THE NEXT CHAPTER

Bidding farewell as Perry Plans Retirement

by CCA Associate Director of Communications Maureen LaGrande

As the spring semester comes to an end at California State University, Fresno (Fresno State), the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology is saying goodbye to longtime department of animal sciences and agricultural education faculty member and beef unit enterprise manager Randy Perry, Ph.D., Prather. For the past 32 years Perry has dedicated his time, knowledge and hand to students, livestock producers, ranchers and family. While he is retiring, Perry’s devotion to Fresno State, the agriculture industry and hundreds of students have and will continue to leave an everlasting mark.

Born and raised in Newman, Perry’s college career began at Merced Junior College where he was a member of the livestock judging team while taking animal science classes. Once finished at Merced he transferred to California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly), to pursue his bachelor’s degree in animal science. With a bachelor’s degree under his belt, Randy then attended Kansas State University (KSU), Manhattan, Kan., where he received his master’s in animal science focusing on reproductive physiology research in beef cattle. Perry also completed his doctorate in the impacts of nutrient development in heifers.

Throughout the course of his education Perry had several mentors including, Bill Jacobs, Frank Fox and Mike Hall, Nipomo at Cal Poly. Hall got to know Perry well during his time at Cal Poly and participation in various campus activities such as the Cal Poly Bull Test. “He was an outstanding student, who was involved in everything,” Hall said.

At KSU, Larry Corah, Guy Kiracofe and Jeff Stevenson also played a large role in Perry’s studies. He also looked up to beef producers, Jay

Robinson and Walt Hunsaker.

Once finished with his doctorate, Perry left Kansas to begin his career in the Jordan College of Agriculture’s Animal Sciences and Agricultural Education Department at Fresno State. In the department, Perry has taught a range of beef related courses throughout his time on staff including, beef cattle production, advanced beef management and animal reproduction to name a few. At the university in addition to serving as a faculty member he has also held multiple leadership roles over the last three decades. Perry served as department chair for a number of years. Additionally, he has led as the beef unit supervisor and Young Cattlemen’s Association advisor.

When Perry first started his teaching career at Fresno State, the college had approximately 250 students studying in the animal science and agricultural education department. At the time Perry taught a majority of the beef related classes in the animal science department. With program expansion and increased interest in the field of animal science at the university, there are now more than 800 students in the department, many more classes offered and multiple lecturers and faculty members. Perry still teaches the advanced beef course and animal reproduction. Of all the courses taught in his career, Perry says animal reproduction has been his favorite.

Early on in his career at Fresno, Perry, along with students conducted research on the San Joaquin Experimental Range, owned by the US Forest Service and University of California Cooperative Extension. The research focused on a commercial cow herd and genetic comparisons in British cattle and Brahman influenced productivity. He also conducted carcass testing for producers collecting progeny data from different sires for Angus breeders. Through this study,

Perry had the opportunity to not only connect with industry producers but also expose his students to scientific research that aided in improving the beef industry.

In 1993, he helped start the Red Wave Classic Jackpot, a livestock show put on by students at the college and a program that will continue to have an impact long after Perry’s retirement. The idea for the jackpot came from students who proposed the idea to Perry and fellow faculty members. At first Red Wave was held in the pavilion on campus, but as the show gained participation and expanded upon livestock species, the show moved over to the Big Fresno Fairgrounds and just celebrated its30th anniversary.

Perry played a vital role in the day-to-day operations of Fresno State’s beef unit helping to guide and oversee the unit’s student managers. Steven Pozzi, one of three student managers during his time at Fresno State, details how Perry was there for the managers. Pozzi explained he taught them about the different facets of running the beef unit including, managing irrigated pasture rotations, creating feed rations and working with veterinarians to schedule semen tests and other health related checks for the cattle.

“Dr. Perry did a great job helping to get students prepared, for their future and enabled us to talk about ideas and help to create opportunities of our own.” Pozzi said.

Kris Gudel, Wilton, a past student of Perry’s, now brings his cattle to Fresno State’s Private Treaty Bull Sale. The annual sale allows producers to bring their bulls to the university farm to be fed out and then sold private treaty along with Fresno State’s livestock. Gudel shared even now as a producer, he still calls on Perry when he has questions regarding his livestock.

In addition to the students he has taught through the school’s beef unit, as the Fresno State Young Cattlemen’s Association (YCA) main advisor, dozens of club members over the last 30 years have also had the opportunity to learn and gain from Perry’s extensive knowledge and passion for beef cattle. Now leading the club along with co-advisors, Ryan Person, Clovis, and Amanda McKeith, Fresno, he continues to help oversee the students and YCA activities. Over the years Perry has taken students to the annual CCA and CCW Convention, helped with club BBQ fundraisers and events to help expose students to the industry and those who work in it.

“Working with the students is the most enjoyable part for me and will be what I miss most,” Perry says.

Looking back to his very beginnings at the college, he shares how the children of previous students from his early years teaching have started walking through his classroom doors—a testament to the time Randy has put in at Fresno State.

Perry’s son, Colby, shares how his father sees his past

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...CONTINUED FROM PAGE 39 students now teaching or working in a related field. Many of them attribute Randy Perry in helping them to get to where they are in their careers today.

Perry shares that being involved in the industry and interacting with producers and students has been his biggest accomplishment. His career at Fresno has contributed to the impact made on his students and helped them to find their niche in the industry. One piece of advice Randy leaves his students with is to “never give up.”

Macy Perry, Randy’s only daughter, on occasion would tag along with her dad to the beef unit as well as help at many BBQ events put on at the school or local cattlemen’s events. She detailed how her father is always willing to help and give back to others with whatever a student or group may need—whether that’s educating young minds during his career or devoting time to his community, the Big Fresno Fair, producers, ranchers, industry groups such CCA, or investing in his family. His honesty is what Macy says she admires most about her father.

“I think it’s something that the students admire about him as well,” Macy’s brother, Colby added explaining how selfless and always willing to lend a hand his father is. “It’s hard for him to say no.”

Even with his busy schedule at Fresno State, Macy details how her dad always made it a point to be there for his family. “We weren’t a family who played sports. Our thing was showing cattle,” Macy said. Both her parents were educators who were busy but always found time to be there for all of the kids’ livestock shows growing up. “I’m proud of him to be so loyal to Fresno State since 1990. It’s a testament to the impact he’s had on students, the community and the beef industry over the last 32 years,” Macy said. “He is someone you can count on, look to for inspiration and be dependable.”

Friend and fellow CSU colleague, Chico State Farm Administrator Dave Daley, Ph.D., Oroville, details how he appreciates Perry’s approach to not only livestock and education but just his personality in general. “He’s just a straight shooter, something that’s not easy to find in the field of education. He steps in and tells you what he believes, it’s refreshing,” Daley said.

According to Daley, Randy has brought a depth of knowledge and experience to the industry in the purebred sector, bull development and breeding programs as well as to the minds of all his students over the last 32 years. “He will be missed in our educational world but will remain a valued member of the beef community out West,” Daley said. With retirement soon in his sights, Perry plans to move out to Oklahoma, where his wife Susan, son Austin, daughterin-law Harlie, grandson Banks, Macy and Colby all currently reside and are eager for him to join them there. Randy says he is looking forward to spending time with them, helping his son Austin with his cow herd and working on his and Susan’s new home.

“I am really happy for him. It’s been a long career at Fresno State and he’s ready to take the next step in his life with his family,” Colby said. “I’m excited to see what he does next.”

Congratulations on your retirement, Dr. Perry! CCA thanks you for your commitment, leadership and dedication to bettering California’s cattle industry and ranching community. Hats off to you.