Todd Bilby, Ph.D. Fort Worth, Texas Dairy Technical Services Manager Merck Animal Health

I received my master’s degree from the University of Arkansas with an emphasis in reproductive physiology and a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University with an emphasis in business and production.

Please describe your agricultural background.
I grew up on a farm in Rosendale, Missouri, which is one hour straight north of Kansas City. There I worked for my parents as free labor on the farm growing up and worked as paid labor for Brewer Farms, which had both a cow calf and farming operation. While in college I worked for a vet clinic, the OSU cattle research range and Hufnagel Cattle Co.

What territory will you cover?
I cover mainly the U.S. with some international duties.

What are your new responsibilities?
I provide dairy technical representation of products and services offered to both internal and external customers including sales force training, as well as guidance on product implementation for external customers. I also work with marketing to develop key business initiative and assist in implementation.

Providing expertise to customers on product questions and adverse events with products, and developing planning and evaluate performance of post-approval research studies are also part of my responsibilities. I work with global initiatives strategies team to provide expertise for international products and product development.

I also provide technical assistance to dairy producers and dairy industry to assist in educational programs, records analysis, management consultation and recommendations to improve dairy farm efficiencies.

What previous positions have you held?
Once I finished my Ph.D., my first position was as an area market manager for Monsanto Dairy Business in the central valley of California. After spending a couple years with Monsanto I decided to go back into academia as an assistant professor and extension dairy specialist at the University of Arizona and then on to Texas A&M as an associate professor and extension dairy specialist.

At both universities my research program focused on reducing the effects of heat stress and improving fertility in dairy cattle. I utilized my extension appointment to help producers improve on-farm efficiencies by bridging the gap between science and on-farm application.

Who has made the biggest impact on your career?
My parents, who have always supported me and instilled in me a great work ethic, and Dr. Bill Thatcher, who provided me the knowledge and passion to succeed.

How will you be of most help to producers in your region or area of expertise?
The No. 1 reason for involuntary culling of cows today is due to poor reproduction. I will continue to help producers improve reproduction and transition cow management.

Why did you choose this company?
I wanted to work for a global animal health care leader who strives to provide solutions for dairy producers. The company offers veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services.

They are dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals, which has always been my goal. In addition, they continue to invest extensively in comprehensive R&D, which I feel is important in order to provide safe, effective technology that will allow producers to continue to feed the world.

What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?
My goal is to utilize my expertise to improve dairy farm performance and to continue to strengthen my knowledge of dairy production systems.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself in a management role with Merck Animal Health. PD