News Summary
The Beef Improvement Federation presented the Pioneer Award to six individuals who made significant contributions to beef genetics and educational programs. Honorees include Steve Hammack, Joe Paschal, Jim Sanders, Wade Shafer, David Steffen, and Jeremy Taylor, each recognized for their dedication to enhancing cattle quality and innovation in the beef industry.
The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) celebrated the invaluable contributions of six pioneers in the beef industry by presenting them with the Pioneer Award on June 12. This prestigious award acknowledges individuals who have greatly advanced the enhancement of beef cattle through performance reporting and genetic improvements.
The recipients of the 2023 BIF Pioneer Award include:
- Steve Hammack of Stephenville, Texas
- Joe Paschal of Brenham, Texas
- Jim Sanders of College Station, Texas
- Wade Shafer of Bozeman, Montana
- David Steffen of Lincoln, Nebraska
- Jeremy Taylor of Pensacola, Florida
Recognizing Significant Contributions
Each honoree has a rich history of service and innovation in the field of beef genetics, demonstrating dedication to improving cattle quality and facilitating educational programs.
Steve Hammack
Steve Hammack served as a beef cattle specialist for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension from 1973 to 2003 and continued his work part-time until 2023. He focused on genetic management and cow-calf production systems. Hammack developed the Texas Adapted Genetic Strategies (TAGS) series, which includes 11 bulletins covering various breeding topics. He played a vital role in education, frequently speaking at Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Courses and authoring a monthly column titled “Beef Cattle Browsing.” Hammack has been closely associated with BIF, serving as its official contact in Texas and co-hosting the 1990 BIF Annual Meeting.
Joe Paschal
Joe Paschal began his career as the director of breed improvement for the American International Charolais Association. With 38 years as an Extension livestock specialist with the Texas Agricultural Extension Service, Paschal ran various educational programs statewide, including key initiatives focused on feeding and genetics. His significant work in Brahman genetics research contributed to the advancement of Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs). Alongside Hammack, Paschal coauthored the TAGS bulletin series and continued consulting after retirement while also serving on BIF’s board of directors.
Jim Sanders
Jim Sanders, a former professor of animal breeding and genetics at Texas A&M University until his retirement in 2023, has been instrumental in teaching over 12,000 students. His pioneering research encompassed Bos indicus-influenced breeds and hybrids, culminating in the development of the first beef cattle simulation model. Sanders identified key genetic histories related to the American Brahman breed and supported competitive judging teams, nurturing future leaders in beef genetics.
Wade Shafer
Wade Shafer joined the American Simmental Association in 2003, bringing with him a doctorate from Colorado State University. Shafer’s expertise led to the development of life cycle indexes and a comprehensive herd reporting system. He co-founded International Genetic Solutions in 2010, establishing the largest genetic evaluation system globally while serving as the association’s executive vice president, where he advocated for independent genetic evaluation and maintained EPD integrity.
David Steffen
David Steffen, who grew up on a Nebraska farm, earned degrees in animal science and veterinary medicine from Iowa State University, as well as a doctorate in pathology. His work primarily at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln focused on addressing genetic disorders in beef cattle, contributing to the testing for 70% of known genetic disorders impacting breed improvement efforts. Steffen has been an advocate for cattle health throughout his career.
Jeremy Taylor
Jeremy Taylor contributed substantially to cattle genomics at the University of Missouri, significantly impacting the beef industry. He played a crucial role in developing the first SNP array technology, collaborating with USDA and Illumina. Taylor led initiatives focused on dry-matter intake EPDs and whole-genome sequencing for cattle genetics. He has also dedicated himself to mentorship, guiding 45 graduate students and 14 postdoctoral fellows during his career.
The BIF Pioneer Award
The BIF Pioneer Award aims to honor those who have played a significant role in promoting genetic change in beef cattle through extensive research and education efforts. The contributions of these six individuals have not only improved the quality of cattle but have also paved the way for future advancements in the industry.
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Additional Resources
- Drovers: BIF Honors 6 Industry Pioneers
- Wikipedia: Beef Cattle
- Tri-State Livestock News: Montana’s Wade Shafer Presented BIF Pioneer Award
- Google Search: Beef Improvement Federation Pioneer Award
- Tri-State Livestock News: Nebraska’s Steffen Presented BIF Pioneer Award
- Google Scholar: Beef Cattle Genetics
- Drovers: New Drovers Editorial Leader Angie Denton Takes Reins
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Beef Cattle Genetics
- Drovers: Bolduc Presented BIF Pioneer Award
- Google News: Beef Improvement Federation Awards
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