SPRING 2020
A HISTORIC DAY FOR OSU AGRICULTURE.
This year’s historic $50 million gift from Kayleen and Larry Ferguson and the Ferguson Family Foundation will transform Oklahoma State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources in a variety of ways, including the name. The college has been renamed to the Ferguson College of Agriculture in recognition of the gift, which is among the largest in OSU’s nearly 130-year history. It also marks the public launch of the New Frontiers campaign, a campaign to raise funds for a new, state-of-the-art Agricultural Hall with classrooms and labs that will allow for more innovative research and teaching. The Fergusons’ and their Foundation have a vision: to feed the world. The change in the college’s name to the Ferguson College of Agriculture honors the gift from the Ferguson Family Foundation and OSU’s history of cultivating innovative solutions to do just that. The Fergusons began transforming agricultural programs at the university with their contributions to the Ferguson Family Dairy Center, which opened in 2017. Since then, the Department of Animal and Food Sciences has attracted students from across the country who want to be a part of the dairy program and live in Helms Hall. Larry, a 1975 graduate of the department, was named the OSU Animal Science Graduate of Distinction in 2002 and was recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources in 2016. The OSU Alumni Association recognized both Larry and Kayleen as Distinguished Alumni in 2017. The New Frontiers campaign and name change to the Ferguson College of Agriculture mark an exciting and pivotal time in the history of OSU Agriculture. For our alumni, the pride and traditions we have in our college will continue as we celebrate this next chapter in our shared story.
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CONTENTS 6
ANIMAL SCIENCE SCHOLARS Animal Science Alumni Association awards scholarships to deserving students
TAILGATING COW-POKES Animal Science Alumni come together to cheer on the Cowboys
THE HEART OF A COWBOY Eddie Sims inducted into ASAA Totusek Arena Hall of Fame
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A PRIME CELEBRATION OSU celebrates 100 years of meat science
LED BY STILLWATER Parker Henley joins OSU as the livestock judging coach
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Editor | Megan Bryant Graphic Coordinator | JD Rosman Writers | Lizzi Neal & Braeden Coon Photographers | Todd Johnson, Lizzi Neal & Megan Silveira The Oklahoma State University Animal Science Alumni Association is a non-profit organization focused on promoting the profession of animal science. This is accomplished by providing scholarship and judging team support, encouraging student enrollment in animal science, improving awareness of educational opportunities and organizing events and activities for alumni. OSUANSCIALUMNI.COM | OSUANSCIALUMNI@GMAIL.COM | 405.747.1977 |
@OSUANSIALUMNI
Print and distribution of this publication was paid for in conjunction with the ASAA and Oklahoma State University Department of Animal and Food Sciences.
Oklahoma State University | 3
BUILDING A LEGACY
Webster’s dictionary defines legacy as, “anything handed down from the past, as from an ancestor or predecessor.” We have been given so much by this department, as an animal science alum, I feel I have an obligation to give back to the department that offered so much to me. With age, comes reflection. I will admit, there are some things I cannot remember and there are things that stick in my mind. My time as a student at OSU is something I will never forget. Not only did I receive an excellent education but, my closest friends today are people I met in school and I owe that to the department of animal science. So, what price can I put on those friendships? I feel it is my obligation to give back to the department and I am doing so by serving on the ASAA Board of Directors and donating my time and what funds I can to the department so they can impact today’s students’ lives as they did mine. As an alumni organization, in support of a single department we are unique to the OSU family. If you are a member of the ASAA and have never attended any of our events, I would like to encourage you to get involved. You can be involved in several ways: volunteer to serve on the board, round-up auction items for the annual gala scholarship auction, contact old classmates and ask them to become a member, etc. We can use any help you can offer to continue the traditions we have in place! If you missed the ASAA Tailgate this year, you missed a great time and some awesome food! Once again, we were on the corner of Knoblock and Athletic, just a block from the stadium. This is not a fundraiser; there are no obligations, just a free meal and a great place to meet up with alumni and friends. I know many of you attend the football games so next season, call an old roommate or a classmate you haven’t seen in years and ask them to meet you there. Everyone is welcome, so come join in the fun! If you have never attended the ASAA Gala Reunion, I assure you, you are missing out! I look forward to this event every year. I enjoy getting to re-connect 4 | The Brand
Scott Bulling
with people I have not seen in years. Whether I am visiting with friends, building new connections, or having some great food, it is always a wonderful time. This is the primary fundraising event of our organization. The ASAA Board and many others work hard to make this event appeal to alums of all ages. This is where you can help. I encourage all of you to help with this event in any way you can. Helping consists of rounding-up donation items, buying tickets to the gala, encouraging your friends to meet you at the gala, or donating or purchasing an auction item. If you are unable to attend, technology has made it possible for you to bid and purchase auction items online. Now is the time! This is our opportunity to continue the legacy of one the greatest department of animal and food sciences in the country. I do not think any of you would disagree there is a sense of pride in having been a part of this great legacy. If we want to continue to produce the best and the brightest graduates, we have to do our part to support that effort. Let each of us do our small part, that will together create a big impact and help continue the legacy. Loyal & true,
STATE ADDRESS Clint Rusk
Greetings and thank you to the alumni of the OSU Department of Animal and Food Sciences. I am honored to be your department head. I have thoroughly enjoyed my first seven and a half years working with animal and food sciences alumni across the state of Oklahoma and the country. I am very excited about the upcoming Animal Science Alumni Association Gala Reunion to be held on Saturday evening, April 4, 2020. We hope many of you will be able to attend this exciting event, which provides an opportunity for alumni of our department to gather and reminisce with old friends, and to meet new friends. Please join us on April 4, as we introduce the current judging team members and celebrate the success of past judging teams! We are also blessed with an outstanding faculty and staff. Dr. Parker Henley joined our faculty in early January as an applied animal scientist and livestock judging team coach. Dr. Henley will teach several classes in the spring and begin recruiting students for the 2021 OSU Livestock Judging Team. We have received permission from Dr. Tom Coon, Dr. Cynda Clary and Dr. Keith Owens to advertise for two new faculty positions, one in fresh meat science and one in reproductive physiology. Search committees have been formed and position descriptions have been written. We anticipate advertising these two positions soon. The next time you are in the Stillwater area, please stop by and say hi.
