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What’s around the corner.
There is excitement in the air as we near our annual conference. The time is upon us as this letter goes to print. This is a first for the American Wagyu Association, we are honored to be hosting the World Wagyu Council, welcoming the international delegation to San Antonio! I look forward to meeting all of you, as like minds share experiences from different cultures around not just the US but all over the world.
Here are a few highlights from the past year. Earlier this spring, we launched our Estimated Progeny Differences (EPD’s) for carcass traits. Our data bank represents a gold standard across the world in that each generation in the pedigree is DNA parent verified, lending an added degree of accuracy. In sum, we provide great depth to each generation and a strong representation of results from our contemporary grouping of US herds already within our first year of rollout. Congratulations to the office of the AWA, and to the University of Georgia for their commitment and ongoing support to our US Wagyu data bank.
I want to focus for a minute on one of the traits of the EPDs, the IMF Index, or marbling trait. This is an exemplary product of this data base. It is not the sole result of one camera technique, but of multiple techniques, including all camera technologies and grading expertise available to us. And, the University of Georgia incorporates the heritable live ultrasound data as well, to bring our members the strongest estimate of marbling potential merit that we can. As we continue to incorporate more and more carcass data points, keep this information in mind. We offer great depth of cutting-edge technologies to this all-important trait in the Wagyu world, that of marbling. And we look forward to sharing with you the latest news from the USDA as to how to get these cameras into your packing houses and a quality meat grade on your label. Bring on Prime Wagyu!
Perhaps you have noticed the new office voices greeting you on the phone or answering your emails. We can now brag about our “next day service” bringing you answers with lightning speed. We listened to your comments, and we responded, clocking turn-around at unrivaled rates.
Moving on to other new developments, many of you have recently completed a survey for the AWA on our strengths, weaknesses and your interest in developing a new Verified Wagyu label. We had a strong turn out from a highly engaged membership, 83% nodded yes to an AWA Verified Program, and 53% of that number believe your future success relies on the development of label claims. These marketing assertions would highlight the honesty and genuineness of your Wagyu beef, potentially increasing the value of your carcasses by around $200 compared to similar Wagyu carcasses. This estimate is derived from current data provided by other certified beef programs. A survey of this magnitude is a first for this organization and we look forward to hearing the marketing group, Midan, reporting these results at the conference.
The World of Wagyu, encompassing you, our members of the American Wagyu Association, sits on the verge of opportunity. The Wagyu beef market is only 0.5 % of total beef by dollars sold, yet our growth of 16% of sales over the past two years sets us apart from the rest of the sector, (NCBA,2023). With prime beef being roughly 8 to 10% of the total beef market, that gives the Wagyu beef segment a tremendous opportunity to capture an increasing share of prime beef. The AWA aims to help set this stage through source claims of “raised in the US”, authenticity by DNA parent verification, and quality grades of our Wagyu beef, clearly differentiating Wagyu from the rest of prime beef.
As to the conference, you can expect to meet new faces, to share experiences, and to network. We want you to learn from this and to take away some insights, all the while having a bit of fun. This is my sixteenth consecutive attendance at an AWA conference, and I look forward to chatting with you all about your trials, tribulations, and the exciting future of the AWA, along with that of American Wagyu beef.
See you in San Antonio, Sept 21st through Sept 24th at the JW Marriott.
