Lee Jones, an associate professor in College of Veterinary Medicine, was recently quoted in a Polk County Standard Journal article about cattle evaluation.
Cattle evaluations play a critical role in maintaining and owning ranches. These evaluations allow owners to see which animals are fit to reproduce, keeping their investment secure.
“Basically, we go out to determine the ones who can’t get the job done,” Jones said about his job as a beef herd evaluator.
Jones explained how he and his students evaluate both heifers and bulls, including internal and external exams.
“The reason we do this is to check for any fertility issues and then figure out how that will affect breeding,” he said. “Expenses don’t take a break, so if production in cattle takes a break, then there is no money being made on selling from the herd.”
Jones works to get students out of the classroom and into the “real word”—a working farm or production environment. For example, he was recently involved in a day of live demonstrations at Laura and Glenn Robinson’s ranch.
“We need to see a farmer’s perspective on things and see some of their challenges,” Jones said. “What the Robinsons provide here is an amazing learning experience for these kids. They don’t just show up and leave. They can talk to Glenn and Laura about their operation here and get the most out of it.”