Upcoming Events March 12 – 20 Oklahoma Youth Expo | Oklahoma City April 3 Animal Science Scholarship Banquet April 4 Animal Science Alumni Association Gala Reunion April 5 OSU Cowboy Classic
Clint Rusk, Head Department of Animal and Food Sciences
Oklahoma State University | 5
ANIMAL SCIENCE SCHOLARS Animal Science Alumni Association awards scholarships to deserving students successful. After, visiting OSU, she knew this is where she wanted to attend college. Nolt sought to be part of the department of animal and food sciences because of the friendly and welcoming people along with all the great opportunities which are available. Majoring in animal science also gives her the possibility to have an option in business. Growing up on a dairy farm she still wants to have a hands-on relationship with dairy cattle, but also be able to make smart business and financial choices. Following graduation, Nolt plans to pursue a career in dairy nutrition or reproduction. “Being an Oklahoma State Cowboy means so much more than going to class five days a week at a university,” Nolt said. “A cowboy means attending sports events, having school spirit, sharing my passion with all my peers, and knowledge at my fingertips and lifelong friendships and connections.”
Katelyn Nolt As a junior studying animal science, Katelyn Nolt serves as a Student Academic Mentor assisting freshman in the Ferguson College of Agriculture. She also serves as a Leader of Excellence in Animal and Food Sciences. She is active in the Agricultural Economics Club along with being the Student Council Representative for the Dairy Science Club. In addition, she works at OSU’s Ferguson Family Dairy Center and was previously on the OSU Dairy Science Quiz Bowl Team. She became inspired to come to OSU after talking to an alumnus of OSU, who has been very 6 | The Brand
Lilly Hildebrand Lilly Hildebrand is a senior studying animal science with a minor in agricultural business. She was on the 2018 National Champion Meat Judging Team and the 2019 Meat Animal Evaluation Team. “Oklahoma State has become a tradition in my family with my mom receiving her masters degree, brother and sister receiving their bachelors and now working on their masters and Ph.D.,” Hildebrand said. She was inspired by the orange from the first visit and knew if she wanted to be on a competitive judging team, OSU was one of the best. “From day one I knew I made the right choice,” she said. “I have found a family within these brick buildings and I have never looked back.” Upon graduation she plans to pursue a degree
in nursing with an end goal of becoming a neonatal nurse practitioner, not forgetting her ag roots. “No matter the age, major or goals every cowboy has one thing in common and that is the love for our school and the people we share it with,” she said. “For me I found my place when I became a cowboy on the meat judging team in 2018. “Being apart of this team showed me what it was like to represent our university both as an individual and a team and to make the cowboy name known,” Hildebrand said.
an ideal program for anyone wanting to work with or in an animal related field, she said. “The hands on nutrition side of the program is what drew me to pursue this major,” she said. After graduation she plans to pursue a career in animal nutrition with plans to become an animal nutritionist. “To me being a cowboy means being part of a team and a family,” she said. “All these opportunities will always surround you with fun-loving people who all care about your success with in the program. “Being a cowboy to me means hard work, working towards dreams and stopping at nothing to achieve them,” she said. “That is what OSU has taught me.”
