COLLEGE STATION – A look at the past and future aspects of beef cattle production in Texas will be one of the highlights at the 60th Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course scheduled Aug. 4-6 at Texas A&M University in College Station.

“Cattle production in Texas has certainly been a sea of change over the past five years,” said Dr. Jason Cleere, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service beef cattle specialist in College Station and conference coordinator. “We think beef short course attendees will want to learn more about what is ahead of us in terms of cattle inventories and how quickly we might rebuild cow herds. And, of course, we certainly are keeping a close eye on the cost of production and how we can fine tune our operations to improve the bottom line.”

The short course has become one of the largest and most comprehensive beef cattle educational programs in the U.S., Cleere noted.

The Texas Aggie Prime Rib Dinner is one of the highlights of the Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course. (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension photo by Blair Fannin)

R.C. Slocum, former Texas A&M head football coach and Central Texas rancher, will be one of the featured speakers during the general session on Aug. 4. Slocum will discuss winning and losing in the cattle business, giving first-hand perspectives on the challenges of ranching in today’s economic climate.

The cattleman’s college portion of the short course provides participants with an opportunity to choose workshops based on their level of production experience and the needs of their ranch, Cleere said.

“These concurrent workshops will feature information on introductory cattle production, retiring to ranching, forage management practices, nutrition and reproduction, record keeping, genetics, purebred cattle, landowner issues and much more,” he said.

In addition to classroom instruction, participants can attend one of the popular demonstrations on the morning of Aug. 6.

“There will be demonstrations on fence building, chute-side calf working, cattle behavior, penning and Brush Busters,” Cleere said. “These provide an opportunity for ranchers to see beef cattle production practices put to use.

“The goal of the short course each year is to provide the most cutting-edge information that is needed by beef cattle producers. We think we have information for everyone to take home and apply to their operations.”

Participants can receive the Texas Department of Agriculture private pesticide applicator’s license training during the short course and can earn at least seven pesticide continuing education units if they are already licensed, Cleere added.

An industry trade show will be held during the event, featuring more than 120 agricultural businesses and service exhibits.

Registration is $180 per person and includes educational materials, a copy of the 600-page Beef Cattle Short Course proceedings, trade show admittance, admission to the prime rib dinner, lunches, breakfasts and daily refreshments.

Registration information and a tentative schedule will be mailed to previous participants in May, but also can be found on the short course website at http://beef.tamu.edu.

Producers can also register by contacting Cleere’s office at 979-845-6931.

 -30-

via AgriLife Today | 60th Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course scheduled Aug. 4-6

For more information regarding news from the Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, please contact Maggie Tucker at maggie.tucker@ag.tamu.edu or (979) 845-1542.

The equine complex was named in honor of Thomas G. Hildebrand, DVM ’56 to recognize his contributions to the field of veterinary medicine and his love for Texas A&M. The new complex represents one of the core efforts of the Texas A&M Equine Initiative, which was formed to bring together equine research, teaching, extension, and outreach in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture & Life Sciences and the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM).

“This new facility solidifies Texas A&M University’s position as a national leader in equine programs—in equine sciences and veterinary medicine,” said Eleanor Green, the Carl B. King Dean of Veterinary Medicine. “The considerable support from current leaders in the equine industry, all friends of Texas A&M, clearly indicate the importance of our university serving the significant equine industry, locally to globally. This premier facility will help us not only serve but also significantly impact the future of the industry. In addition, this state-of-the-art facility honors Dr. Hildebrand, one of the revered graduates of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.”

“This facility provides an outstanding home for the work of our two colleges and the Texas A&M AgriLife agencies. Together, we are raising the profile of equine sciences across Texas,” said Bill Dugas, acting vice chancellor and dean for agriculture and life sciences. The new complex brings together academic and non-academic departments, industry partners, and a vast array of equine professionals in a unique collaborative and innovative environment. “This equine complex will help develop future leaders for the equine industry, as well as provide a new home for some well-known Aggie traditions,” Dugas said.

