Foraging for collaboration: Beef-forage system strengths unite research and extension efforts in the ASAS Southern Section

Authors: MULLENIX, KIM - Auburn University; GADBERRY, SHANE - University Of Arkansas; RHINEHART, JUSTIN - University Of Tennessee; DILLARD, JENNIFER - Auburn University; TUCKER, JENNIFER - University Of Georgia; STEWART, LAWTON - University Of Georgia; VENDRAMINI, JOAO - University Of Florida; POOLE, DANIEL - North Carolina State University; Sanchez, Nicole; MERCADANTE, VITOR - Virginia Tech; BRATCHER, CHRISTY - Mississippi State University; WELSH, THOMAS - Texas A&M University; JUSTICE, MAGGIE - Auburn University; SOFFA, DALLAS - Texas A&M University

Submitted to: Journal of Animal Science Supplement
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/1/2023
Publication Date: 11/1/2023
Citation: Mullenix, K., Gadberry, S., Rhinehart, J., Dillard, J., Tucker, J.J., Stewart, L., Vendramini, J.M., Poole, D.H., Sanchez, N.C., Mercadante, V.R., Bratcher, C.L., Welsh, T.H., Justice, M., Soffa, D. 2023. Foraging for collaboration: Beef-forage system strengths unite research and extension efforts in the ASAS Southern Section. Journal of Animal Science Supplement.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The American Society of Animal Science Southern Section has a rich history of collaboration, and hosts an annual professional development meeting for ASAS members. The Section meeting includes scientific presentations, academic quadrathlon, undergraduate and graduate student competitions, symposia, and networking opportunities for its members. The Section has used strategic collaborations to foster multi-state projects and initiatives. One of the key discipline focus areas of the Section is forage-based beef production systems. The Section holds two symposia focused on research, Extension, and industry topics related to beef cattle management. The Bill E. Kunkle Interdisciplinary Symposium was started in 2014 to honor the impact of Dr. Kunkle, University of Florida, and foster multi-disciplinary communication of beef cattle science. The SERA 41 Symposium is part of the regional NIMSS project focus-group on improving production efficiency of the beef cow herd in the Southeast US. The NIMSS group works collectively to create across-state line partnerships and common goal-oriented projects in the Southern Section states. The Section is also home to the Randel Physiology Lecture series which was formed in 2016 to highlight Dr. Ron Randel’s commitment to the Southern Section physiology section, and to promote high-quality science for the next generation of physiologists and endocrinologists. More than 25 peer-reviewed publications and several webinars have resulted from these symposia and invited lectureships. This creates a referenceable resource for scientists on emerging topics and identifies potential priority areas of focus for scientists within the region. Another highlight of the Section is the collaborative work of the Extension committee. The Extension committee works together to collaboratively foster Extension program development across the Southern region. The committee developed a regional webinar series beginning in 2015 for regional training of Extension agents on livestock and forage management topics. Subsequent in-service training courses have emerged through both virtual and in-person delivery. Trainings are primarily focused on forage-based management systems. Through these opportunities, the Southern Section has remained a gathering point for professional engagement, and should continue to evolve to meet the needs of animal scientists.