Ryleigh Semanchik Ryleigh Semanchik is a senior studying animal science with an emphasis in business. During her time at OSU, she was a member of the 2018 World Championship Horse Judging Team and a member of the 2019 National Reigning Horse Association Judging Team. “Horse Judging is what inspired me to come to Oklahoma State University,” Semanchik said. “The prestigious reputation and caring coaching staff made it feel like home to me.” The department of animal and food sciences has Oklahoma State University | 7
Wyatt Munholland Wyatt Munholland is a junior studying animal science with an emphasis in production. “Oklahoma State University was a place as a kid in high school I only dreamed I could go,” Munholland said. “As I was coming to tour the campus and figure out what I planned to study while here, the only thing that I knew was that I had to be involved in agriculture. “Ever since the first day that I put on my blue corduroy jacket and became a part of my school’s FFA chapter I knew that agriculture was where I belonged,” he said. As an active student on campus, Munholland is a true cowboy at heart. “I believe being a cowboy is always being able to test yourself, find out who you are, and being confident and having conviction in what you believe,” he said. “Being a cowboy is about building yourself in the best person you can be inside and outside of the classroom.”
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Animal Science Weekend
April 3 - 5, 2020
Friday, April 3 6:00 p.m.
Animal and Food Sciences Scholarship Banquet
Wes Watkins Center
11:30 a.m.
Lunch and ASAA General Membership Meeting
Purebred Beef Center
Saturday, April 4
All alumni are welcome Meeting at 12:00 p.m.
Purebred Beef Center
Meet and Greet with the OSU Judging Team Coaches
1:00 p.m.
FAPC
100 Years of Meat Science Celebration
2:00 p.m.
Tours of the Food and Ag Products Center
3:00 p.m
Meat Judging Alumni Gathering
5:00 p.m.
ASAA Gala Reunion
5:30 p.m.
Photos of 50-Year Teams
6:30 p.m.
ASAA Gala Reunion Program
911 W 5th Ave, Stillwater
Wes Watkins Center
Social Hour, Cash Bar and Meal
Wes Watkins Center
Reunion of 2010, 1995 and 1970 animal science graduates, 50-Year 1970 Judging Teams, and Hall of Fame Chairback Recipient – Eddie Sims Online Scholarship Auction – live, spotlight, and silent items Auction bidding will be available online www.ASAAgala.givesmart.com
Sunday, April 5 1:00 p.m.
Social hour will resume at the conclusion of the Gala Reunion program
Cowboy Classic Sale
A block of rooms will be reserved at the following hotels. Please specify “animal science” and make reservations by March 13. Residence Inn by Marriott* Atherton Hotel Cimarron by Best Western Hampton Inn & Suites, Country Club
405-707-0588 405-744-6835 405-372-2878 405-332-5575
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Home2 Suites by Hilton Spring Hill Suites by Marriott Wyndham Garden Stillwater
*The Residence Inn by Marriott is an advertising sponsor of the ASAA
Purebred Beef Center
405-372-2445 405-372-2550 405-564-7179 405-377-7010
Visit asaagala.givesmart.com for more information regarding alumni activities or www.afs.okstate.edu/weekend for all weekend details.
Oklahoma State University | 9
TAILGATING COW-POKES Each year animal science alumni come together to cheer on the Cowboys at a home football game. This is a great opportunity to see old friends and make new ones. Together, we celebrate the successes of our students and faculty. Our animal science family contin-
SAGE BECKER (LEFT) AND DR. CLINT RUSK CHEERED THE COWBOYS ONTO VICTORY!
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ues to grow each year we love getting to celebrate with each of you. We invite you to join us for this year’s Animal Science Tailgate at the OSU vs Tulsa football game, Saturday, September 12 at the corner of Athletic Ave and Knoblock.
THE ANIMAL SCIENCE FAMILY ALWAYS COMES TOGETHER TO SUPPORT THE COWBOYS AND TO CATCH UP WITH OLD FRIENDS. Pictured: Scott Bulling (left) Shelly Sturgeon, April Bulling, Sandy Newton and Randall Newton
FUTURE COWBOY, FISHER HERREN, ENJOYS THE TAILGATE AND COWBOY FOOTBALL. Pictured: Kass Newell (left), Kali Herren, Fisher Herren, Brock Herren and Dalton Newell
Oklahoma State University | 11
OSU PRIME OSU named the NWSS 2020 Champion Pen of 3 Angus heifers. They were sired by EXAR Stud, Jindra Acclaim, and EXAR Stallion. These females will be offered in the 41st Annual Cowboy Classic on April 5th, 2020.
Class winning wether at the Oklahoma Black & White Sale, sold to Kansas. Class winner at the Kansas State Fair.
Class winning wether at the Oklahoma Black & White Sale, sold to Kansas. Class winner at the Kansas State Fair.
OYE Night of Future Stars lot 76 sold for $2,300
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Sold to Ohio through the units annual online sale, this wether won his class at the Ohio State Fair.
OSU Cowgirls Heart is a 2017 Filly that was sold for $4,000 at the A- Cowhorse Classic Sale in Claremore, Oklahoma in 2019. She was out of OSU Top Gun and OSU Waywards Pick.
Goldfawn Rburt Pep-Red ET placed second in class at the 2019 Southern National Holstein Show.
