What education are you bringing with you to this position?
My interest in the cattle portion of my family’s operation led me to pursue a bachelor’s in animal science from Colorado State University. I am currently finishing a master’s in breeding and genetics from Kansas State University. I have plans to continue my education by pursuing a doctorate in breeding and genetics.

Please describe your agricultural background.
I grew up on a small family cow-calf operation in southeast Colorado. Growing up with an agriculture background taught me respect for farmers and ranchers who work hard to produce our food. It also taught me about being a good steward of land and livestock, which of course is central to the agricultural lifestyle.

What territory will you cover?
I work out of the American Gelbvieh Association headquarters in Westminster, Colorado, but I serve all members of the AGA across the U.S.

What are your new responsibilities?
My role is actually two fold. I work directly with members to assist them in analyzing and understanding EPDs, performance data and genomics information. I help breeders develop selection tools and genetic trends for their herd to assist them in making their breeding decisions. The second part of my role is working with industry professionals to develop new breed improvement tools such as EPDs and indexes.

What previous positions have you held?
I was a range aid with Comanche National Grasslands, a ranch hand at the Pullman Ranch and a day hand at the Leachman Cattle Company of Colorado.

What excites you most about working in your new role?
I am excited about helping breeders put the science of breeding and genetics to practical use in their herds. I am passionate about genetic progress in the cattle industry and I believe that, especially in these tough times, smart breeding decisions can help producers select the most efficient and profitable cattle for their operation.

How will you be of most help to producers in your region or area of expertise?
My education helps me to understand the science behind EPDs and indexes and how they are created. My background helps me to understand the challenges producers face in making breeding decisions for their herd. I still have much to learn, I want to work with producers to show them that good breeding decisions can be a practical and profitable addition to their set of tools in managing their operation.

Why did you choose this organization?
The AGA is unique in their relationship with commercial producers. Our job is to assist seedstock producers in breeding animals that help the commercial cattleman make a profit. The AGA keeps this goal in mind when planning their direction as a breed, which makes this position a good fit for me.

What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?
I am fortunate to work in a position that allows me to use my education and interests to help cattle producers. I would like to continue to work with industry professionals to create economically relevant, easy to use genetic tools for Gelbvieh breeders. I believe this will enable Gelbvieh to market itself as the strong maternal breed that it is.

I would also like to increase the amount of member education and support in the area of breed improvement for the AGA, so Gelbvieh breeders know that any time they are stuck on a breeding decision, they can call me!  PD