In Memoriam: Frank Frazier

U.S. agriculture lost a true Southern gentlemen at the age of 91 this past October 20. He was the guiding presence for the American Society of Agricultural Consultants as its Executive Vice President from its early days in 1973 until his retirement in 1992. ASAC was doubly fortunate to gain “two-for-the-price-of-one leadership” throughout the nearly 20-year period since his wife, Lib, was a behind-the-scenes, positive force who was admired by everyone that knew her and her efforts for the Society.

A small nucleus of ASAC members knew and respected Frank earlier during his illustrious career of leadership with several regional and national poultry organizations. During those years he made numerous high-level political contacts in sectors which served subsequently to assist ASAC with achieving many of its early objectives… particularly involving international development. The program which Frank envisioned as an outreach of private sector development in modern food systems evolved in scope with consulting projects in 15 emerging markets in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. He was a tireless advocate of the free market while opposing government introduction of production and price controls in the poultry and turkey sectors.

Frank received numerous honors and awards from various organizations in recognition of his long and meritorious service. Among them were a Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Kentucky… induction into the American Poultry Historical Society’s Poultry Hall of Fame… named a Broiler Industry Pioneer by the National Chicken Council… received a Distinguished Service Award from the Virginia State Poultry Federation… and served eight years on USDA’s Poultry Research Advisory Committee. Frank wrote numerous feature articles for agriculturally oriented publications such as Feedstuffs, Broiler Industry, and The Ferguson AgReport. He also served during World War II as an ensign in the U.S. Navy.

Frank is survived by two daughters, Libby Frazier Hixon [Tom] and Frances B. Frazier [Tim Henline], and by four grandsons.