Concerns have been raised regarding the disconnection between the sales ring and the commercial world – but, there is still some hope. In this episode, Dr. Dan Shike goes into the foundational purposes of judging programs and the way they have evolved into some kind of sport. However, he emphasizes how these programs can play a pivotal role towards the development of future livestock professionals – from developing soft skills to providing opportunities to young people interested in livestock. That’s because communication and decision making can bridge the disconnection between the sales ring and the commercial world.

“The most valuable piece of information we can provide breed associations is feed intake, because then they can incorporate that into a multi-trait selection tool – which already has growth, carcass, maternal reproduction, longevity traits, for example – to really determine what is most profitable for the operation.” – Dr. Dan Shike

What you’ll learn:

• Highlight (00:00)
• Introduction (1:04)
• Transitioning into a faculty position (06:15)
• Foundational objectives of judging programs (09:44)
• Developing soft skills from judging programs (10:01)
• The show ring vs. the commercial world (17:10)
• Judging programs, the evolution of a sport (21:55)
• Concern about the show ring and equal opportunities (25:58)
• Roles in breed industry and breed associations (29:23)
• Objectives, collecting data and building a future (34:25)
• Insights on feed intake and feed efficiency (43:24)
• Current research (48:01)
• Final questions (57:08)

Meet the guest: Dr. Dan Shike

Experience:

• Current: Associate Professor in the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois

Background:

• Ph.D., Ruminant Nutrition (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)
• M.Sc., Ruminant Nutrition (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)
• B.S., Animal Sciences (Kansas State University)

Connect with the guest on Social Media: LinkedIn

𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

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