New Beef Position to Focus on Animal Care, Food Safety and Profitability

by Suzanne Steel

A newly created position in Ohio State University (OSU) Extension will address animal welfare, beef management and production, and preharvest food safety for Ohioans.
"Animal care and food safety are key issues for Ohio farmers and consumers alike. This position will help promote practices recommended by the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board," said Keith Smith, associate vice president for agricultural administration and director of OSU Extension.

The OSU Extension beef coordinator position will be based out of The Ohio State University South Centers in Piketon, Ohio, and will be funded in partnership with the Ohio Cattlemen's Association (OCA) and the Ohio Beef Council (OBC).

"This position is about sharing information across all industry sectors to add economic value to Ohio's beef production," said Elizabeth Harsh, executive director of OCA and OBC.

"We are grateful to the Ohio Cattlemen's Association and the Ohio Beef Council for partnering with us to create this new position," Smith said. "The economic realities of the day require creativity so we can continue to address the needs of Ohioans."

The position helps extension fulfill its mission, Smith said. "Part of Ohio State University Extension's mission is to help Ohio businesses grow and be more profitable," Smith said. "This new effort strengthens our ability to provide Ohio's $1.3 billion beef industry with the information its producers need to succeed."

John Grimes of Hillsboro will be filling the role of OSU Extension beef coordinator starting this month. "John Grimes' experience with livestock and passion for education has prepared him to take on this important effort," Smith said.

Grimes has been employed by OSU Extension for nearly 25 years as an extension educator in Brown, Adams and most recently Highland County. He received both his bachelor's and master's degrees from OSU, where he majored in animal science.

Grimes plans to focus programming on increasing consumer confidence and awareness regarding Ohio's beef industry. He will also emphasize adding economic value to Ohio's beef production, adoption of on-farm management practices and marketing techniques that will add value to the state's feeder-calf production, niche markets as a viable marketing option, and efficient forage production and utilization systems. Grimes can be reached at 1864 Shyville Road, Piketon, OH 45661; by phone at 740-289-2071, ext. 242 (office), or 937-763-6000 (cell); or by e-mail at grimes.1@osu.edu.

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