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT 2
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
JW MARRIOTT SAN ANTONIO
HILL COUNTRY RESORT & SPA
23808 RESORT PARKWAY
SAN ANTONIO, TX 78261 210.276.2500
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2023 – MORNING SESSION 9:00
12:00
AM AM PM
Building a Social Media Campaign –
Arlie Reeves & Colby Carpenter
DigitalBeef 101 – Martha Patterson & Lauren Merry
Lunch On Your Own
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2023
– MORNING SESSION
AM AM AM AM AM AM AM AM PM
Registration and Trade Show Open
Coffee & Pastries
Welcome – Dr. Robert Williams
Presidents Report– Dr. Sheila Patinkin
Premium Perspectives at the Meat Case: Trends and Insights Into Today’s Consumer – Michael Uetz
BREAK
Navigating Digital Beef– Dr. Joe Massey
History of Wagyu in America– Dr. Jerry Reeves, Dr. Albert Wood, Ray Record, Pete Esheleman
Lunch
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2023 – MORNING SESSION
Registration and Trade Show Open
Coffee & Pastries
Introductions – Dr. Robert Williams
Regenerative Agriculture in the United States– Hugh Aljoe
Wagyu Genetic Evaluation – Dr. Jorge Angel Hidalgo Moreno
BREAK
Navigating Birth to Carcass: The Power of Data– Hanna Ostrovski
An Update: USDA Instrument Grading – Dr. Bucky Gwartney
Process Verified Wagyu Beef Program – Dr. Sheila Patinkin Lunch
Welcome to Texas – Luncheon Speaker – Commissioner Sid Miller
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2023 – AFTERNOON SESSION
Registration Open
AWA Board of Directors Meeting
Annual General Membership Meeting
International Guest Welcome
Trade Show and Cash Bar – Dinner On Your Own
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2023
Aspects of Meat Quality in Cattle Breeds – Dr. Dale Woerner
Texas Beef Council – Dr. Molly McAdams
BREAK
Signature Series Auction – Wagyu 365
Wagyu – Tasters Whimsy (Wagyu Beef Samples) – Ticketed Event Dinner On Your Own
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2023
Understanding Feed Intake Measurements – Dr. Gordon Carstens
The Basics of Reproductive Biology in Cattle – Dr. Rebecca Poole
BREAK
Ultrasound Guidelines Council: How to Utilize Ultrasound in Wagyu – Patrick Wall
Relationship between Producers and Processors – Dr. Dustin Dean
Unveiling the Value of Wagyu: Adding Value and Exposing Its True
Worth – Kenichi “Ken” Kato
Reception and Cash Bar
Gala Dinner – Music by Mariachi Reyes de Mexica
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10:00
12:00 1:00 3:00 5:00 PM PM PM PM
7:00 7:00 8:00 8:15 8:45 9:45 10:00 10:45 12:00
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1:15 2:00 2:45 3:00 5:30 PM PM PM PM PM
AFTERNOON SESSION
7:00 7:00 8:00 8:15 9:00 9:45 10:00 10:30 11:00 12:00 12:30
PM
AM AM AM AM AM AM AM AM AM PM
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SESSION 1:30 2:15 3:00 3:30 4:00 4:45 6:30 7:00 PM PM PM PM PM PM PM PM
AFTERNOON
Over the last four years, I have personally observed how our community of Wagyu breeders have adapted, evolved, and innovated in the face of challenges. As I’ve mentioned before, what sets the American Wagyu breeder apart is their direct link to consumers. This unique farm-to-table relationship, combined with the exceptional flavor of Wagyu, has fueled the current demand for Wagyu genetics and beef in the United States and worldwide. Challenges present us with the perfect chance to extend our boundaries and embrace positive, transformative changes. When faced with adversity, we not only have the opportunity but also the imperative to welcome novel concepts and implement changes. We must be vigilant in avoiding a scenario where our past dictates or shapes our future.
For us, as Wagyu breeders, the name Wagyu has always been synonymous with unparalleled quality. However, it wasn’t always a familiar term to consumers. That landscape has shifted significantly; today, the name Wagyu is universally associated with the unmatched distinction of the highest quality of beef available. This transformation is evident as other brands in the market align their products with the Wagyu name.
Presently, Wagyu beef is basking in the well-deserved attention of consumers, and the reasons are clear. It undoubtedly stands as the most exquisite-tasting beef worldwide. This surge in recognition has translated to unprecedented growth for the American Wagyu Association. When discussions turn to quality, the American Wagyu breed is spearheading a new era, establishing itself as the preeminent dining experience.
LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE
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DIRECTOR
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ROBERT WILLIAMS, PH.D.
Executive Director 208.262.8100 robert.williams@wagyu.org
MARTHA PATTERSON
Office Manager and Herdbook Services, Import/Export Documents, Human Resources and Office Admin office@wagyu.org
LAUREN MERRY
DNA Results and Herd Searches office@wagyu.org
HANNA OSTROVSKI
Director of Research, Education, and Programs hanna.ostrovski@wagyu.org
JODI NELSON
Accounting and Member Services office@wagyu.org
SHYLA KINYON
DNA Sample Reception and Member Services office@wagyu.org
DONATION – C
All donated lots will be sold at the start of the Signature Series Sale, Friday, September 22, 2023. Proceeds will benefit programs of the American Wagyu Association.
AMERICAN WAGYU ASSOCIATION REGISTRATION NUMBER
Donated by American Wagyu Association AWA#
100000
•AWA# FB92514
HUGH ALJOE
Hugh Aljoe serves as the director of ranches, outreach and partnerships for Noble Research Institute. In this role, he oversees the 13,500 acres of Noble ranches as well as outreach and partnership efforts with allied industries and organizations. He also serves as a subject matter expert in the areas of pasture and range stewardship and adaptive grazing management. Aljoe joined Noble Research Institute in 1995.