DONORS OF GENETICS Charles & Linda Cline Equine Teaching Center The Ranch Equine, Inc. Burnett Ranches, LLC / 6666 Tee Jay Quarter Horses, LLC Double M Performance Horses, LLC Michelle Cannon of Cannon Quarter Horses Bar JP Quarter Horses Reed Performance Horses Wright Quarter Horses, LLC Ferguson Family Dairy Center Coba Select Sires Erich Wehrenberg Morrisland Holsteins
Purebred Beef Center Boyd Beef Cattle Chris Cox Griswold Cattle Company Pleasant Hill Farms Stierwalt Cattle and Clinics Range Cow Research Center Express Ranches Gardiner Angus Ranch Green Garden Angus MM Ranch Pollard Farms Sheep and Goat Center Johnson Club Lambs Middlesworth Club Lambs Pfeiffer Farms Skidgel Club Lambs
Swine Center Top Cut Genetics Moyer Genetics Edge Purple Power Boar Stud CKL Genetics Crossroads Genetics Frontline Genetics Hi Point Genetics Outlaw Genetics Shipley Swine Genetics Thompson Brothers Genetics Top Cut Genetics Triple B Sires Triple C Hog Farms Upperhand Genetics Wade Wood
Oklahoma State University | 13
THEEddieHEART OF A COWBOY Sims inducted into ASAA Totusek Arena Hall of Fame Passion. Dedication and enthusiasm. The legacy Eddie Sims has at Oklahoma State University goes far beyond the accumulation of any awards, but rather his legacy lives through the hearts of those he impacted and continues to influence. From his years as a student, to the time he has spent as a professional investing in OSU, the 2020 OSU Animal Science Alumni Association Totusek Arena Hall of Fame recipient has served a pivotal role in the progression of key components within the cattle industry, while keeping the individuals around him at the forefront of his mind. Born in 1942, Sims was raised in Lawton, Oklahoma and would go on to graduate from the Department of Animal Husbandry at OSU in 1964. It was only fitting that each of Sims three children also went on to graduate from OSU, with his two sons 14 | The Brand
receiving degrees in animal science. Today, Sims is proud of the progress that not only the department of animal and food sciences has made, but the entire university. “No animal science department in the U.S. can come close to matching Oklahoma State,” he said. “We have OSU alumni all over the country, who are successful.” While at Oklahoma State himself, Sims was a member of the 1963 livestock judging team, a team that finished top five at every contest, including being named champion team at the American Royal where Sims was awarded high individual. “Judging was a bit different back then,” he said. “We evaluated both horses and livestock before there was a horse judging contest.” No matter the species, Sims is a firm believer in
the vital role judging teams play in the lives of young people as well as the department. “Being a part of the judging team launched my career and did so much for me,” Sims said. “I would hate to see the day we never have them.” An Unbreakable Bond For the 2020 OSU ASAA Totusek Arena Hall of Fame Chairback recipient, it is evident that the tradition and legacy of the orange and black runs deep. Thus, perhaps it was the combination of an unbreakable bond with the university and the many judging memories shared that led Eddie Sims and Jarold Callahan to start a livestock judging scholarship. The Sims/Callahan Livestock Judging Scholarship was created as part of the OSU Branding Success Campaign in 2012 and is awarded to members of the team who travel to the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Kentucky. “Both Eddie and I believe in judging teams,” said Jarold Callahan, president of Express Ranches. “This livestock judging scholarship is something we started to support the judging team.” Both Callahan and Sims have sons who have judged and are a part of the rich tradition as well as, brothers, friends and co-workers who were all involved in the judging program. This scholarship allowed for both men to invest in the program they care so strongly about and one Sims takes great pride in. In 2018, OSU became home to three national champions, winning the title in the disciplines of horse, livestock and meat judging all within the span of three days, a task only one other university has completed in history. “Having three judging teams win in one year, in three days, is unheard of,” Sims said. “I would stack that kind of success up against anything.” Whether a judging teams finds success or not, Sims understands first hand just how formative the basic communication skills gained through the pro-
gram can become for young people. As Sims was interviewing with the American Polled Hereford Association in 1964, the president of the association at the time was from California and had never heard a set of oral reasons. “I gave a dummy set of reasons on the spot,” Sims said. “I got hired because of giving that set of reasons too.” Sims went on to work for the breed association for four years, until Nov. 1, 1968 when he realized his drive to attend auction school. He then went on to build a family auction company, National Cattle Services, Inc, in Elgin, Oklahoma whose doors were open for 50 years, until January 2018. Building the Brand Known across the country as one of the top auctioneers and sale managers of the last 50 years, Sims forged a career in the livestock marketing industry traveling nationally and internationally. Sims auctioned for some of the largest and most prestigious Hereford and Angus sales in the beef cattle industry. Purebred cattle sales have always been one of his greatest passions, and there are few greater than the OSU Cowboy Classic. Beginning in 1979, the Cowboy Classic is the annual production sale hosted by the OSU Purebred Beef Center on the Sunday of Animal Science Weekend. For thirty-nine of consecutive years, Sims served as the auctioneer. “Eddie Sims was the auctioneer every year until he eventually retired,” said Mark Johnson, faculty supervisor for the OSU Purebred Beef Center. “But, even after retiring, he was still there in 2019. He is one of the most supportive and loyal alumni we have.” According to Johnson, when it came to the Cowboys Classic, Sims would often make multiple trips in the weeks prior to the sale to score the cattle or even fly all the way from from the west coast just to be there by the start of the sale at noon on Sunday. “To describe Eddie as iconic and legendary Oklahoma State University | 15
would be an understatement,” Johnson added. “He has a big personality, the persona, the knowledge, and the ability to work with people and it all comes together to make him an awesome asset to the purebred beef industry.” With his eye for cattle and undeniable work ethic, Sims has helped produce cattle sales from coast to coast in all but two states, Alaska and Hawaii, as well as sales in seven Canadian Provinces. “My life has truly been built around Hereford and Angus cattle,” Sims said “I have worked with and for some of the greatest people.” Of those great people, Sims sold Bob Funk, owner of Express Ranches who Sims added, has done so much for so many, his first Angus. All the while, Sims also sold an Angus female to President Roosevelt's son in New York, a sell that Sims will not soon forget. From the Cowboy Classic, to Express Ranches and Roosevelt, each of these connections are special, but they also speak to the true professionalism many would use to describe Sims. “Eddie realized when he was conducting or managing a sale for an individual that it was extremely important to their livelihood and future,” Callahan added. “With that, he put his heart and soul into those events.” Still, Sim’s legacy in the cattle industry reaches far greater than his love for Angus and Hereord, but rather it is also evident in those he mentored.
