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Dr. Jamie Courter is your Mizzou Beef Genetics Extension Specialist

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By Jared E. Decker Many of you have probably noticed that things have been a lot less active on the A Steak in Genomics™   blog, but you probably haven't known why. In January 2021, I was named the Wurdack Chair in Animal Genomics at Mizzou, and I now focus on research, with a little bit of teaching. I no longer have an extension appointment. But, with exciting news, the blog is about to become a lot more active! Jamie Courter began as the new MU Extension state beef genetics specialist in the Division of Animal Sciences on September 1, 2023. I have known Jamie for several years, meeting her at BIF when she was a Masters student. I have been impressed by Jamie in my interactions with her since that time.  Dr. Courter and I have been working closely together the last 6 weeks, and I am excited to work together to serve the beef industry for years to come! Jamie holds a bachelor’s degree in animal science from North Carolina State University and earned a master's degree in animal...
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Dan Moser to Lead Angus Genetics Inc.

Angus announces new AGI president and director of performance programs.

The American Angus Association® welcomes Dr. Dan Moser as its new president of Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI) and Association director of performance programs.

A unanimous selection of the AGI board of directors, Moser brings more than 15 years experience in genetic research and education to the Association’s 25,000-plus members and their commercial partners.

“We are excited for Dr. Moser to join our team of talented professionals and for what he represents to the future of genetic evaluation for the Angus breed,” says Kevin Yon, chairman of AGI and Angus breeder from Ridge Spring, S.C. “Dan not only is one of the industry’s most respected geneticists, but also possesses a common touch, a rare ability to communicate complex concepts into actionable and beneficial information for producers. Along with our talented team of scientists and customer service providers, we are looking forward to him taking our genetic evaluation programs and services into the future.”

Dr. Moser has 15 years of experience in genetic research and teaching in animal breeding and genetics. He served as the faculty coordinator for the K-State Purebred Beef Unit for the past six years, and as the breed association liaison for the NCBA Carcass Merit Project, working directly with 13 breed organizations, including the American Angus Association. He has also served as a director of the National Beef Cattle Evaluation Consortium and the Ultrasound Guidelines Council, and as an advisory board member for the $5 million USDA-NIFA feed efficiency grant led by the University of Missouri. Moser has been a frequent speaker at industry events and has made presentations at 11 Beef Improvement Federation annual meetings.

“Angus has a long and storied tradition for its commitment to providing the industry with innovative genetic-evaluation programs,” Dr. Moser says. “I am proud to be joining that tradition, and look forward to working with Association members and the industry to develop new and innovative technologies and services for Angus breeders.”

As AGI president and Association director of performance programs, Dr. Moser will oversee the organization’s genetic research and development efforts, as well as further the advancement of genomic-enhanced selection tools and the weekly National Cattle Evaluation.

A native of Effingham, Kan., Dr. Moser received his bachelor’s of animal sciences and industry from Kansas State University in 1991, then earned his master’s and doctorate degrees in beef cattle genetics from the University of Georgia. Dr. Moser will begin his new role on Sept. 1.

He remains active in his family’s cattle operation, and he and his wife, Lisa, have two sons, Justin and Ryan, and a daughter, Allison.

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