2009 ISEF Fellowship Recipients
Cassie Bacon
Cassie Bacon is the daughter of Dr. Craig and Debbie Bacon of Prairie Grove, Arkansas. For the past four years, Cassie has been pursuing dual undergraduate degrees — Animal Science with an emphasis in Livestock Merchandising and Agricultural Communications — from Oklahoma State University. Growing up raising and showing Hereford cattle, market lambs, and show pigs on the national level, Cassie enjoys every aspect of the livestock industry. Some of her unique leadership opportunities and experiences include being the National Polled Hereford Queen, serving a three year term on the National Junior Hereford Association Board of Directors, competing on successful collegiate meats and livestock judging teams, participating in an international study abroad trip to Scotland, England and France, and traveling the country representing American cattlemen as a National Beef Ambassador. Cassie has a passion for marketing livestock and the meats industry upon graduation. “I couldn’t imagine growing up any other way without agriculture literally consuming my life. God has blessed me with tremendous opportunities in this industry. As we all work in camaraderie, we will continue to enhance the world’s way of life through agricultural advancements.”
Cassie Bacon Student Paper.pdf
Emalee Buttrey
Born and raised in New Johnsonville, Tennessee, Emalee Buttrey currently resides in Hereford, Texas while pursuing her Ph.D. in Systems Agriculture at West Texas A&M University in Canyon (WTAMU). Emalee graduated magna cum laude from the University of Tennessee-Martin with a bachelor’s degree in animal science, where she was also named the 2003 Animal Science Student of the Year. She obtained her master’s degree in animal science from Texas A&M University in 2006. She has received numerous scholarships and awards, including a scholarship from the Texas Cattle Feeders Association in 2008. Emalee’s research is focused on the use of distiller’s grains in post-weaning production systems and subsequent impacts on the quality and nutritional value of beef. Although her primary focus is in ruminant nutrition, she is receiving additional training in agricultural economics, plant, soil, and environmental sciences, and systems modeling through the unique multi-disciplinary doctoral program offered at WT. “I believe the systems-based education I am receiving will better prepare me to address the challenges cattle producers face during this time of increased production costs, volatile markets, and environmental and animal welfare regulations.”
Emalee Buttrey Student Paper.pdf
Victor Fernando Diaz de Vivar Digalgo
Victor Fernando Díaz de Vivar Digalo is from Asuncion, the capital of Paraguay, a country in the middle of South America. Fernando has a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and is currently in his second semester of studies in the Dale Bumper College of Agriculture at the University of Arkansas pursuing an M.S. degree program in Agricultural Economics. Before Fernando came to the University of Arkansas as a full time student, he worked for five years in one of the most important beef packing companies of Paraguay, Frigorifico Guarani. He became a Sales Agent for international marketing in the International Department within Frigorifico Guarani that allowed him to travel to many countries to meet current and potential clients and seek new business. This position grew his interest in the international beef market and became influential in developing his desire and interest for agriculture in general. “Every day the world is facing new issues related to the production of food and now more than ever, with many people suffering, we do not have any time to loose in addressing food agricultural issues. Agriculture is the key sector of the economy of the world and the future of humanity”.
Fernando DiazdeVivar Student Paper.pdf
Amanda Gipe
Amanda Gipe grew up on a farm and raised purebred Shorthorn in Merced, California. She recently finished her Master of Science degree at Kansas State University in Meat Science under Drs. Melvin Hunt and Terry Houser and will begin her PhD in January at The Pennsylvania State University in Meat Science under Dr. Ed Mills. At KSU, Amanda was on the 2005 Livestock Judging Team and was honored as a member of the 2005 All-American Livestock Judging Team. She was also on the 2006 KSU Meat Judging Team and was the assistant coach of the 2007 team and coach of the 2008 team. Her research at KSU looked at the effects of aging the longissimus muscle of cull cows and the effects of feeding DDGS on pork loin quality and sow fat quality. Amanda also serves on the American Meat Science Association Student Board of Directors. Within the American Shorthorn Association, she served as the Alternate National Shorthorn Lassie Queen, the 2006 Australian Ambassador, and a member of both the Junior and the National Shorthorn Lassie Board of Directors. “To me agriculture is the backbone of civilization, without it people in the world would not have shelter, clothes, or food”.
Amanda Gipe Student Paper.pdf
Dalynn Harris
Dalynn Harris grew up two hours directly east of Edmonton, Alberta on a purebred Red Angus farm, Koran Stock Farm. She grew up showing cattle at major shows such as Canadian Western Agribition and the Calgary Stampede. Dalynn has her Agriculture Business Diploma from Olds College and is currently in her last semester with the University of Lethbridge. In May, she will graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Management with a major in Marketing and is planning on pursuing her masters in agriculture. Dalynn has always been involved with Agriculture and is the Founding President of the Alberta Junior Angus Association and was elected President of the Canadian Junior Angus Association while on the board. With her achievements, she was featured in April 2005’s issue of Alberta Venture Magazine as one of their top 13 Next Generation of Leaders in Alberta. The next summer she represented Canadian Angus at the International Agriculture Congress of the Commonwealth as part of the Next Generation group. “I believe without young people that are interested and involved with the agriculture industry, there is no successful future. By taking advantage of the global opportunities and connections that are out there, we are able to create our own success - both at our family farms and at the global industry level. Agriculture is my future, it’s my life.”