According to Callahan, the professionalism of Sims, especially when it came to helping young people grow and develop will always be his biggest legacy. Even so, in Sims eyes, there are a lot more who are far more deserving to be the Totusek Arena Hall of Fame recipient. With his unselfish character, Sims is grateful for all he learned from the many staff members who have worked for him and with him over the years. Today, its common to see Sims as a guest speaker in various animal science classes, always making the time to stay after and answer questions and often going on to hire or help a number of young OSU graduates begin their careers. “For all of his accomplishments and all of the fame, it’s the personal side that makes him so special,” said Johnson. For people like Jarold Callahan and Mark Johnson, Sims is family, someone you learn from because of their nature, personality and workmanship. In the end, it is not just all he continues to do, but how he makes those around him feel, that is the true heart of a cowboy and the undeniable legacy of the 2020 Animal Science Alumni Association Totusek Arena Hall of Fame Chairback recipient, Mr. Eddie Sims. — Written by Lizzi Neal
1963 INTERNATIONAL LIVESTOCK JUDGING TEAM. HAROLD FOGLEMAN (LEFT), CLYDE BOOTH, JOHNNY HAFNER, EDDIE SIMS, TEDDY FARISS, JERRY THURMAN, CHARLES COOPER AND DR. J. E. MCCROSKEY.
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April 4, 2020 Wes Watkins Center | Stillwater, Oklahoma
– $10,000
Reserved Table at Gala (Seats 10) Logo on Photo Backdrop Recognition on Marketing Materials Emcee Recognition Recognition in Event Program Recognition in Alumni Update Recognition in Slideshow
– $5,000 Logo on Table Center Pieces Emcee Recognition Six Tickets to Gala Recognition in Event Program Recognition in Alumni Update Recognition in Slideshow
– $2,500 Four Tickets to Gala Recognition in Event Program Recognition in Alumni Update Recognition in Slideshow
– $1,000 Two Tickets to Gala Recognition in Event Program Recognition in Slideshow
– $750 Sponsor of Membership Meeting & Lunch Signage at Annual Meeting Two Tickets to Gala Recognition in Gala Slideshow
– $500 Two Tickets to Gala Recognition in Slideshow
To reserve your ASAA Partnership, tickets or for more information, please contact: Megan Bryant at 405-747-1977 or osuanscialumni@gmail.com. Oklahoma State University | 17
THE OSUTRADITION CONTINUES JUDGING TEAMS LEAD THE NATION IN PROGRAMS Our department has earned more national judging championships than any other university. In 2019, Oklahoma State University had incredible success thanks to our talented students and gifted coaches.
The important skills and networking our students receive will affect them for their entire careers. Without further ado, we proudly present the 2019 judging teams and their success.