The complex provides support for teaching, research, extension, and outreach initiatives dedicated to equine programs. These premier facilities will also positively influence the recruitment and retention of the best faculty and students. This environment better equips faculty and students to perform at their best, resulting in an equine program that will foster the development of equine academic leaders and graduate the industry’s future leaders in equine sciences and veterinary medicine.

“We are thankful for the partnership of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M Athletics, and the equine industry for making this vision a reality,” said Jim Heird, executive professor and coordinator of the Equine Initiative. “Together we can not only advance new knowledge for the benefit of horses and horse owners, but also enhance Texas A&M’s rich equine traditions.”

-30-

For information, contact:

Megan Palsa, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
MPalsa@cvm.tamu.edu
(979) 862-4216 or 979-421-3121

Cady Auckerman, Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
cady@tamu.edu
(979) 862-7346

Spencer Tanksley, Margaret Tanksley, Chuck Real, Pat Boleman, Janice Christian

The son of T.D. and Olivia Tanksley, “Tank,” as he was affectionately known, grew up on the family livestock farm in Burnet County. At age 16 he become an Aggie and was drafted to serve his country in World War II after only completing two semesters of school. After his return, Tank married his high school sweetheart, Margaret McAndrew, in August of 1945.

After graduating as the valedictorian of his class in 1947, he spent 10 years in Llano County serving producers and students first as a Vocational Agricultural Teacher and then as a County Agricultural Agent. His hard work and dedication in the county earned him recognition as one of five outstanding young Texans in 1956. Among the other four honorees that year was George H.W. Bush.

In December 1956, Tank joined the staff of Texas A&M College, now Texas A&M University, in the Animal Science Department as the Extension Swine Specialist while working towards his doctorate degree, which he received in 1968. He went on to hold a rare three-way appointment in the College of Agriculture, the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, and the Texas Agricultural Extension Service. He was named Professor Emeritus of Animal Science, when he retired in 1985.

Dr. Tanksley’s early research resulted in swine-feeding guidelines that were followed worldwide. In other research, he helped build bone strength in boars and determine optimum feed formulas for digestibility. He also pioneered the development of the meat-type hog, which has less fat and more muscle.

Mr. Real said Tank “was the ultimate educator. He had the unique ability to talk with producers at the end of the road that never left the farm helping them solve their problems, but could also talk to researchers on the highest level.” Real also went on to say that Tank’s integrity and work ethic were unmatched.

Dr. Bib Easter, University of Illinois, is a former student of Dr. Tanksley. Easter credits Tank with helping him to determine and establish an educational path that ultimately led him to his current appointment. “Perhaps more important than anything was the extent to which I have been influenced by Tank’s sense of the responsibility that we in the academy have to understand the needs of our state and to implement research and educational efforts that bring pragmatic solutions to real problems,” said Easter.

The Tanksley Family

Regardless of the many teaching, research, and extension awards Tank received, his first love was always livestock shows. Tank was the best-known swine show judge in Texas history, conducting programs throughout the state. In 1997, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo recognized him for 50 years of continuous support as an exhibitor, 4-H and FFA youth advisor and superintendent of the Market Swine and the 4-H and FFA Livestock Judging Contest.

For 30 years the Tanksley’s raised Brahman steers that often topped the consigned cattle sale at the S&S Show Steer and Cattle sale in Taylor. Many of the steers went on to win major show champions. Tank will long be remembered and recognized by many for developing top notch, highly competitive Brahman cross show steers.
In 2011, Dr. Tanksley passed away at his home in Bertram. He left his love for animal science and youth advocacy in the capable hands of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

The Animal Science Hall of Fame celebrates outstanding individuals who, through their exceptional work and achievements, have advanced the field of animal science and made a profound difference to the productivity and sustainability of animal agriculture. Also, they have a record of impressive accomplishments which indicate significant achievements and contributions made to the field of animal science at the state, national and/or international level. The awards committee, made up of Animal Science faculty and advisory committee members, felt that Dr. Tanksley embodied the true spirit this award is based on. It was with much honor and gratitude that Dr. T.D. Tanksley Jr. was inducted into the Department of Animal Science Hall of Fame.

