CSU Animal Sciences Professor Honored with 40 Under 40 in Agriculture Awards

Colorado State University professor Dale Woerner has been honored with Vance Publishing Corporation’s inaugural 40 Under 40 in Agriculture Awards. The assistant professor of Animal Sciences was selected from among 200 applicants to join researchers, consultants, executives, and other top agricultural professors on this prestigious list. Woerner was selected for his leadership and commitment in advancing the cause to double food production by 2050.

“Every segment of the industry will contribute to solving the 2050 challenge, and these 40 finalists reflect the diversity of our country’s agriculture industry,” said Peggy Walker, Vance Publishing president.

The group of young agricultural leaders, representing agriculture at its best, has made a remarkable impact on both their organizations and the industry as a whole.

“We were looking to identify and recognize extraordinary individuals in agriculture, and I am confident that these Top 40 candidates do just that,” said Shawn Etheridge, Vice President & Publishing Director, Agribusiness at Vance. “With such a broad range of high caliber candidates, our panel of judges faced tough decisions.”

For the past couple years, Woerner has worked with the U.S. Meat Export Federation to address questions from U.S. export markets about beef-cattle production and marketing practices, efforts that have helped to grow markets for U.S. beef.

He has developed engaging taste-test presentations for food media and other audiences made up of thought leaders in the food industry. These presentations, often at lunch and dinner events, invite participants to sample different cuts of grilled steak as they learn about production methods and consumer preferences. The presentations compare and contrast organically produced beef, grass-fed beef, and conventionally raised beef from cattle finished in feedlots with corn-based rations. The presentations invite participants to consider their expectations, as well as qualities such as flavor and texture.

Woerner also is faculty adviser to the CSU Meat Judging Team and Meat Science Quiz Bowl Team, whose student members are from the Department of Animal Sciences and are often in high demand as industry employees. In his capacity as adviser to the meats teams, Woerner leads a departmental catering program that provides meals for events on campus and raises money for the student teams.

Nominees for this honor included hardworking leaders from animal and crop production, biotechnology and university researchers to food and nutrition technology, agricultural equipment, agronomy and beyond. The candidates were nominated because of their passion for agriculture, demonstrated involvement in the food industry, and their notable record of achievement. They are all considered leaders in their field.

For more information and profiles on each of the 40 finalists, visit:
http://www.cattlenetwork.com/drovers/40-under-40-232118951.html
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