Although the current concern for area cattle producers is the drought, the new Iowa State University Extension and Outreach beef program specialist in southwest Iowa says his background and experience will help him build a program that's beneficial to all facets of the industry.
"I'll strive to develop and deliver Extension and outreach programs to educate members of the beef industry with the latest research-based information whatever the focus," says Chris Clark. "The goal is to improve food quality and safety, producer profitability, animal quality, animal productivity and animal welfare."
Chris Clark is the new Iowa State University Extension beef program specialist in southwest Iowa.
He recognizes that producer concerns, weather patterns, market issues and disease outbreaks will tend to dictate his attention to some extent, but says he wants to take a big picture view and look at management, animal health, minimizing animal stress and maximizing animal production.
A veterinarian, he is very familiar with problems Iowa livestock producers face
"I learned a tremendous amount in veterinary school at Iowa State and after receiving my DVM, I was able to build on that education while practicing for several years. I also have college teaching experience and that has allowed me to become more comfortable with public speaking and instructing," Clark says. "I feel this job is a great opportunity to combine my love of beef cattle with my teaching ability."