Dr. Maurice Eastridge, Professor, Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University
Paul grew up on his family’s dairy farm in Seville, OH. He graduated with a BS in Dairy Science from The Ohio State University in 1988 and was on the OSU Dairy Judging Team in 1987. After graduation, he and Shelly got married and moved to FL for his first job as a sales representative for NOBA in FL and was then promoted to southeastern US Sale manager in 1989. In 1995, they moved back to Ohio and he became the manager for Select Embryos for Select Sires. He was in charge of facilitating the transfer of embryos worldwide. In 2003, he began a position with COBA in selling genetics to dairy farmers. In 2011, he became the general manager of The Ohio Heifer Center (OHC), a facility that started as a large-scale facility to export heifers, but today, it has transitioned to be a hub for research and genetic development for ST Genetics. As expressed by Candace Lease, Compliance Manager at The Ohio Heifer Center, “There are two things that I believe make Paul exceptionally deserving of induction to the Hall of Service. The first is his commitment to constant innovation and improvement…. But the second is far more important; the way that Paul takes care of our staff here, and supports their growth, is truly noteworthy.”
Paul has been a lifetime member of Dairy Shrine and an avid supporter of 4-H, FFA, and OSU dairy judging programs. “Mr. Paul Detwiler has been the loyal advocate of all things that relate to Ohio State. He became a force in shaping multiple students’ lives during employment. They also found a friend, a mentor, and positive role model with Paul. He has been a lifeline to our programs, students, and funding in ways few will ever recognize or understand.”, as expressed by Bonnie Ayars, Coach, OSU Dairy Judging Team. He also has been an avid supporter of dairy cattle research as noted by Dr. Alvaro Garcia Guerra, OSU Associate Professor, “The relationship between my research program and ST Genetics through the Ohio Heifer Center has been a cornerstone of my work, enabling impactful research, student training, and industry engagement.”
He has also been the show ring announcer at Spring Dairy Expo and Ohio State Fair for over 25 years. Always willing to share his knowledge and experiences with other producers, he and the team at OHC welcome thousands of visitors from around the world throughout the year.
Paul and Shelly reside outside of Plain City on her family’s farmstead, where they run a business growing and selling strawberries, raspberries, edamame, and cut flowers through the summer, and sharing the farm experience with their urbanite neighbors. They have two sons, Luke (Cori) and Jake and have been blessed with six grandchildren. Based on his service to the dairy industry, mentoring Ohio State students, and his commitment to Ohio State research programs, Paul Detwiler is most deserving as a recipient of the Dairy Science Hall of Service award.
Postscript: With much shock and sadness, Paul was killed in a farming accident at his home on May 10, 2026. A “Take the Bull by the Horns” scholarship has been established by the Detwiler family to continue his legacy of mentoring future dairy leaders. Contributions can be made at https://www.springfieldfoundation.org/donate/overview.html.