Recently, BASF-The Chemical Company posted a video to YouTube called Growing Today for Tomorrow in tribute to American Farmers.

Watch the video here.

After giving farmers some highly deserved praise, the video launches into the subject of future global consumption demands and boy, is it intimidating.

According to the video, today’s global population of about 6.5 billion people is expected to increase to 9 billion people by the year 2050. In order to sustain such a large population, it is said that food production needs to increase by about 70 percent.

“That means we have to produce more food in the next 50 years than in the past 10,000 years combined.”

Regardless of whether those numbers turn out to be exact, there is no doubt that food consumption will increase by a staggering amount.

There is no way that meeting those needs will be possible, not without the hard work of adept researchers, like those who are members of ASAS, making a few breakthroughs.

So, I am going to take a moment out of my day to thank you and give out some highly deserved praise.

Here’s to the field of animal science and every scientist who has ever dedicated a moment of their time to the cause.

Whether you study genetics or nutrition, meat science or dairy… the long hours you have spent collecting and interpreting data is the reason why farmers are able to produce food at such an industrialized scale.

Even if you are not there yet, even if you are still learning the foundations of animal science and have not yet moved on to research, you deserve praise too. Animal science is not the easiest path to take, but you recognize its worth.

I hope you are inspired to continue on in the field of animal science. You are needed, sorely and desperately needed by the whole world, whether they know it or not.

This is my tribute to animal scientists everywhere. You are appreciated.

Samantha Walker, ASAS Communications Intern

Hello everyone! My name is Samantha Walker and I have the pleasure to be working with ASAS this summer as one of their interns.

Agriculture has always been something I have had a tremendous passion for, especially the livestock side of things.

Growing up, my family traveled the Midwest showing Simmental cattle, leaving me with a soft spot for the beef industry. However, this in no way takes away from the respect and admiration I have for the other species. I want to learn all about each industry and be as intimately acquainted with all the species, and the people who work with them, as I am with the beef industry.

That is one of the reasons why I am so excited to be working with ASAS this summer. I cannot think of a better way to learn about the species, than by becoming familiarized with the science that makes it all work. I thank all the people at ASAS for this amazing opportunity.

For those of you who are curious, here is a little extra information about me:

In the fall, I will begin my junior year at Oklahoma State University where I am pursuing an undergraduate degree in the fields of Animal Science and Agricultural Communications.

There, I serve as president for the OSU chapter of Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, a club that focuses on the professional development within the field of Agricultural Communications.

Also, I serve as a North Central Representative on the American Junior Simmental Association Board of Trustees.

If you want to get in contact with me, just email samanthaw@asas.org.

Every year at the awards program, ASAS members gather with fellows and veteran scientists to honor great science and industry contributions. These are the leaders in their fields.

By entering the ASAS YouTube Video Competition, you could be a part of that legacy. The winning video will be shown during the ceremony, and information about the winners will be posted on the ASAS website and in the ASAS newsletter, Taking Stock (and the BULLetin, of course). If you want to publicize your research and promote animal agriculture, the video competition is a great place to do it.

The deadline is May 22, 2013

More about the competition
Enter a video

Watch the contest intro video

This graphic shows tips about professional attire from Tarleton State University. Click to learn more

By Amanda Davis, ASAS Southern Section Graduate Director

During this year’s Lunch and Learn at the SS-ASAS Annual Meeting in Orlando, attendees asked for clarification regarding the appropriate manner of dress as animal scientist for interviews and professional meetings. As the next generation of educators, scientists, and industrialists, it is imperative that we make an excellent first impression that reflects professionalism and confidence while staying true to our roots within the agricultural community. Generally the accepted manner of dress for attending conferences is considered business casual; however, during interviews and at professional meetings, a more professional manner of dress is appropriate. Check out my tips below.

Tips for Dressing for Success as an Animal Scientist:

• Use good hygiene – Seriously!
  • Bathe regularly
  • Avoid overpowering perfume or cologne
  • Get a haircut
  • Trim your nails

Remember that you are either meeting a potential employer or making connections with people in the industry; therefore, it is very important that you look, and smell, your best. 

• Clothing – Dress above your station!
  • Make sure your attire is freshly laundered and pressed regardless of whether your presenting at a meeting or interviewing for a position
    • If attending a professional meeting, dress in a casual business manner while avoiding denim
      • Ladies – Either a skirt or slacks with a nice blouse is considered appropriate
      • Gentlemen – Wear slacks and a nice button down shirt with a collar or a pressed polo (sports coats and ties are also appropriate)
    • If presenting at a professional meeting or interviewing for a position, the appropriate dress is to wear a nicely fitted suit.  Remember that you want to be remembered as a professional who is proud and confident in their abilities.
• Polish your shoes
• Avoid items that can be considered distracting such as the following:
  • Bulky jewelry
  • Loose change in your pockets
  • Unusually bright or bold colors

For more great tips, please check out the two links below.

The Association of Former Students^®, Texas A&M University http://www.aggienetwork.com/careers/dress.aspx

CAFNR: Collaborating for the Greater Good, University of Missouri http://cafnr.missouri.edu/career-services/howto/dress-for-success.php