He has spoken on topics related to the intentional management of ranches, proper land stewardship and soil health of grazing lands, and ranch sustainability and regenerative ranching at national, regional and state conferences, including Cattlemen’s College at the Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show. Aljoe currently serves on the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Environmental Stewardship Award Program selection committee, U.S. Roundtable For Sustainable Beef board of directors and the goals and targets tracking work group and outreach work group, and the National Grazing Lands Coalition executive board. Before coming to Noble Research Institute in 1995, Aljoe was the ranch manager for Belvedere Land & Cattle Corp., a 3,900-acre, 1,500-head purebred and commercial cow-calf operation in East Texas that utilized adaptive multi-paddock grazing.
Aljoe attended Texas A&M University where he received his bachelor’s degree in animal science and master’s degree in range science (grazing management).
COLBY CARPENTER
Colby holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Psychology & Business from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. His resume is very diverse, including marketing and sales positions in the firearms, aviation and agricultural industries. Colby played Quarterback for the University of Missouri during one of their most successful tenures as a team, from 2013-2015 and studied Agribusiness while at Mizzou. Colby runs a digital marketing company designing and managing websites, social media platforms and email databases for all types of companies. Colby’s passion and purpose is in the cattle industry, growing his company, 22 Wagyu (formerly Carpenter Cattle Co.), to its highest potential! Colby was recently chosen as one of the members of the American Wagyu Association’s Marketing Committee.
GORDON CARSONS, Ph.D.
Gordon Carstens was raised on a commercial cow-calf and swine operation in west-central Iowa. Following graduation from Iowa State University, he worked in the animal health industry for several years prior to attending Colorado State University where he received his Master’s and Doctorate degrees. Currently, he is a professor in the Department of Animal Science where he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in animal nutrition and conducts beef cattle research. His primary research interests are in energy metabolism and ruminant nutrition, with recent focus on understanding the biological drivers responsible for between-animal variation in efficiency of feed utilization of growing and mature beef cattle. Carstens has been involved in industry efforts to develop cost-
effective strategies that can be adopted by producers to improve the efficiency, profitability and sustainability of beef cattle production systems.
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PETE ESHELMAN
After graduating from Williams College in 1976, Pete began his career with the New York Yankees. He later developed George Steinbrenner‘s idea to insure guaranteed player contracts into a 35 year insurance career, founding two sports insurance companies which became part of publicly traded companies.
In 1996 Pete and his wife Alice created a private corporate dining facility to entertain their sports and entertainment clients which grew into Joseph Decuis, an award winning culinary destination famous for showcasing the Wagyu they raise on their farm.
Pete has been an active leader in the Wagyu industry. He has been an AWA member since 2007, served on the AWA marketing committee in 2012, was elected to the AWA board in 2018, and served as the AWA President in 2019 and 2020. In 2020 Pete was elected as Chairman of the World Wagyu Council, the international association comprised of Wagyu breed associations around the world.
Bucky Gwartney is USDA’s International Marketing Specialist for the Agricultural Marketing Service. Bucky is responsible for the organization and administration of the red meat and livestock standards which address important value classification and signals across multiple agricultural sectors. He holds leadership roles with a number of national and international standards bodies. Bucky works closely with the Livestock & Poultry’s Office of Administration on special projects related to innovation and adoption of technology for use in modernizing commodity grading activities. Bucky received his Ph.D. in Animal Science at the University of Nebraska and a B.S. in Agriculture from Oklahoma State University.
JORGE ANGEL HIDALGO MORENO, Ph.D.
Jorge Hidalgo, hailing from Mexico, boasts a robust academic background in the field of Animal Science. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from the prestigious Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, followed by a Masters in Animal Breeding and Genetics from the same institution. His pursuit of excellence led him to the United States, where he successfully obtained his Ph.D. in Animal Breeding and Genetics from the University of Georgia.
Currently, Jorge holds the esteemed position of Assistant Professor within the Animal and Dairy Science Department at the University of Georgia. His professional journey is guided by a profound research interest in the realm of Animal Breeding and Genetics, with a specific focus on conducting large-scale
genomic evaluations for livestock. Through his academic journey and current role, Jorge Hidalgo has positioned himself as a prominent figure contributing to the advancement of knowledge in Animal Genetics.
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BUCKY GWARTNEY, Ph.D.
