What’s (Ag)Next for Beef Industry Sustainability? by Brandi Buzzard Frobose, Editor Over the past several decades, some of the most meaningful changes in the beef industry have been products of research and innovation. EPDs, which were first published for cattle in the early 1980s, were borne out of the necessity for faster genetic advancement and more informed breeding management decisions. While initially there were skeptics, most producers today would admit their adoption has had an overall positive impact on the beef industry. Similarly, embryo transfer significantly elevated the potential for herd improvement through increased access to superior genetics for cattle producers of all herd sizes. These two developments in genetic improvement would not have happened without sound research and innovative thinkers to utilize data in an applied way to the cattle industry. By the same token, Colorado State University has a rich history in animal science, rooted in research and innovation, which has provided the perfect setting for AgNext, a modern hub for sustainability solutions for animal agriculture. Founded in 2020 as the Sustainable Livestock Systems Collaborative, Colorado State University brought Kim Stackhouse-Lawson, Ph.D., on board to lead the research body in late 2021. One of her first actions was to change the name from the CSU-SLSC to AgNext, followed by the creation of the Industry Innovation Group, which created the mission, vision and focus areas for the organization and plays an active role in guiding the organization through challenges, research ideas and stakeholder discussions.
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RED ANGUS Magazine |
July/August 2023
Steve Wooten, owner of Beatty Canyon Ranch, past recipient of the Environmental Stewardship Award and commercial Red Steve Kim StackhouseAngus producer, Wooten Lawson, Ph.D. sits on the Industry Innovation Group and said he has fully supported the idea since it’s inception. “AgNext is impactful because of the people, the breadth and scope of the trials and the reputation of Colorado State University,” he said. “As a producer, I need quality information about what management I can influence so our operation is more environmentally positive, our cattle are more efficient and we stand a chance of being profitable.” AgNext serves as the crossroads for producers, industry partners and researchers to come together to identify real-time solutions for sustainability in animal agriculture and was borne out of the need to solve “wicked problems.” Stackhouse-Lawson defined a “wicked problem” as one that doesn’t have a single right answer, due to trade-offs in management systems. AgNext was borne out of the need to meet stakeholder and supply chain challenges as sustainability has become a decision-making factor for consumers.