-30-

For more information regarding news from the Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, please contact Maggie Tucker at maggie.tucker@ag.tamu.edu or (979) 845-1542.

Dr. Tryon Wickersham & Dr. Hollis Klett

Dr. R. Hollis Klett’s leadership in the field of ruminant nutrition and beef cattle production spans 55 years. His research on using liquid feeds for supplementing beef cattle forever changed the face of the cattle-feeding industry. Now owner and president of a major corporation and research facility, he is committed to the long-term economic and environmental sustainability of cattle production.

A native of Menard, Texas, and an identical twin, Hollis Klett was an animal science major at Texas A&M, where he was a member of the wool judging and livestock judging teams. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in 1958, he worked as a ranch manager in Mississippi for three years before returning to Texas A&M to earn his master’s degree in 1963. After earning his doctorate at Oregon State, Dr. Klett taught animal science at Louisiana State University and then became a professor and researcher at Texas Tech University.

In 1972, Dr. Klett presented a groundbreaking paper on feeding urea in liquid supplements at an American Feed Industry Association conference in Chicago. From that meeting, he went on to present his research and conduct demonstrations in Kenya and Uganda, study cattle breeds in Europe, and travel around the world as a nutrition consultant and researcher, earning international acclaim and changing the face of the cattle feeding industry forever.

In 1974, Dr. Klett accepted a feedlot nutritionist position with Nutrition Service Association of Illinois where he served as a consultant for as many as 20 feedlots in Texas, Arizona, California, Kansas, and Mexico. In 1986, after managing the Southwestern Division for 12 years, Dr. Klett purchased the company. Today, he is the president and major shareholder of XF Enterprises, the holding company for Nutrition Service Associates, which he expanded throughout the U.S., Canada, and Australia to now represent over 2.5 million feedlot cattle. XF Enterprises also comprises feed and supplement manufacturer Xtra Factors and three other companies.

Dr. Klett also owns the Klett Ranch in Tucumcari, New Mexico, and the 22,000-head OT Feedyard and Research Center in Hereford, Texas. The center collaborates with industry and commercial groups, as well as with Texas A&M and West Texas A&M Universities, to provide student internships. Dr. Klett was inducted into the American Feed Industry Association Hall of Fame in 2006.

Business partner and friend Keith Hansen, vice president of XF Enterprises, says, “In all of Dr. Klett’s ventures, serving agriculture throughout the world, he has credited his success to his association with the Animal Science Department at Texas A&M.”

Dr. Klett has shown his commitment to the future of Animal Science by establishing the Klett Family Beef Nutrition and Livestock Judging Endowments. He supports a graduate assistantship in beef cattle nutrition, hosts the Jim Theeck Beef Cattle Tour at his research feedyard, and provides the Nutrition Service Association scholarship. He has mentored countless students as they transitioned to the industry. He was a Mays Business School “Aggie 100” recipient in 2011 and was named an Honorary Lifetime Member of the Saddle & Sirloin Club in 2012.

Lisa & Wes Klett, Hollis & Oleta Klett, Kendra Nicks

Hollis Klett and his wife, Oleta, have been married for 18 years. Oleta has a son and a daughter and six grandchildren. Dr. Klett has a son and a daughter, three grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter. His son, Wes, is chief operating officer of XF Enterprises. So far, 10 Kletts have attended Texas A&M.

Academic colleague, company associate, and longtime friend Dr. Bob Albin, Professor Emeritus at Texas Tech University, says, “Dr. Klett has distinguished himself in academia and the business communities on a national and international scale. And he has never waivered in his support and commitment to Texas A&M.”

