Federation News

I am a native of Wisconsin, where I grew up on a dairy farm, currently operated by my brother, in the west-central part of the state. I received a BS in Animal Science–Dairy from the University of Wisconsin–River Falls, followed by an MS and Ph.D. in Dairy Cattle Breeding from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. During this time, I became a member of ADSA. Following graduate school, I joined the faculty of the Animal Science Department at the University of Kentucky. After becoming a full professor, I left the University to accept a position with the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF). I worked there for 12 years as their national policy specialist for dairy, animal health, and animal welfare. Approximately two years ago, I left AFBF, setting up a consulting firm specializing in these same areas. In recent years, I’ve had the opportunity to provide leadership to a number of animal-related organizations and also to work closely with many animal industry groups and USDA agencies.

The job description for my position and the FASS Strategic Plan identify many areas of work for this position, but to a large extent, they focus on providing an interface between the science community and users of our information. To achieve this objective, I will be working closely with the Office of the Scientific Liaison as we increase FASS’ interaction with commodity groups, government agencies, and the public.

I have been involved in numerous activities since beginning this role, ranging from developing materials and programs to presenting information to a variety of groups and meeting with government agency and commodity organization leadership. I anticipate that these types of activities will continue. As I moved into the role of Director of Education and Information Resources, we were completing a project funded by the Animal Agriculture Alliance to develop a “peer-review” system for evaluating producer animal care guidelines. This has been completed, and agreement has been reached to move into the second stage, which is completing reviews of these producer guidelines. Another project involves the development and implementation of a program for the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists (ARPAS). ARPAS has signed a MOU with the United Egg Producers to conduct animal husbandry audits of layer facilities. We have developed materials and provided training for this project. Another project that is nearing completion is the development of an educational CD on Johne’s disease. This is a cooperative effort of the National Johne’s Work Group of the U.S. Animal Health Association and a number of other organizations, including FASS. Another example of a joint effort was my recent participation with USDA APHIS in the review of the bovine tuberculosis control program in Nayarit, Mexico. USDA provides the support for U.S. participants in the program that evaluate animal health programs to determine if animals originating from the requesting state will be allowed to be exported to the United States, and if so, what safeguards are needed to protect the health of our domestic herd. I’ve also been invited to speak at several functions, including the STRIDE Conference in Ann Arbor, MI, the Swine Educators Meeting in Orlando, FL, and the American Meat Industry Foundation Animal Care and Handling Conference in Kansas City, MO.

Looking to the future, there are many opportunities for the Department of Education and Information Resources to grow and expand services to member societies and clients that will increase their value to individual members and other interested individuals and groups. We are currently moving forward with development of the video training series that is based on the Ag Guide. This will be part of an effort with ARPAS to certify animal care providers at research facilities. We are also reviewing current information delivery efforts of FASS and the member societies, seeking ways to enhance them to better meet member needs and expectations. In coming months we will be working with the societies to identify and develop tools that will serve their member needs now and in the future. Suggestions on new or improved ways in which we can better serve member needs in the future are always welcome.