Department of Animal Sciences at Auburn University

10/28/2026

🏆 Animal Sciences Hall of Fame: Jimmy Holliman

Congratulations to Jimmy Holliman on his induction into the Auburn University Department of Animal Sciences Hall of Fame!

A Mississippi native but adopted by Auburn - Jimmy studied ruminant nutrition and went on to serve as a director at the Auburn University Black Belt Research and Extension Center. This center serves as a historically important resource for our department and the College’s legacy of beef cattle and forage research in the state. He also served as president of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association and the Dallas County Farmers Federation, demonstrating his leadership and dedication to Alabama agriculture.

We are proud to recognize Jimmy for his contributions to animal agriculture and his lasting impact on the industry. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor!

10/28/2026

Today was the last of 4 study travel days for ANSC 7010, Advanced Beef Systems.

Students departed the AU Beef unit before sunrise and returned after the sun reached the far west side of the earth. This made for a good day learning about the beef industry. Auburn Animal Science 2004 graduate John English arranged the day's tour that began at T5 Cattle Company with Dr. Trejo. We evaluated the cattle starter program for light weight calves that were purchased by Scott Garrett at Mid State Livestock Auction, the site we visited on tour 1 earlier this semester. These calves were then followed to Perdidio Cattle Company managed by today's host, John English.

The final stop of the days activity was at Perdidio River Meats where we found the finished product hanging in the cooler, processed into retail cuts and displayed in the company store for a hungry consumer. BEEF, it's what's for dinner. But, after a long day on the road, students stopped at Conecuh Sausage in Evergreen AL for a tasty sausage in a bun with all the fixins.
Perdido River Meats

10/22/2026

Advanced Beef Systems students from Auburn University toured the Adams Angus Farm in Union Springs Alabama today.

These students saw some of the nations finest Angus bulls that will sire the best beef anywhere in the world. They have developed the genetics in both cows and bulls to meet the future demands of the beef industry. Owners Rob and Daniel Adams (are father and son duo) have implemented many new technology advances into their program that continues the growth of efficient beef production. Technology such as Embryo harvesting from superior females mated with superior bulls generates offspring that meet the nation's need for quality beef.

In addition to their production of quality genetics for commercial beef producers, they are harvesting this quality product to provide beef for the local community in support of locally produced/locally consumed programs as supported by Alabama's "Sweet Grown Alabama" program. Thanks go to Rob (and Connie), and Daniel (and Jessie) for the hospitality and educational tour in support of our graduate students studying Advanced Beef Systems at Auburn University.
Adams Angus Farm Daniel Adams

10/22/2026

📣 We are hiring! 📣

The Auburn University Department of Animal Sciences is seeking talented, innovative faculty to join our program. We are recruiting for four faculty positions with a target start date of August 1, 2027:

🔬 Explore our faculty opportunities linked below 🔗:

Animal Reproductive Physiology – Advance discovery in reproductive biology and animal production: https://jobs.auburn.edu/auburn-careers-home/jobs/10544?lang=en-us

Nutritional Physiology and Metabolism – Explore the role of nutrition and metabolism in animal health, performance, and efficiency: https://jobs.auburn.edu/auburn/jobs/9680?lang=en-us

Meat Science – Contribute to meat quality, processing, food safety, and the future of the meat industry: https://jobs.auburn.edu/auburn/jobs/9612?lang=en-us

Livestock Economics – A joint position with the Auburn University Department of Agricultural Economics & Rural Sociology to strengthen the economic and business foundations of cattle production systems: https://jobs.auburn.edu/auburn-careers-home/jobs/10593?lang=en-us

10/21/2026

🏆 2026 Producer of Distinction | Glynn Debter

We are proud to recognize Glynn C. Debter as our 2026 Producer of Distinction!

Beginning with two Hereford heifers as a 4-H project in 1948, Glynn built Debter Hereford Farm into a nationally recognized operation. He served as president of both the American Hereford Association and the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association and was inducted into the Hereford Hall of Fame in 2005.

Glynn’s leadership and dedication to the beef cattle industry left a lasting impact on Alabama agriculture.

James Debter and family accepted the award on behalf of the family, presented by Dr. Lisa Kriese-Anderson. Congratulations to the Debter family on this well-deserved recognition!

🔗 Learn more about Debter Hereford Farm: https://debterherefordfarm.com/

10/16/2026

Graduate students in the Beef Systems class had an awesome study travel day to north Alabama. They toured Lookout Mountain Genetics, Tennessee River Music cattle and their meat market. The students received first-hand knowledge from our industry leaders. Many thanks to John and Randa Starnes, and Harper Rose and John Owen for giving their time and energy to support the future generation leaders of our industry. BEEF, it's what's for dinner.

10/16/2026

What a great opportunity to host a transformational leader in our industry right here in Alabama! Members of our Extension team and the Alabama Cattlemen's Association recently helped lead and host a meeting with Dr. Temple Grandin in North Alabama.

A different perspective can change an entire industry.

Temple Grandin’s ability to think in pictures has helped her understand animal behavior and drive meaningful improvements in livestock handling and welfare. At an event hosted by Alabama Extension and the Madison County Cattlemen’s Association, farmers and community members heard highlights from her groundbreaking research and discoveries.

For Ali Gotcher, an Alabama Extension animal science and forages agent who organized the event, Grandin’s work has influenced both her cattle operation and her role helping producers.

Read more about Grandin’s visit and the perspective that helped transform the livestock industry: https://www.aces.edu/go/7008

10/14/2026

🏆 2026 Advanced Graduate of Distinction | Gerry Thompson

We are proud to recognize Gerry Thompson as the recipient of the 2026 Advanced Graduate of Distinction Award through Auburn Animal Sciences!

This award recognizes Gerry’s accomplishments and contributions to the field of animal sciences.

Congratulations, Gerry, on this well-deserved recognition!

Stay tuned as we continue highlighting our 2026 Animal Sciences Award winners!

10/07/2026

🏆 2026 Graduate of Distinction | Kent Stanford

We are proud to recognize Kent Stanford, a 1994 Auburn Animal Sciences graduate, as a Graduate of Distinction!

Kent has spent his career with Alabama Extension, where he works with farmers across the state in nutrient management, animal sciences, and forages. He also received the Duncan Award for Excellence in Production Agriculture & Forestry Extension for his work supporting Alabama’s agricultural producers.

Congratulations, Kent, on this well-deserved honor!

Stay tuned as we continue highlighting our 2026 Animal Sciences Award winners!

10/02/2026

🎓🌴Animal Sciences Undergraduates: Save the Date! 🐎

Looking for a unique way to spend Spring Break? Join Auburn Animal Sciences on the 2027 Spring Break Study Tour and experience Florida's animal industries firsthand!

📅 March 8-13, 2027

You'll have the opportunity to:
✅ Explore the equine industry in Ocala, Florida
✅ Visit South Florida cattle ranches
✅ Experience animal management and conservation at Disney's Animal Kingdom

More details, including the full itinerary and trip information, will be coming soon!

⭐Cost: $650 | $250 deposit due January 6, 2027
⭐Register for ANSC 3840 by January 12, 2027

Questions? Contact Dr. Cris Young at [email protected]

College of Agriculture at Auburn University