KENICHI “KEN” KATO
Kenichi “Ken” Kato is a fourth-generation Japanese artisan butcher and a prominent figure in the world of meat dry-aging. He owns and runs Kyonaka, a boutique butcher shop and restaurant in Kyoto, known for its pioneering work in dry-aging meat in Japan, as well as expertise in cattle breed assessment, carcass quality evaluation, and dry-aged meat conditioning. Beyond his butcher shop, Ken is a strong advocate for the integration of meat industry and meat science. In 2008, he earned a M.S. in Animal Science from CSU’s Center for Meat Safety & Quality, fueling his passion for research and innovation in the field. He actively engages in meat science research projects, not only in Japan but also internationally, offering his expertise as a consultant to producers and restaurants in counties such as the U.S., Korea, and Thailand.
LAUREN MERRY
Lauren Merry has been with the American Wagyu Association since late 2017, currently working with the DNA results and herd search department. She initially started as the Accounts Manager in 2017, but quickly delved into the DNA related positions of the Association. Most recently she served as Registrar from 2019 until early 2023. Originally from Spokane, WA, she now calls Post Falls home, where she moved to raise her family. She graduated from Washington State University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences. Her background is in Pre-Vet Med and Animal Behavior.
JOE MASSEY, Ph.D.
Joseph M Massey founded DigitalBeef in 2013 to provide performance recording platforms for the beef industry that are user friendly. He served as Executive Vice President, of the International Brangus Breeders Association, from 2004 to 2013 redirecting the focus of the association to serve it members and making Brangus cattle relevant to the commercial cattle industry. Dr. Massey was instrumental in the implementation of a multi-breed EPD program for the Association and guiding the association into a Total Herd Reporting inventory system. The adoption of THR has been vital to the growth and success of the Association. In 2007, he started Genetic Performance Solutions, LLC, a breed registry services and performance analysis company serving the cattle and breed association
industry, for the International Brangus Breeders Association. GPS managed online registry programs for breed association and the database management of performance data like multi-breed EPDs. In 1989 he cofounded Genmark, a DNA marker developing company with a focus on human genetic defects and development of Bovine DNA marker maps and linkages to commercial traits of interest, such as milk volume, protein, and fat content. In 1989 he started Granada Genetics, Inc., a bovine embryo transfer company, and served as its first President and COO for Granada Corporation. Granada Genetics developed as one of the most successful international embryo transfer companies with four U.S. facilities, one in Cambridge, England, and numerous international joint ventures. Dr. Massey received his Ph.D., in Physiology of Reproduction, from Texas A&M University Veterinary School in 1980.
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MOLLY MCADAMS, Ph.D.
Molly McAdams leads the Texas Beef Council (TBC) as executive vice president. Molly is responsible for providing vision and strategic planning, ensuring TBC’s fiscal health, optimizing staff recruitment and development, overseeing programs, serving as a staff liaison to several committees and numerous other duties.
The daughter of a veterinarian, Molly has focused on beef throughout her career because it’s her personal protein of choice, and she respects and loves the ranching profession and lifestyle. Her educational background reflects that lifelong focus with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in animal science/meat science from the University of Florida and a doctorate in agriculture from Texas Tech University. Molly lives with her husband, Jim, and their son, John Kohl, on the family’s place near New Berlin, TX.
DALE WOERNER, Ph.D.
Dr. Dale R. Woerner, Professor and Cargill Endowed Professor, Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University, is an academic professional and meat and food industry consultant. Dr. Woerner earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Animal Science, Meat and Food Industry Management from Texas Tech University in 2003 and 2005, respectively, and earned his Ph.D. in Animal Science/Meat Science from Colorado State University in 2009. He served on the faculty at Colorado State University for 9 years, and recently joined the faculty at Texas Tech University in an endowed chair position. He has conducted more that 12 million dollars in industry funded research and has published more than 300 scholarly works. Dale has served as a member of the National Cattlemen’s Beef
Association’s Beef Innovations Group, has served as the president of the AMSA Intercollegiate Meat Coaches Association, serves as chairman of the National 4-H Meat Judging Advisory Committee, and is a member of the American Meat Science Association Board of Directors. In 2013, Dale was selected by Vance Publishing as a “40 Under 40” honoree as a young leader in the agricultural industry contributing to the 2050 challenge, the challenge of feeding 9 billion people by 2050. Also, Dale was named one of the Top Ten Industry Leaders for 2014 by Cattle Business as a “Difference Maker”, was recognized along with his wife Wendy in 2014 by Texas Tech as Horizon Award Recipients, in 2015 he received the American Meat Science Associations Achievement Award, in 2018 was recognized by the American Society of Animal Sciences with the Early Career Achievement Award, and, was recognized in 2018 as a Distinguished Alumni by the TTU College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Also, in 2018, Dr. Woerner was selected by the American Meat Science Association membership to be the chairman of the Reciprocal Meat Conference, the premier meat science conference in North America. Most recently, he was awarded the North American Meat Institute’s 2018 Harry L. Rudnick Educator’s Award.