Dalynn Harris Student Paper.pdf
Elizabeth Homerosky
Elizabeth Homerosky was born and raised on a commercial beef farm in Jackson County, Ohio. Her passion for 4-H and cattle led her to a major in Animal Sciences at The Ohio State University. As an undergraduate, Elizabeth studied abroad in Brazil and Australia, interned at Stevenson Angus of Hobson, Montana, conducted a research project on ruminant nutrition, served as a college ambassador, and was a member of Alpha Zeta and OSU’s Livestock Judging Team. Elizabeth’s accomplishments earned her several honors including the Waldock Top Senior in Animal Sciences Award and a spot on the 2007 All American Intercollegiate Livestock Judging Team. Elizabeth graduated cum laude in 2008 with honors and distinction and is currently attending OSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine. “To be part of an industry that feeds the world is not only an honor, but a great responsibility, a responsibility which I, as a cattlewoman and future veterinarian, take very seriously. With every unique experience, whether it be places I visit or industry leaders I meet, my passion grows. I hope that it will one day be enough to inspire others as they have me, because any day I get to be around agriculture is always a good day!”
Elizabeth Homerosky Student Paper.pdf
Stephanie Muir
Stephanie Muir is currently undertaking her PhD at the University of Melbourne. Stephanie grew up in the Yarra Valley area of Victoria, Australia and has been breeding and showing her own stud Belted Galloway cattle for 10 years. She completed her Bachelor of Agricultural science (honours) from the University of Melbourne, focusing on animal nutrition and production. Stephanie was placed in the Deans honours list for academic performance through 2003 to 2006. Her honours thesis investigated the effect of supplementary feeding with forage turnips on milk yield, milk production and behaviour in late lactation dairy cows. Stephanie received the Sir Samuel Wadham Memorial Prize for highest mark in Agricultural Science honours and the Wrixon Exhibition highest mark in final year honours list from the University of Melbourne for her honours year. She was also a participant in the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and forestry young dairy scientist communication award. Her PhD program is focusing on greenhouse gas emissions from Australian beef feedlots, in the context of animal and environment interactions. She received a postgraduate scholarship from the Australia government and Meat and Livestock Australia. “Agriculture in Australia will be significantly impacted by environmental issues (including climate change), we will need to work with our global partners to ensure the sustainability and continued development of agriculture in Australia and worldwide”.
Stephanie Muir Student Paper.pdf
Victor Pedrosa
Victor Breno Pedrosa grew up in Brazil, in a little town called Santos located within the state of Sao Paulo. Victor received a master’s degree in Animal Science at University of Sao Paulo, and is currently in his first year of his PhD program. Victor’s PhD research will aim at the evaluation of beef cattle carcass traits. Since Victor was young, he was in contact with livestock production and during his career he decided to focus more specifically in meat science. Therefore, his master’s research and now his PhD work are focusing on trying to develop new techniques that would assist his country in maintaining their position as one of the most important meat suppliers in the world. In his student career, Victor had the honor to be the student representative of Pirassununga campus in the University of Sao Paulo, between 2001 and 2003. In the following year, he was awarded the 2004 best Animal Science Student of the University of Sao Paulo and in 2008 he was recognized as second best PhD student. As an agriculture believer, a great famous quote, in my opinion, is: “A strong agriculture means a strong economy” – John Fisher
Victor Pedrosa Student Paper.pdf
Stephanie Sinclair
Stephanie Sinclair grew up on a cattle breeding operation near Monto, Queensland. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. through The University of Queensland and aims to study ‘the behavioural and physiological responses of horned, dehorned and polled Bos indicus cattle’. Her undergraduate studies include a Bachelor of Agricultural Science in 2002 and a Bachelor of Education in 2005. As a result, she has worked as an animal nutritionist as well as a high school agricultural science teacher. Industry involvement includes being a Santa Gertrudis Breed Ambassador and a state champion stud beef cattle judge. When teaching, she was actively involved with encouraging young people to participate in the agricultural industry and she continues this as a member of the Beef Australia 2009 Milk Tooth Muster Committee. In 2008, Stephanie was awarded The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry 2008 Australian Agricultural Industries Young Innovators and Scientists Award in Animal Welfare as well as an Australian Council of Agricultural Societies/Coca-Cola Regional Scholarship Program Award for commitment to regional Australia. “The average age of members within the Australian beef cattle industry is slowly increasing. It is important that all members of the industry promote the necessity and importance of our industry to the general public to ensure its survival in the future.”
