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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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"Why Do Many Reasonable People Doubt Science?"
Discussing the National Geographic Article

“Science is not a body of facts,” says geophysicist Marcia McNutt ... “Science is a method for deciding whether what we choose to believe has a basis in the laws of nature or not.”
One of the attitudes I try to help beef producers embrace is a scientific, data-driven mindset. This applies to all phases of their operation, from reproduction, nutrition, health, genetics, and other management practices. In the March issue of the Missouri Angus Trails magazine, I encourage producers to take a science-based approach to farming and ranching. If you are a Missouri producer who uses Angus genetics, I encourage you to subscribe to the Missouri Angus Trails. (Also, watch for an article by me in the Missouri Hereford News.)

Joel Achenbach wrote an interesting piece in National Geographic asking "Why Do Many Reasonable People Doubt Science?" With the recent measles outbreak, this topic has been in the news recently. I suggest you make some time to read it. Here are some of my favorite quotes:
The idea that hundreds of scientists from all over the world would collaborate on such a vast hoax is laughable—scientists love to debunk one another. 
I have been on the giving and receiving end of this debunking, and I can attest that scientists love to prove each other wrong! Science truly is self-correcting.

“Science will find the truth,” Collins says. “It may get it wrong the first time and maybe the second time, but ultimately it will find the truth.”

Doubting science also has consequences.

Being right does matter—and the science tribe has a long track record of getting things right in the end. Modern society is built on things it got right.

I strongly believe that a technology-driven attitude is part of what made the United States special. I hope we never abandon that philosophy.

What were your favorite quotes or ideas from the article? What questions did you have from the article? Please share in the comments section.

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