Wilkes comes with an extensive list of credentials and experience over a career that spans stints with the National Cattleman’s Association (now NCBA), ABS Global and, most recently, running the family registered cattle operation in Wyoming, while also teaching at Eastern Wyoming College and serving on their board of trustees.

“We as a board have been searching diligently for a new leader – a person of character, familiar with all aspects of beef production from pasture to plate,” said Roberts, adding, “Our executive vice president sets the tone for the Brangus breed from the office, to active engagement of the membership and spanning all aspects of the industry from the commercial cow-calf segment all the way to creating a great eating experience with the consumer.” Roberts also noted, “Dr. Wilkes’ considerable experience and contacts across the breadth of the beef industry will serve us well as we set a path for growth in the coming years.”

Wilkes said, “I am very excited to be involved with a breed of cattle that I believe brings enormous value to the beef industry, and has a great opportunity to grow its market share. I have dedicated my career to improving the beef industry, and look forward to continuing this quest at IBBA. The association is on the leading edge of genetic evaluation and is populated with down-to-earth genuine cattlemen and women who are truly dedicated to the same goals that I have embraced my entire career.”

Wilkes earned Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from the University of Wyoming in zoology/biochemistry and animal breeding, respectively. He then became a Buckeye, earning a doctorate in quantitative genetics from The Ohio State University. He was recognized as a Distinguished Alumni of Ohio State for his work at the (then) National Cattlemen's Association, including such initiatives as the National Consumer Retail Beef Study, the Beef Quality Assurance Program, the National Beef Quality Audit and the Strategic Alliance Field Study, to name a few.

As founder and president of the consulting firm Integrated Beef Technologies, he helped launch the use of electronic ID and developed systems to seamlessly transfer ID from cattle-to-carcass in packing plants, thus allowing explosive growth in the amount of carcass data available to cattle breeders. He spent over a decade with ABS Global, advising breeders on genetic improvement and reproductive management.

The search committee had a three-month intense search for their new executive vice president. The committee stated, “The applicants for the position were from across the nation and from four different countries. The qualities of the candidates interviewed were outstanding. We and the board of directors ultimately decided on Dr. Darrell Wilkes. His experience in beef association organizations, private industry and as a seedstock producer give him a unique skill set. We as a committee felt his qualifications, experience and personality would make him a great addition to the IBBA organization.”  

—From International Brangus Breeders Association news release

PHOTO: Darrell Wilkes runs his family’s registered cattle operation in Wyoming. Photo courtesy of International Brangus Breeders Association.