Ralph A. Ernst

Ralph A. Ernst, Extension Poultry Specialist Emeritus, University Of California, Davis passed away at home on March 4, 2026. He was born in Saline, Michigan to parents, Ambrose and Catherine. He grew up on the family farm in Milan, Michigan with his parents and three sisters, Dorothy, Phyllis and Cathy. The family had a dairy and chickens, delivering products they produced to neighboring farm families. Thus beginning his life long love of poultry.

In 1959 he received his B.S., from Michigan State University Honors College. After teaching vocational agriculture in Michigan schools, he returned to his alma mater and received a M.S. in 1963 in Poultry Management and a Ph.D in 1966 in Poultry Physiology. In 1966 he moved to Davis, Ca to begin his job as a Cooperative Extension Specialist at UC Davis.

Throughout his career, Dr. Ernst served California and Californians in many ways. From 1966-1980 he was secretary of the Scientific Advisory Committee for the Pacific Egg and Poultry Association (PEPA) and then chaired the Committee from 1980-2003. He developed most of the curriculum for the California Egg Quality Assurance Program, as well as the California Meat Quality Assurance Program. He was the one who trained new members and maintained the training records. The assurance programs were seen nationally as model programs and emulated by many.

Dr. Ernst published more than 33 papers in peer reviewed journals, but of greater importance to producers were the more than 150 articles in trade journals and his 30 plus extension leaflets and bulletins. His research covered everything from eggshell quality to stunting syndrome in broilers and microbiological monitoring in hatcheries. As leader of the UC poultry extension program and workgroup from 1980 until his retirement, he organized statewide meetings, workshops, and symposia for producers. He developed a California newsletter for the poultry industry and was the general editor from 1977-2004. In 1995 he developed the UC's poultry web page.

An active member of his professional societies, his career-long membership in the Poultry Science Association (PSA) began in 1961. His service included member of the Board of Directors, Editor of the PSA Newsletter (1985-1991), and associate editor for both Poultry Science and Applied Poultry Research journals. In addition, Dr. Ernst was very active in the United States Branch of the World's Poultry Science Association and served on the Board of Directors for the Branch.

Dr. Ernst's many accolades include: PSA Extension Award (1978), Nation Association of County Agricultural Agents Manuscript Award (1991), PEPA Scientist of the Year (1995), California Poultry Federation Service Award (1998), United States Hammer Award (2003), and PSA Fellow (2003).

After his retirement in 2004, he engaged in many activities. He enjoyed square dancing, bowling, Sudoku, crossword and jigsaw puzzles. He loved to read and volunteered at the Davis library to help with their monthly book sales. Fishing was a big part of his life, often going camping for the entire weekend. He loved to travel and would head to North Lake, Michigan every summer to visit his family. Other memorable trips he took were to England, Alaska, Hawaii, Arizona, Utah, and Oregon. He also enjoyed walking his faithful companion, Lucy.

He was preceded in death by his sister Dorothy Texter of Delton, Michigan, sister Phyllis Brownlee of Ypsilanti, Michigan, and wife Patricia of Davis, California.

He is survived by his sister Cathy Rogers and husband Bill of Battle Creek, Michigan, stepson, John and wife Paula of Lake Stevens, Washington, stepdaughter Marian, adopted daughter Carol Ernst of Davis, California, stepson Sherief Farid and wife Lixang Zhang of Gold River, California, grandchildren Sean Cohen, Joshua Ernst, Isabella Bigelow, Mohamed and Nour Farid, former wife Sharon Harrison, as well as numerous nieces and nephews in the Midwest.

A graveside service will be held at the Davis Cemetery at 820 Pole Line Road, Davis on April 11th, 10:30 am. With a gathering at the house at 601 Mockingbird Place, Davis immediately following.

In lieu of flowers the family asks donations be made to: the Western Scholarship Foundation c/o PePa 1521 “I” Street Sacramento, Ca 95814

Please include for the Dr. Ralph Ernst Scholarship.

Or to: Friends of the Davis Library P.O. Box 91 Davis, Ca 95618.

Please include in Memory of Dr. Ralph Ernst.