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HANNA OSTROVSKI
Hanna Ostrovski is the Director of Research, Education and Programs at the American Wagyu Association. She was born and raised in Lincoln NE and graduated University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a bachelor’s degree in animal science. Her undergraduate research in pig nutrition led her to pursue a graduate degree at North Carolina State University where she received a master’s degree in animal breeding and genetics. Currently, she is finishing her PhD in animal breeding and genetics at Michigan State University. Her PhD work is focused on exploration of breeding programs in high-quality cattle; from creating real-time, on-site sequencing to estimating the accuracy of genetic prediction between cattle populations. Her passions lie in the application of new technology and bridging the gap between research and industry.
DR. SHEILA PATINKIN
With a history spanning diverse careers, Sheila Patinkin possesses a broad spectrum of skills that traverse various fields. From tending to her farm and breeding Wagyu, to providing pediatric medical care, conducting genetic research, excelling in marketing, and driving business development, she approaches each venture with resolute dedication. Beyond her professional pursuits, she is a devoted parent, raising four children and eight grandchildren, infusing empathy and equilibrium into every aspect of life. She graduated as a Chief Resident following her Pediatric Residency at Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, IL, earning her MD from Northwestern Medical School in 1995. Her academic foundation was laid with a BA in Economics from
the College of the University of Chicago, marked by General Honors in 1975. An American Field Service (AFS) Scholarship in 1970-1971 allowed her to immerse herself in Sweden’s customs and culture, shaping a transformative experience.
Her professional journey encompasses roles such as a Private Group Physician at Sanders Court Pediatrics from 1999 to 2012, and earlier, a pediatric resident and subsequently Chief Pediatric Resident at Lutheran General Hospital from 1994 to 1999. During this period, she played a pivotal role in genetic research, investigating human chromosomal regions for DNA deletions and insertions among Autistic children through FISH analysis. Corporate engagement is also part of her story, with tenure at Quaker Oats Co. from 1976 to 1982, contributing to new product development and market research. Her involvement with the US Energy Research and Development Association involved economic cost-benefit analyses of US Nuclear Materials Management systems within domestic laboratories from 1975 to 1976. Her journey has brought her back to her roots in Springfield, Vermont, where her Wagyu herd, team leadership through her role as President on the Board of Directors, and brand establishment at her farm bring her fulfillment.
ARLIE REEVES
Arlie grew up in the Wagyu industry and works alongside her parents at Bar R Cattle Company in Pullman, Washington. She and her husband, Taylor, are passionate about ranching and are actively involved in their local cattle associations. Arlie enjoys the genetics side of the business and also works to advance their small beef program. In addition to her devotion to Wagyu cattle, Arlie stays busy with her career at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, a U.S. Department of Energy National Laboratory. She has experience in international agriculture consulting and research abroad, supported USDA Foreign Agricultural Service projects, and completed a 2016 summer fellowship at Purdue University’s
Borlaug Institute on Global Food Security. Arlie’s educational background includes an M.S. in International Relations and Agricultural Development from Northeastern University and a B.A. in Political Science from Washington State University. Arlie also currently serves on the AWA Board of Directors.
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MARTHA PATTERSON
Martha Patterson started her career with the American Wagyu Association in July of 2011. During this time, she has worked in every department for the corporation, including Receptionist, Registrar, Genetic Testing, Human Resources, Accounting, Board of Directors Clerk, and Member Services.
Currently she is our Office Manager, Human Resource Manager, International Registration Specialist and helps members with parent searches for their herd. Martha has a Bachelor of Science degree from San Diego State University in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Math and Science. Martha spent many years as co-leader of her daughter’s sheep, beef, and horse 4-H club activities. She also served on the Board of Directors for the Oregon State University
Extension Services which ran the 4H program for all Central Oregon.
Prior to joining the “Wagyu family”, Martha was a Project Manager in the Log Home and Timber Frame industry for over 20 years. She served as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for the International Log Builders Association and worked on many fun projects such as Disney’s Fort Wilderness Lodge in Orlando, FL, and the Grand Californian Hotel at Disneyland.
RAY RECORD
Ray Record, President and Owner of AgriService International, earned his BS in Animal Science and MS in Animal Nutrition with a minor in Reproductive Physiology from Purdue University.