Tryon Wickersham considers Klett a mentor and friend and said, “Dr. Klett is a rancher, feedyard owner, nutritionist, businessman and mentor, but most importantly, he is an Aggie and lives his life in accordance with the traditions, beliefs and principles instilled at Texas A&M and held with such great conviction by its former students. Honor, loyalty, service and dedication permeate his business career and family life and are the guiding mantra in the varied and far reaching accomplishments of his career.”

The Animal Science Outstanding Alumni Award recognizes a graduate of the Department of Animal Science at Texas A&M University who has built a distinguished career in animal science and brought honor to the Department of Animal Science and the field of animal science. Dr. Hollis Klett has set an excellent example for current and future animal scientists and embodies the true spirit of the Outstanding Alumni Award.

-30-

For more information regarding news from the Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, please contact Maggie Tucker at maggie.tucker@ag.tamu.edu or (979) 845-1542.

COLLEGE STATION – On Wednesday, April 23, Anne L. Armstrong was posthumously honored as a 2014 Inductee into the Animal Science Hall of Fame during the Animal Science External Awards program. Dr. Russell Cross, Head of the Animal Science department, presented the award to Armstrong’s daughter, Katherine Armstrong Love, who accepted on Mrs. Armstrong’s behalf.

Katherine Armstrong Love & H. Russell Cross

Anne Legendre Armstrong, who advised four presidents and was the first woman to serve as U.S. ambassador to Great Britain, was known for her intelligence, diplomacy, political savvy, and sense of humor. She made a legendary contribution to animal science at Texas A&M University and worldwide through her role in obtaining political and financial support for the Bovine Genome Sequencing Project.

Born in New Orleans, she was educated at Foxcroft School in Middleburg, Virginia, where she was head of the student body and served as valedictorian of her graduating class. Armstrong received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Vassar College in 1949. Soon after graduation, she married cattleman Tobin Armstrong whom she had met a few years earlier while visiting the King Ranch in South Texas. The couple made their home at the Armstrong Ranch in Kenedy County for the remainder of their lives where they raised their five children, Barclay, Katharine, Sarita, and twins Tobin, Jr. and James.

Mrs. Armstrong was the first woman appointed Counselor to the President with Cabinet rank, serving Presidents Nixon and Ford. In 1976, President Ford appointed her ambassador to Great Britain. She also advised Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush, and was the first woman to serve as co-chair of a national political party. President Reagan honored her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1987.
Anne and Tobin Armstrong were active in Texas politics throughout their lives. She succeeded her husband after his death in 2005 as a County Commissioner of Kenedy County, Texas, and held the office until her death in 2008. Mrs. Armstrong also served on the Board of Regents of The Texas A&M University System, among her many other board positions in both government and industry.

Fred McClure, now chief executive officer of the George Bush Presidential Library Foundation, had known Mrs. Armstrong for 20 years when they began serving together as regents. He recalls, “When I think of the standard to which selfless public servants should aspire, Anne Armstrong set the bar. Her elegance and South Texas rancher values combined to make her a powerful force in agriculture, business, public policy, international affairs, and politics.”

Mrs. Armstrong met Jim Womack, now University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, while they served together on the search committee that chose Dr. Robert Gates as a candidate for president of Texas A&M. She and Dr. Womack talked often about advancements in cattle genetics and genomics and how they might improve cattle breeding.

In 2002, the National Human Genome Research Institute called for proposals to sequence the genome of model organisms to follow the human genome project. Many people believed that cattle would be a good candidate, and the institute agreed. But $25 million in additional funding would have to be contributed by the agricultural sector. Mrs. Armstrong used her influence to help raise the money, with contributions from the USDA and agricultural agencies in four other countries. By late summer of 2003, $15 million was committed for the project. To help make up the shortfall, she arranged a meeting with Texas Governor Rick Perry and his staff.
Dr. Womack recalls, “I had heard her referred to as ‘The Velvet Hammer,’ and I believe I witnessed the source of that title during our meeting in the Capitol.” From that meeting, the Governor’s Office committed the remaining $10 million from the State of Texas.