Stephanie Sinclair Student Paper.pdf
Amanda Smith
Amanda Smith, originally from College Station, Texas, is a junior animal science major and plans to graduate in May of 2010. Daughter of John and Dana Smith, Amanda has grown up raising Brangus Cattle and exhibiting steers and heifers. While at Texas A&M, she is serving as the Vice President of the Saddle and Sirloin club, a member of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Student Council, a departmental Aggie REP, a student worker for the AgriLife Extension Beef Cattle group and a former member of the Texas A&M Meats and Wool Judging Teams. Upon graduation, Amanda is interested in pursuing a master’s degree in meat science. She passionately wants to encourage positive consumer perception of beef in some capacity. She hopes to show the average person that agriculture is not a thing of the past, but vital for the present and future. "Burn your cities, save your farms and your cities will grow back as if by magic. Burn your farms and grass will grow in the streets of every city in America."
~William Jennings Bryan, 1897
Amanda Smith Student Paper.pdf
Lee-Anne Walter
Lee-Anne Walter was raised on a grain and cattle operation in Saskatchewan, Canada. She received her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture majoring in animal science from the University of Saskatchewan in the spring of 2007. She is currently completing her Master of Science in ruminant nutrition with a project aimed towards beef feedlot performance and carcass quality on a full scholarship from the Canadian Wheat Board. Other scholarships have included the Hugh Nicholson Memorial award for academic achievement, the Westgen Scholarship for involvement in the beef industry and the Outstanding Graduate in Animal Science award for leadership, extracurricular activities and academic excellence. Lee-Anne has also held grass root roles in agriculture as a 4-H beef member for 13 years and as a member of the Canadian Agri-Marketing Association student chapter as well as a Canadian Young Speakers for Agriculture finalist. “I think the ILC will be conducive to the practical knowledge and global connections every young person will need in order to have definitive and positive impacts on the longevity and sustainability of the livestock industry as an entirety”.
Lee-Anne Walter Student Paper.pdf
Randa Yezak
Randa Yezak is a senior Animal Science major at Texas A&M University from Bremond, TX. Randa grew up active in the International Junior Brangus Breeders Association and still maintains a small herd today. She was on the 2006 Collegiate Champion Wool Judging Team and the 2008 Livestock Judging Team, and was selected to the All-American Team by the Coaches Association. She currently serves as the President of the TAMU Saddle and Sirloin Club and was selected as the Outstanding Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior in the club. Randa was also selected as the Outstanding Sophomore in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences by the Alpha Zeta, and was awarded the next year as the Outstanding Junior by the Gamma Sigma Delta. Randa has interned at the San Antonio Livestock Exposition, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and she has served as the Junior Activities Intern for the American Angus Association in Saint Joseph, MO. She is currently employed by Dr. Chris Skaggs in the Animal Science Undergraduate Advising Office and she plans to pursue a Masters in Business Administration. “As a young agricultural enthusiast who is passionate about the livestock industry, it is my job to be a proactive voice for the future of the industry and to preserve the way of life that I love!”
Randa Yezak Student Paper.pdf
2009 Dan Kissler Fellowship
Recipients
Lindsay Eurich
Lindsay Nicole Eurich is from Keenesburg, CO, a small farming community in eastern Colorado. She grew up being a very active member in both 4-H and FFA which led to a very successful judging career at both the high school and collegiate level. She is a senior Animal Science major at Colorado State University with plans to graduate in May. Lindsay plans to work towards a Master's Degree in meat science starting next fall. This past year she was on the Nebraska Cattlemen's Classic and Arizona National Champion Livestock Judging Team. She was also a Thomas Blackburn Scholar. Additionally, she coached the Colorado 4-H State Champion Junior Meats judging team. In 2007, she was on the National Champion Meats Judging team and on the All American team. "The livestock and meat industry is my passion. Without my experiences and the benefits I have gained from both, I wouldn't be the person I am today."
Lindsay Eurich Student Paper.pdf
Jerilyn Hergenreder
Jerilyn Hergenreder grew up in Longmont, Colorado on her family’s farm and is currently attending Colorado State University majoring in Animal Sciences. While attending CSU, Jerilyn participated on the Meats, Livestock, Dairy, and Wool judging teams. In each of these competitive collegiate teams, she has received many awards. However, the awards she is most proud of are the National Championship in Meats Judging in 2007 and being a member of the 2007 All-American Meats judging team. Jerilyn’s interest in the livestock industry came about when she was a young child helping her family work cattle. Her interest only grew stronger when she joined 4-H and the county livestock judging team. She began showing cattle and eventually started a herd of her own with her older brother. Jerilyn’s interest in the meat industry came her senior year in high school when she joined the FFA Meats judging team. 4-H and FFA are what motivated her to attend CSU and further her knowledge in Animal Sciences, and over time she has become more interested in the meats industry. “I have a deep passion for the livestock and meat industries because I believe one cannot survive without the other, and they are vital to the future of our country and world”.
Jerilyn Hergenreder Student Paper.pdf