John Skinner, Poultry Legend, Passes on at 93
Purely Poultry was founded on the principles of hard work, knowledge, and the love of all things poultry. Our company motto is ” Sharing the Beauty of Poultry.” In today’s fast-paced world, it’s difficult to remember to slow down and enjoy the small things. One of the best things about having poultry is that it reminds us to do just that, as well as provides the space in which to do so. Watching our chickens, ducks, and geese is entertaining and usually tears us away from the high-tech world and allowing us to enjoy what is before us. Poultry also gives back to us in a way that few other pets can, providing meat, eggs, feathers, and companionship or entertainment. Here at Purely Poultry, we are committed to sharing all that is beautiful about poultry with the world. We hope to share the knowledge of poultry and its benefits as well as providing the wonderful diversity of poultry to anyone who will take a chance at owning these fascinating creatures.
Purely Poultry, however, did not blaze this trail alone, but instead, followed paths created by many great people who came before us. One of those influential predecessors is John L. Skinner, US Army Veteran, Professor, Author, and the Nation’s first ever designated Poultry and Small Animal Specialist. John wore many hats in his lifetime, all of which contributed to the world that was his passion, and unequivocally displayed John’s zeal for all things poultry.
John passed away on July 2, 2017, at the age of 93, but not before becoming what anyone might consider a legend in the poultry world. Among John’s achievements is his induction into the American Poultry Hall of Fame as the youngest person ever to have held that honor. He was also the youngest person to hold a license as a poultry judge which he achieved in 1953. John taught as a professor at distinguished Universities nationwide including Texas A&M and the University of Nebraska before landing at the University of Wisconsin- Madison, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences in 1963 and soon after was given full professorship of poultry science, in 1967. John taught many a student before retiring as Professor Emeritus in 1985.
In his everlasting effort to educate about his passion, John took part in authoring 18 books and published various articles and publications including many contributions to 4-H. John rounded out his prominent career with being a member and licensed Judge of the American Poultry Assn., the American Bantam Assn., Poultry Science Assn., World Poultry Science Assn., Life member and Lifetime Director of the American Poultry Historical Society, and a member of the British Rare Breeds Survival Trust. He was also a Fellow in the Poultry Science Assn.
We at Purely Poultry feel that the world has lost a shining light in the world of Poultry. Although John may be gone, his contributions to our world will live on forever, and we can only hope to share in his mission to enlighten others to the wonders of owning and engaging in the world of these spectacular birds. We wish to honor his memory and his accomplishments by continuing to strive each day to provide education, learn from his example, and Share the Beauty of Poultry.