HORSE JUDGING Team Members Laura Baker, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Juliet Evans, Conway, Missouri Garrett Farran, Mountain Grove, Missouri Madison Farrow, Claremore, Oklahoma Rachel Harper, Yukon, Oklahoma Nicole Sanders, Turlock, Califorina Truitt Taylor, South Coffeyville, Oklahoma Jerra Teppe, Lone Wolf, Oklahoma Coaches Dr. Steven Cooper & Assistant Marissa Chapa 18 | The Brand
Success 2nd All American Quarter Horse Congress 5th American Quarter Horse Association World Show Taylor Truitt, 6th High Individual Juliet Evans, 9th High Individual 7th APHA World Show Contest All Americans Nicole Sanders Truitt Taylor
LIVESTOCK JUDGING Team Members Kash Allen, Bunch, Oklahoma Kaly Cone, Portales, New Mexico Logan Corbett, Colbert, Oklahoma Dylan Enyart, Vinita, Oklahoma Austyn Fuss, Cleveland, Oklahoma Sydney Gerken, Kingfisher, Oklahoma Ryan Gifford, Eagle Point, Oklahoma Jarrod Halphen, Tuttle, Oklahoma Reid McGuire, Auburn, Alabama Maddi Nation, Sapulpa Oklahoma Kylie Patterson, San Antonio, Texas Cooper Phillips, Marlow, Oklahoma Chase Ratliff, Westphalia, Kansas Austin Reitzenstein, Kersey, Colorado Bradshaw Smoot, Campbellsvile, Kentucky Lucas Weisnefski, Wyoming, Illinois Coaches Dr. Blake Bloomberg & Assistant Jennifer Bedwell
Success 1st North American International Livestock Exposition Kylie Patterson, High Individual Dylan Enyart, 3rd High Individual Ryan Gifford, 4th High Individual Kash Allen, 10th High Individual 1st Fort Worth Stock Show 1st Dixie National 1st Nebraska Cattlemens Classic 1st Professor Lidvall Memorial Judging Contest 1st Tulsa State Fair 2nd Houston Stock Show and Rodeo 2nd National Barrow Show 2nd American Royal 3rd National Western Stock Show OSU’s 20th National Livestock Judging Championship Dr. Blake Bloomberg was named Coach of the Year
Oklahoma State University | 19
MEAT JUDGING Team Members Braeden Coon, Mountain View, Oklahoma Caroline Girard, Grapevine, Texas Darcey Hilburn, Vinita, Oklahoma Mandy Lawson, Coweta, Oklahoma Lizzi Neal, Elko, Georgia Trinity Smith, Sunbury, Ohio Amber Wright, Lindsay, Oklahoma Coaches Dr. Gretchen Mafi and Assistants Drew Cassens & Macy Perry
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Success 1st National Western Stock Show 1st Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo 3rd Cargill High Plains 4th International Trinity Smith, 8th High Individual Lizzi Neal--9th High Individual 5th Fort Worth Stock Show 5th Eastern National 6th American Royal
DAIRY JUDGING Team Members Justin Chupp, Chouteau, Oklahoma Erin Leach, Linwood, Kansas Shane Robison, Ripley, Oklahoma Lora Wright, Verona, Missouri Coach David Jones
Success 2nd North American International Livestock Exposition Justin Chupp, 2nd High Individual Overall 2nd Fort Worth Stock Show 4th Big E 7th All American 6th World Dairy Expo All Americans Justin Chupp Erin Leach Shane Robison
Oklahoma State University | 21
A PRIME CELEBRATION OSU celebrates 100 years of meat science From the opening of the Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center, to the innovation of new technologies and 19 judging national championships, the meat science program at Oklahoma State University fosters a history rich in tradition, innovation and excellence. Still, 2020 is set to exceed the expectations of any tangible achievement as it will mark the centennial year of meat science at OSU. Founded on Christmas Day in 1890, OSU was originally Oklahoma A&M. At this time, the college of agriculture was comprised of only general agriculture and horticulture. This was until 1906, when the college developed to include a department of animal husbandry and dairying. Through the years, additional classes from butter making to poultry handling were introduced. It was then in 1920, 100 years ago, that the foundation was laid for the now renowned meat science program at OSU. “When you think about 100 years, it’s something that is naturally identified; as a child counting to 100 is a milestone and generationally many of us won’t live to be 100, which is part of what makes the cen22 | The Brand
tennial year special,” said Jake Nelson, FAPC facilities manager and meat processing specialist. Nonetheless, it is not just the historical timestamp that 100 years recognizes. The centennial year provides an opportunity to reflect upon the immense growth, discovery and success that has come throughout the many years. Built by Leaders “Oklahoma State is a premier university in the field of meat science,” said Nelson, “One of the greatest accomplishments for OSU Meat Science is the number of industry professionals who are making larger contributions in the U.S who are also alumni.” Creating the industry leaders OSU is known for began in a course known as Farm Meats, taught by Professor Fred Beard. For a number of years, these courses were taught from the animal husbandry building until the first meat laboratory was built in the early 1930s. “Art Beale was the first meat science faculty member following the construction of the new meat lab,” said Nelson. “A lot of the initial growth of meat science came from the leadership of Dr. Lowell
Walters, J.J. Guenther and R.L. Henrickson, each of whom were dedicated to science as well as meat judging.” Many have had the opportunity to know all three of these men, few even had the opportunity to work with all three of them. Nonetheless, the impact of their individual legacies reaches far beyond just OSU, but the entire meat industry. Their influence paved the way for individuals such as Jimmy Wise, an OSU alum who has been instrumental in establishing and maintaining beef grading standards. “OSU was the first university that had such a high caliber of faculty members in meat science,” said Wise. “Most universities had one strong meat scientist, but we were fortunate enough to have three and they were all different.” Lowell Walters is known for being an outstanding teacher and even greater coach. R.L. Henrickson was renowned in his research and J.J. Guenther knew how best to connect with people. According to Wise, it was the differences of the three men that allowed them to contribute so greatly to the meat science program. More importantly, the legacy of incredible instructors did not just begin and end with Walters, Henrickson and Guenther. Today, the meat science faculty is comprised of incredible leaders who continue to value teaching, coaching, research and personal connection. From mentor recognition, distinguished teaching awards and the many lifetime achievements in between, the meat science department is decorated with accolades and is part of what turns incredible students into even more valuable alumni. Built by Excellence Jake Nelson is not only an OSU alum, but he has now worked at OSU for 22 years. For him the initial interest in meat science developed in the retail sector as a young child, watching the workers prepare the day’s product for the case. Curiosity and interest evolved to judging as a 4-H and FFA member and judging is eventually what brought him to OSU. Today, according to Nelson, that same judging program is what separates OSU from a sea of other successful universities.
