of heat stress on reproduction in dairy cattle.

After Dr. Tucker’s retirement, he began working with Dr. Miriam Weber Nielsen, one of his former students, and Dr. George Smith. Throughout his career, Larry aided in planning, organizing and conducting research projects, laboratory analyses, data preparation, statistical analyses, and manuscript preparation. In these roles, Larry worked with over 34 graduate students, post-doctoral research associates, and visiting professors, as well as 31 students, staff, and faculty from other public and private institutions. Larry co-authored 134 scientific publications, including 80 abstracts, 54 peer-reviewed journal articles and one book chapter. As the MSU Farms liaison, he helped to keep the MSU Dairy Farm compliant with current animal regulations. He received the MSU Distinguished Staff Award in recognition of his many accomplishments. Larry was active in his community and volunteered with the Ingham County 4-H Therapeutic Riding Program, 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowls and Dairy Days, 4-H Animal Science Communications Contests, and 4-H Dairy Camps and Veterinary Science Camps.

Larry currently resides in Portland, Michigan, with his wife, Julie, of 43 years. They have one son, a daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren. For his contributions to the training of future professionals and to dairy research at Michigan State University, the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation is pleased to recognize Larry Chapin as a Foundation Honoree.