Record dedicated four years to the Army ROTC at Purdue, emerging as a Distinguished Military Student. He earned a commission as a 2nd Lt. upon graduation in 1959. His military service concluded with six years in the Army Reserve, with a retirement rank of Captain in 1965.
Record was the manager at the Purdue University Purebred Beef Cattle Farm from 1959 to 1962. Subsequently, he served as Assistant Manager at Drew Ranch in Elkton, Florida, Manager of Ray Lake Angus Farm in Grayslake, IL,
followed by taking on the role of Vice President of Cattle Operations at Premier Beef Cattle in Bennett, CO. In 1979 Record assumed the position of Vice President of the Ranch Division at Great Southern Ranches in Hattiesburg. His leadership journey continued as Vice President of Operations at Granada Land and Cattle in Wheelock, TX, from 1982 to 1990. Then in 1990, took on the role as President and Owner of AgriService International, a role he continues today. Throughout his career, Record has managed and owned various breeds, including Angus, Brangus, Brahman, Braford, Shorthorn, Charolais, Simbrah, Simmental, Tuli, and Wagyu. These experiences led me to deeply engage with several associations, where I contributed my expertise. As President, Director, and Breeder of the Year for the International Brangus Breeders Assoc, Co-Founder, Director, and President of the American Wagyu Assoc., and similar roles within the American Braford Assoc. and North American Tuli Assoc. Records dedication to the Wagyu breed was particularly significant. In 1990, he spearheaded the establishment of the American Wagyu Assoc. and served as its President from 1990 to 1992. Record had significant influence as he facilitated the first export of purebred Wagyu semen to Australia in 1990. His partnership with Japanese Wagyu breeder Shogo Takeda in 1994 laid the foundation for two major imports of fullblood bulls and females from Japan in 1995 and 1996. Record further played a pivotal role in major exports of fullblood cattle, semen, and embryos to Australia and New Zealand. Records journey has been one of dedication, achievement, and contribution, encompassing family, faith, education, and the beef cattle industry. Family stands as a cornerstone in his life. Record married Jean Burkhalter in 1958 and are blessed with four children: Rae Denise, Bradley Eugene, Marsha Lynn, and Michael Scott. He is the proud grandparent of five and great-grandparent of two.
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REBECCA POOLE, Ph.D.
Dr. Rebecca “Becky” Poole is an Assistant Professor of Reproductive Biology in the Department of Animal Science at Texas A&M University. She received her BS and MS degrees in Animal Science from NC State University and Virginia Tech, respectively. She then returned to NC State University and received her PhD in 2019 with her research focusing on fescue toxicosis and mitigation strategies to improve reproductive performance and immunity in beef cattle. Upon completion of her PhD, Dr. Poole completed 2 years of postdoctoral training in Physiology of Reproduction at Texas A&M University. During this time, she was awarded a USDA-AFRI Postdoctoral Fellowship focusing on the relationship between hormonal and immunological influences on the microbiome of the reproductive
tract in beef cattle. Dr. Poole was then hired in 2021 as an Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University where she continues to focus on understanding the microbiome of the reproductive tract in domestic livestock animals. Currently, she has authored 22 peer-reviewed publications and 43 scientific abstracts. In addition to her research, Dr. Poole teaches the undergraduate course in animal reproduction for honors students. Dr. Poole is an active member of the American Society of Animal Science and the Society for the Study of Reproduction.
JERRY REEVES, Ph.D.
Jerry Reeves was raised on a stump ranch in Western Oregon where his family was involved in logging and ranching. He received a BS and MS at Oregon State University a PhD at the University of Nebraska and was a NIH Postdoctoral Fellow at Tulane Medical School.
Jerry was hired by Washington State University Animal Sciences Department in 1970 and retired in 2007 after 37 years. In 1989 Jerry was given the opportunity as part of a three member team that went to Japan to help develop an export market of beef from the US to Japan. The team quickly realized the higher marbling meat of the Wagyu would be an advantage for exporting. At that time Japan could only produce one third of the meat they needed. The teams
recommendation was to import Wagyu genetics into the US to cross back on commercial cattle in order to help produce a higher quality of meat for the Japanese consumer. The speaker of the House of Representatives at that time was Tom Foley from Eastern Washington who was instrumental in negotiating with the Japanese government the only protocol for the export of Wagyu cattle which was into the USA.