“Intercollegiate meat judging began in 1926, with Oklahoma State being one of the original programs to participate in the event. Today, OSU has one of the longest sustained competitive programs in the country and is home to 19 national champions,” said Dr. Gretchen Mafi, meat science professor and judging coordinator. The early stages of the competitive event differ greatly from the many contests held across the country today. Yet two things remain immensely important, the exposure to the meat industry and the many memories created along the way. “The people you meet, those that you work with, they all are a part of a year or two of incredible memories,” said Wise. “No matter the outcome, to see that students did their best, that one smile, that’s what makes all the years of work worth it.” In the 100 years of meat science at OSU there has surely been a lot gained and for leaders like Mafi, the people are what make milestones like meat judging all the more exciting. “The people, the tradition and the culture sustained throughout these 100 years, create such a standard of excellence,” said Mafi. “With the introduction of judging in 1926, it has helped build that tradition of winning.” Even more, the judging program has allowed faculty members to train students, not just to be suc-
Oklahoma State University | 23
cessful in the many contests, but also as industry professionals. That is the real “value-added” of intercollegiate meat judging and meat science. Thus, the secret to keeping meat science relevant and innovative for another 100 years is simple; students. Students like Kris Novonty. Beginning as a laboratory technician for Dr. Guenther, Novonty dedicated over 40 years of service to meat science at OSU. In her role as the lead meat laboratory technician for muscle biochemistry, Novonty invested countless hours to research, projects, teaching and Extension, as she gladly and cheerfully worked for all other meat science faculty and staff and graduate students. Novonty would continue to work for Drs. H. Glen Dolezal, Brad Morgan, Chance Brooks, Deb VanOverbeke, and Gretchen Mafi, still with that same infectious spirit and unparalleled work ethic. According to Mafi, her caring spirit and willingness to help others was truly one of a kind. Built by Education In 1934, OSU hosted the first annual Meat Retailers Short Course and by 1994, the original meat laboratory was demolished. In place of the meat lab, construction for the Robert M. Kerr Food and Agricultural Products Center began. Today, FAPC, houses student research, industry research and other academic endeavors dedicated to the pursuit of higher education and true “value-added.” “Educationally, students have the opportunity and the obligation to participate in direct, hands-on processing,” said Nelson. “Even more, they have the opportunity to execute full comprehensive processing for research, Extension and teaching.” While “value-added” refers to meat products such as the Vegas Strip Steak, even more value has been added to the entire meat industry through OSU. For example, much of the early work on technology now broadly utilized for electrical stimulation came from OSU. Today, professors are readily recognized nationally for their continued dedication to research and Extension in the areas of food safety, meat quality and product development. “Most of the early preliminary work to asses meat 24 | The Brand
animal body composition was done here,” said Nelson. “Now, we have labs that are really taking steps forward in food safety interventions.” With professors forging paths in areas such as meat color with Dr. Ranjith Ramanathan, students have and continue to have the opportunity to become engaged in undergraduate and graduate research. This hands-on experience awarded to students has continued to generate world-class food scientists for 100 years and will for centuries to come. All in all, 100 years is quite the milestone for any person, for the meat science program at OSU its an opportunity to recognize the dedication and service of the many faculty members and students who have left their mark on the program. Even more, the undeniable growth over this century achieves something far greater than any award or recognition ever could. The mark of 100 years instills an unparalleled hope for the future, for the next 100 years of meat science. “Finding those students who are creative, energetic and fearless,” said Nelson. “Students that will continue to ask the relative questions to improve the industry and the discipline, that’s how we ensure another 100 years of meat science at OSU.” — Written by Lizzi Neal
KRIS NOVONTY DEDICATED 40 YEARS OF SELFLESS SERVICE TO THE MEAT SCIENCE PROGRAM AT OSU
EVENT REGISTRATION Name(s) (Ladies, please include your maiden name if you were not married when you graduated) Address Phone
To register for Animal Science Weekend online visit www.afs.okstate.edu/weekend/registration Please reserve tickets for the following events: Tickets for Animal and Food Sciences Banquet at 6:00 p.m., Friday, April 3, 2020 at Wes Watkins Center
Animal and Food Sciences Students/Spouses
$15.00 each
Alumni/Spouses and/or Guests/Parents
$35.00 each
Tickets for alumni activities, Saturday, April 4, 2020
Ticket(s) for Membership Meeting and Lunch
$20.00 each
Ticket(s) for ASAA Gala Reunion
$40.00 each
ASAA Lifetime Membership and ASAA Gala Tickets
$425.00 each
