Donald D. Bell

Dec. 17, 1933-Oct. 17, 2014

RIVERSIDE, Calif. — Longtime poultry industry researcher Donald Dean Bell, 80, died Friday, Oct. 17, 2014, at a hospital in California. Don was serving as the University of California-Davis Poultry Extension Specialist Emeritus and had served the industry in that capacity for more than 50 years. 

Born Dec. 17, 1933, Bell received a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science from UC-Davis in 1955 and a Master’s Degree in Avian Science from Colorado State University in 1972. He served as the California State Poultry Specialist as well as an economic advisor to the United Egg Producers.

“Don’s contributions to the U.S. egg industry are unparalleled,” said Dr. Hongwei Xin, a Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor in Agriculture and Life Sciences, director of the Egg Industry Center at Iowa State and the Iowa Egg Council Endowed Professor. “His passion for applied sound research and incorporating new technologies led him to be one of the most important contributors to the development of the egg industry, both in the U.S. and around the world.” 

Areas of research Bell has investigated over his career include production and egg industry economics, farm management, computer applications, replacement programs as well as egg processing and waste management. He contributed to current knowledge on rearing replacement pullets, molting and optimal cage density.

For many years, Bell prepared economic studies and forecasts, which have guided the decision makers in the egg industry. Additionally, he was a co-editor and author of the widely used book Commercial Chicken Meat and Egg Production, as well as miscellaneous chapters in several books, professional scientific journals, industry periodicals, university publications and monthly egg industry newsletters. 

Bell was nationally regarded as a true visionary with a genuine passion for the egg industry. His significant awards include the USDA’s Superior Service Award, Poultry Science Assoc. Extension Teaching Award, the US Poultry Hall of Fame Award and the 2013 US Poultry Lamplighter Award. 

He served as president of the Poultry Science Assoc. and was an advisory board member of the Egg Industry Center. 

Don is survived by his wife, Lucy; and two adult children, Warren and Sharon. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, at Calvary Presbyterian Church in Riverside, Calif. Arrangements are by Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary, 951-688-1221.