Anne Armstrong’s family & friends.

The Bovine Genome Sequencing Project was launched in January 2004. The sequence data were generated by the Baylor College of Medicine Human Genome Sequencing Center, and analysis of the data was led by faculty in the Department of Animal Science. The entire project took six years to complete, with participation by more than 300 scientists from 25 countries. A draft sequence of a Hereford cow was made available in a public database in October 2004 and the project culminated with a publication in the journal Science in April 2009.
Having the bovine genome sequenced as early as 2004 made this information available to a generation of scientists who have already helped to improve the beef and dairy industries, enhance consumer products, and create more sustainable food production for increasing populations.

The Animal Science Hall of Fame celebrates outstanding individuals who, through their exceptional work and achievements, have advanced the field of animal science and made a profound difference to the productivity and sustainability of animal agriculture. Also, they have a record of impressive accomplishments which indicate significant achievements and contributions made to the field of animal science at the state, national and/or international level.

With that in mind, the legacy and impact that Armstrong has had on the Animal Science community is one that will not be soon forgotten.

-30-

Olivia Norton ’16 is a junior animal science major from Texarkana, Texas.

For more information regarding news from the Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, please contact Maggie Tucker at maggie.tucker@ag.tamu.edu or (979) 845-1542.

COLLEGE STATION – Erin Hawley was awarded the 2014 Outstanding Young Alumni Award during the Department of Animal Science External Awards Program held Wednesday, April 23. The award was presented to Hawley by Dr. Chris Skaggs, Associate Dean for Student Development and Professor in the Department of Animal Science.

Erin Hawley & Dr. Chris Skaggs

Erin Morrow Hawley grew up on a large cattle operation in northeastern New Mexico, where she was an outstanding competitor in livestock judging in high school. She competed for Casper Junior College in Wyoming before transferring to Texas A&M, where she was a member of the 2001 All-American Livestock Judging Team. She was recognized nationally as an All-American in collegiate livestock judging in Louisville, KY in November 2001. This award recognizes excellence in academic performance and extracurricular involvement, success in livestock judging on the national level, and career goals.

Upon her arrival in the Animal Science department, she wasted no time, immediately immersing herself into the Aggie culture and extracurricular activities. Academically gifted, Hawley was a top student in Animal Science, where she participated in the Honors program. Consequently, she was selected as a Senior Merit Award recipient by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in 2001. Dr. Jim Sanders, one of her former professors, said, “I have taught undergraduate animal breeding to about 7,000 students over the last 38 years, and Erin is one of the top two or three in her understanding of what is really important in beef cattle breeding.”

While at Texas A&M, she was an Agricultural and Natural Resources Policy intern for Congressman Mac Thornberry. Sitting in on farm bill hearings sparked her interest in the ways agricultural laws and regulations affect farmers and ranchers. This set her on a career path to become an attorney and law professor.

After earning her animal science degree at Texas A&M in 2002, Hawley completed a year at the University of Texas Law School, where a professor encouraged her to transfer to one of the nation’s top law schools. After being offered admission to Yale, Harvard, and Stanford, she chose Yale Law School and earned her degree in 2005. While at Yale, she served as a Coker Fellow, a teaching assistant for constitutional law, and also as an editor of The Yale Law Journal.

She followed graduation with appointments of Litigation Associate with Kirkland & Ellis LLP in Washington, DC and law clerkships with J. Harvie Wilkinson, III, U. S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, and Chief Justice Roberts with the Supreme Court of the United States. She has briefed cases in the Supreme Court of the United States as well as numerous federal courts of appeals. She worked with Attorney General Michael Mukasey with the Department of Justice in the fall of 2008.

