Milo B. Tesar

Milo (Mike) Tesar, Professor Emeritus, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, passed away on Nov. 11, 2002.  Born in Tobais, NE, in 1920, he was raised on a farm and received his elementary education in the classic one-room schoolhouse.  Beneficiary of several academic scholarships, Dr. Tesar graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1941 with a degree in Agronomy.  He served four years with the Army Field Artillery Division in the South Pacific earning both the Bronze and Silver Star.  After World War II, he returned to his graduate studies at the University of Wisconsin earning a Ph. D. degree.  In 1949, he joined the agronomy faculty at Michigan State University (MSU) and conducted research and taught until retirement in 1988.As a representative of MSU and the U.S. government, Dr. Tesar travel extensively to developing countries for the purpose of maximizing forage crop yield, an important element in helping feed a growing world population.  He participated in a NATO Fellowship for agricultural research, and was a member of a forage crop expert team created as a cooperative effort in research and technology established by U.S. President Nixon and Soviet President Brezhnev in 1974.  As a professional agronomist, Dr. Tesar filled numerous leadership roles at MSU and in National and International professional societies.  He received numerous awards and recognitions including the CSSA Distinguished Career Award in 1988.  Perhaps the recognition that made him most proud was the 1987 King Charles award, and honor presented to a native Nebraskan of Czech descent who has excelled in his field of work.

Dr. Tesar’s primary research was in forage crop physiology and management of alfalfa.  He found a special dedication in the application of good science and technology to animal agriculture and to the real world of making a living by farming.  Mike will probably be most remembered as “10 Ton Mike” for his research to show that if you manage alfalfa properly, it is possible to produce 10 Tons of alfalfa per acre per year in the Mid-Western U.S.

During his career, Dr. Tesar worked closely with the University Extension Service advising farmers throughout the state of Michigan, and he developed three varieties of alfalfa uniquely suited for use in wetter soil.  He taught more than 4,000 students, was the major advisor for 35 graduate students and served on graduate committees of dozens more.  It is of interest to note that several of his former students now fill leadership positions in government, academia, and private sector activities.