Jerry is presently one of the oldest active members of the American Wagyu Association (member #20) and Bar R Cattle Co registered their first half blood Wagyu calf in 1990. He has served two terms on the AWA Board of directors in the 1990s and two terms on the board of directors in the 2000’s. In 2008 Jerry and Heidi were honored by being named producer of the year by the American Wagyu Association and in 2019 the AWA presented him the Life Time Achievement Award. He has been dedicated to the Wagyu breed and has been very active in the promotion of the collection of carcass data used in the development of Wagyu EPD’s.
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PATRICK WALL
Patrick Wall currently serves as the Executive Director of the Ultrasound Guidelines Council (UGC), a seat he has held since 2017. The UGC Board is comprised of breed association representatives, industry professionals, lab personnel, and a field technician. They set and enforce the standards for all ultrasound images collected, and all data sent into genetic evaluations for generating carcass EPDs. During his tenure, Wall has revitalized carcass data collection behind all the ultrasound equipment currently being used in the industry. More recently, he has set his sights on improving carcass ultrasound accuracy for both heavily ear-influenced breeds and extremely high marbling cattle, like Wagyu.
Wall has worked in all facets of the seedstock industry, being previously employed by the American Shorthorn Association as the Director of Breed Improvement. He also was Director of Communications for The National CUP lab in Ames, Iowa. His current role is a Beef Specialist for Iowa State University Extension & Outreach. Patrick, his wife Amanda, and their two children reside on her family’s original farming operation near Pleasantville, Iowa. They raise purebred Hereford cattle, hosting a modest online production sale every fall. Wall has his B.S. and M.S. from Iowa State as well as his A.S. from Black Hawk East. He was a competitive livestock judge at both schools, being named to the All-American Livestock Judging Team in 2001.
ROBERT WILLIAMS, Ph.D.
Robert Williams, Executive Director of the American Wagyu Association, earned his B.S. in Animal Science from Oklahoma State University, and has been recognized there as a Graduate of Distinction. After working in the beef industry Williams returned to graduate school completing his M.S. and Ph.D. in Beef Breeding and Genetics at the University of Georgia. His research focused on use of ultrasound for carcass merit and genetic selection for fertility.
Williams directed the release of the U.S. beef industry’s first web-based customizable decision support and selection index, directed the development of the first suite of carcass EPD using ultrasound as a corelated trait, and authored
the concept of offering membership multiple options for whole herd enrollment programs. Williams has served multiple terms on the Board of Directors of the Beef Improvement Federations (BIF), serving as chairman for the Live Animal Carcass and End Product committee, Frank Baker Award Committee, Eighth Revision of the BIF Guidelines, and currently Historian. Williams was also honored with the 2005 BIF Continuing Service Award.
Furthermore, Williams was instrumental in the organization of the Ultrasound Guidelines Council (UGC) for the seedstock beef industry as a founding director and serving either as the chairman or on its board of directors since its inception in 2002 through 2015. Additionally, Williams served two years on the board of directors for the United States Livestock Genetics Export Association and currently serves as President of the US Beef Breeds Council.
Williams has authored or co-authored numerous research papers and educational articles, traveled extensively promoting U.S. genetics worldwide in addition to serving as a beef cattle judge and invited speaker domestically and internationally.
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MICHAEL UETZ
Michael Uetz’s passion for the meat industry started on his family’s ranch in North Dakota and grew during his time working for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Determined to ensure the long-term viability of animal agriculture and to help farming and ranching families like his own achieve success, he cofounded Midan Marketing. He is responsible for establishing and maintaining the Midan vision and strategic direction and works with meat industry partners to effectively outline business strategies. Eternally curious about what drives consumer behavior, Michael enjoys overseeing the customer insights and research side of Midan. When he isn’t meeting with agency partners, you can find him on a cattle drive in the North Dakota Badlands or riding a quarter horse on his Indiana farm and in cutting competitions.
DR. ALBERT J WOOD, M.D., F.A.C.P.
Al Wood’s primary profession as a Medical Doctor practicing Oncology/ Hematology has led him to treat and counsel thousands of clients over the past 40 years. Prioritizing faith and family, he has also grown in his passions for research and cattle ranching; making great strides in both. Early in life, 4-H introduced him to the cattle industry, both its rewards and its challenges, while working with Black Angus. In 1981, Al started the family ranch which was named Englewood Ranch and was instrumental in preserving the purity of the then available Red Wagyu cattle. Later, in 1996, he founded HeartBrand Cattle Company with the goal of promoting the Red Wagyu breed. HeartBrand Cattle Company was responsible for bringing two shipments of
Wagyu cattle from Japan to introduce fresh genetics to the United States. Al’s lifelong passion for research has led him down the road of numerous research projects both for human medicine and Wagyu cattle. Teaching students and speaking at conferences has given many others the benefit of his experience and knowledge. Striving for the best care of his patients, Al Wood co-founded both the Cancer Specialists of South Texas and the Corpus Christi Cancer Center. His numerous publications include articles in the Journal of Animal Science, Texas Reports on Biology and Medicine, The Oncologist, and more.