Erin & Josh Hawley

With a passion for agriculture combined with her interest in teaching others, she went on to have a teaching appointment at George Mason University School in the spring semesters of 2009 and 2010. She then worked as an associate in the national appellate practice at King and Spaulding LLP in Washington, DC., and as a counsel with Bancroft LLP in Washington, DC.

Hawley currently holds the position of Associate Professor of Law in Agricultural Law and Constitutional Litigation with the University of Missouri School of Law in Columbia, Missouri, where she says she hopes to pass on the love for agriculture instilled in her by her Texas A&M professors. Dr. Chris Skaggs, who coached her in livestock judging, said, “Erin will undoubtedly make a difference in food and agricultural law during her career. Her background and compassion for agriculture, combined with her interest in teaching others, will impact generations to follow.”

In 2013, Hawley was recognized by Texas A&M College of Ag and Life Sciences with the Outstanding Early Career Achievement Award.

Hawley is married to Joshua Hawley, also an associate professor of law at the University of Missouri. They have a son, Elijah.

Hawley embodies the ideals of the Outstanding Young Alumni Award, which recognizes a graduate of the Department of Animal Science at Texas A&M University within the past 12 years who has, early in their career, attained prominence in the field of animal science. The recipient of this award possesses excellence, integrity, leadership, loyalty, respect and selfless service that merit the recognition of a proven leader in his/her chosen field.

Hawley set an outstanding example for current animal science students interested in pursuing a career in law and her success continues to bring honor to the Department of Animal Science.

-30-

Olivia Norton ’16 is a junior animal science major from Texarkana, Texas.

For more information regarding news from the Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, please contact Maggie Tucker at maggie.tucker@ag.tamu.edu or (979) 845-1542.

By Burt Henry, San Antonio Express News

SAN ANTONIO — Jeffrey Savell, Ph.D., has made Texas barbecue a science, so much so that Texas A&M University lets him teach a class in it.

Officially known as “ANSC 117: Texas Barbecue,” Savell’s study in BBQology is a one-hour class only offered to freshmen on Friday afternoons in the fall. Just bring your taste buds and your textbook: “Legends of Texas Barbecue Cookbook,” by Robb Walsh. Course topics include everything from seasonings, marinades and rubs to “Briskets: To wrap or not to wrap, that is the question!”

“There’s something we always tell our students: If you learn to cook barbecue you’ll always have friends,” said Savell, who will be part of a panel for Friday’s “Cooking Up Culture” at the Institute of Texan Cultures.

Savell, who has a doctorate in animal science, is the perfect pitmaster. A native Texan who has spent the past 36 years on the A&M faculty, he’s tasted just about all forms of Texas barbecue — and doesn’t mind talking about it. He’s so passionate about the subject that when approached recently by representatives of Weber Grills regarding his popular class, he said he texted his grown children, “I’m about to pee in my pants” with excitement.

Savell’s class and a “barbecue science” class offered at Ohio State University are believed to be the only on-campus barbecue classes in the country.

He also has parlayed the class with A&M and Foodways Texas into two weekend workshops — a barbecue camp in June and Camp Brisket in January, both of which are sellouts.

“We could have one of these every other weekend if we wanted to,” Savell, 60, said. “We bring in a carcass, its like paparazzi; everybody’s got their cameras out; they’re blogging or tweeting about it. Its crazy. For some, its almost like a religious event.”

via A conversation with … Dr. Jeffrey Savell, Cooking Up Culture – San Antonio Express-News.

For more information regarding news from the Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, please contact Maggie Tucker at maggie.tucker@ag.tamu.edu or (979) 845-1542.

For more information regarding news from the Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, please contact Maggie Tucker at maggie.tucker@ag.tamu.edu or (979) 845-1542.

 For more information, click here.

For more information regarding news from the Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, please contact Maggie Tucker at maggie.tucker@ag.tamu.edu or (979) 845-1542.