Tony Ernstrom in front of the Nutrition and Food Science Building, about 1994
In recognition of his contributions to the dairy industry, C. A. "Tony" Ernstrom has received the 1990 Distinguished Service Award from the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA).
Ernstrom is senior vice president for product research for the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board and former head of the Nutrition and Food Science Department at Utah State University. A USU graduate, Ernstrom was on the University of Wisconsin faculty 11 years before joining the USU faculty in 1965. In 1987 he retired from USU and went to the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board.
Ernstrom developed a process for producing cheese base for use in making processed cheeses and made numerous discoveries in the function and use of cheese coagulator. He also helped develop whey-based cultures that minimize risks from bacteriophages in cheesemaking. He introduced a cheese yield pricing system for purchasing milk that has gained wide acceptance.
He was a leader in establishing six dairy research centers, including one at USU, sponsored by the National Dairy Research and Promotion Board. In 1984 he received the American Jersey Cattle Club distinguished service award and the Kraft, Inc. Teaching Award from ADSA.