Animal and Food Sciences Students
$20.00 each
Tour of Purebred Beef Cattle Center-TBD
Cash bar and meal at 5:00 p.m., Saturday, April 4, 2020 at Wes Watkins Center
Registrations received after March 13 and walk-in guests will be an additional $10.00 each
RETURN BY MARCH 13
Please make checks payable to: Department of Animal and Food Sciences Please list all names as you would like them on your name tags. Names (please print)
If ANSI alumni year graduated
Return to AFS Banquet, Department of Animal and Food Sciences, 101 Animal Science Bldg, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078-6051 For further information, call 405-744-6062
Oklahoma State University | 25
LED BY STILLWATER PARKER HENLEY JOINS OSU AS THE LIVESTOCK JUDGING COACH Growing up on a century family farm in Eugene, Mo., where his family raises Angus and Charolais cattle, Parker Henley was nurtured with a passion for agriculture. Through his involvement on the farm, as well as his 4-H career showing cattle, sheep, and swine, he learned to be a steward of the land. “Stewardship is a tradition my grandfather instilled in me from an early age,” Henley said. Not only was he heavily involved in production agriculture, but the 6-foot-6 Henley was a natural on the baseball diamond. So much so, he caught the attention of baseball scouts, eventually earning himself a scholarship. Nevertheless, his college decision was not an easy one. Henley had a choice. He could follow his athletic ability or follow the advice of a close family mentor to pursue a collegiate livestock judging career. Deciding on the latter, he took his talent to Butler Community College to compete as a member of the livestock judging team. Through his two years at Butler, Henley continued to build his love for livestock evaluation and production. This led him to Kansas State University to continue his judging career, as well as to continue pursuing a bachelor’s degree in animal science. While competing at Kansas State University, Henley won multiple national awards while judging, including being named the 3rd High Individual Overall at the National Collegiate Livestock Judging Championship. Plus, he was recognized with the F.W. Bell Memorial Livestock Judging award, which is given annually to the outstanding member of the Kansas State University Livestock Judging Team. His success in Manhattan went further than judg26 | The Brand
ing. Henley was an active member of multiple clubs, honor societies and graduated Suma Cum Laude in 2014. Evidently, his time in the classroom and judging circle was not over yet. “My goal for excellence in the classroom, as well as success in the collegiate judging circles, presented me the opportunity to pursue a master’s of science and a doctoral degree at the University of Illinois while serving as the head livestock judging team coach,” Henley said. While at Illinois, Henley led his teams to multiple top 10 finishes at national contests, and coached five All Americans. Furthermore, his position allowed him the opportunity to mentor assistant coaches, coordinate fundraising efforts and work in conjunction with the Illinois 4-H Club Association. Along with his coaching responsibilities, Henley has performed and published research in cattle nutrition, management, reproduction and performance. With graduation in his sights, Henley was going to soon be on the market for a job. Oklahoma State University, with its rich history, tradition and recent success, was a place that instantly caught his eye. “Oklahoma State is the premier agricultural college in the nation,” Henley said. “It is positioned geographically to the best livestock in the country.” Being led by Stillwater’s agricultural prominence, Henley accepted the position. Henley is eager to join the Cowboy Family and says the tradition and history, along with the strong alumni base, has him enticed and excited. His goals are simple; he wants to lead a successful program. However, pressure comes with the tradition attached
to Oklahoma State University. “I believe winning comes with recruiting and retaining the most talented students that have a desire to be involved, while positioning themselves to be leaders in the industry,” Henley said. His duties at Oklahoma State University will reach beyond the livestock judging circle. He will teach multiple courses in the animal science curriculum, advise students, and participate in Extension through youth and adult outreach in beef cattle nutrition. Furthermore, Henley is excited to join the Stillwater community. He and his wife Christy have many friends in the area and look forward to continuing to grow those relationships. “Stillwater had a very small, but big feel to it,” Henley said. He is intrigued by the involvement the community has with the students. Laced with tradition, the pages of the Oklahoma State University Livestock Judging Team’s story is forever growing. The most recent chapter garnered a retired bronze bull. Parker Henley is being handed the cane, and he is enthusiastic about taking the lead. “I do not want to change the tradition,” Henley said. “I want to continue the legacy.” Stillwater has reaped the benefits of the livestock judging team’s heritage. Now it is time for a new era, the Henley era, to begin. — Written by Braeden Coon Oklahoma State University | 27
103 Animal Science Oklahoma State University Stillwater, OK 74078
SPRING 2020