DUSTIN DEAN, Ph.D.
Dustin Dean & Jason Peeler own and operate Dean & Peeler Meatworks LLC in Poth, TX just 35 minutes southeast of San Antonio. Meatworks is a USDA inspected harvest facility that opened its doors in March of 2017 to specifically target customers that sell their own beef to the public. They also own and operate Texana Feeders in Floresville, just 10 minutes from the harvest facility in Poth. Texana Feeders is a 15,000 head feeding operation that offers experienced custom feeding to Wagyu producers. While Meatworks harvests all the cattle from the Dean & Peeler Premium Angus Beef program, it is also one of the leading custom harvest plants in Texas. The daily operations at Dean & Peeler Meatworks are 100% geared towards humane harvesting and intricate processing to go the extra mile where other processors can’t. Meatworks has worked with numerous Wagyu breeders both in and out of Texas. From a dedicated and experienced processing crew to a state-of-the-art computer driven grading camera, Dean & Peeler Meatworks has always worked hard for ranchers who are marketing ultra-high quality Wagyu Beef.
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COMMISSIONER SID MILLER
An eighth-generation farmer and rancher, Sid Miller is the 12th Commissioner of the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA). He has devoted his life to promoting Texas agriculture, rural communities, and the great state of Texas. Born in De Leon, in Comanche County, in September 1955, Sid Miller graduated with honors from Tarleton State University in Stephenville with a Bachelor of Science degree in Vocational Ag Education.
A recognized community leader, Miller was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2000. He quickly earned a reputation as a staunch defender of Texas agriculture, constitutional freedoms, and individual liberties for all Texans. He was elected statewide as the 12th Texas Agriculture Commissioner in 2014 and re-elected to his second term in office in 2018; followed by a third term in 2022, receiving almost 4.5 million votes--more votes than any candidate for Texas Agricultural Commissioner has ever received. Since taking office as Agriculture Commissioner, Commissioner Miller has brought real common sense reform to TDA. Within six months, he eliminated a two-and-a-half-year backlog in organic certifications. He reshaped field operations to maximize efficiency for Texas taxpayers. This included increasing the number of consumer protection inspections by as much as 183 percent while slashing the miles traveled by TDA inspectors by more than half a million miles a year.
Commissioner Miller also launched Operation Maverick, a consumer protection initiative to round up businesses that failed to register their commercial scales with TDA. Registrations have increased 35 percent, and more than 2,000 previously unregistered businesses are now monitored by TDA to ensure consumers are protected. A former ag teacher and school board member, Commissioner Miller is committed to fighting childhood obesity and promoting healthy lifestyles for Texas schoolchildren. His creation of Farm Fresh Fridays and other farmto-school initiatives resulted in a $14 million increase in the amount of Texas products purchased by schools.
Commissioner Miller is also passionate about ensuring rural communities have the water and infrastructure they need to thrive. To that end, he created TDA’s Office of Water to secure access to clean water for Texans today and their future generations. Additionally, under his guidance, TDA has directed hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding through the Texas Community Development Block Grant program to local communities for infrastructure improvements and repairs.
Commissioner Miller is the state’s leading advocate around the world for Texas agriculture, Texas-grown products, and Texas-owned businesses. He oversees TDA’s world-renowned GO TEXAN program — a marketing effort to showcase the best products, companies, and communities that call the Lone Star State home. Since taking office, Commissioner Miller’s passion to increase market exposure for Texas agriculture has led him and his staff to mount trade missions to Cuba, Ecuador, Argentina, Israel, China, and every continent on the globe except Antarctica.
In 2020 and 2021 Commissioner Miller declared numerous companies and firms in the agricultural sector as “essential businesses,” saving thousands of jobs and enabling many Texas businesses to keep their doors open. Commissioner Miller is a businessman who breeds and trains American Quarter Horses. In his spare time, he is a recognized rodeo cowboy who holds 12 world championship titles. He and his wife, Debra, have been married for going on 45 years. They have two sons, two daughters-in-law and five grandchildren. They are active members of the Cowboy Church of Erath County, where Commissioner Miller also serves as an elder.
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